The raku
process involves an ancient Japanese technique. The piece
is fired in a kiln to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. The kiln is
raised with a wench, exposing the piece which is then
lifted up with metal tongs and gently placed in a nest of
hay. The hay ignites and the flame flashes the glazes and
clay. The piece is then covered with a barrel to extinguish
the fire and doused with water. The next day, the piece is
washed off and it is always a surprise to see how it comes
out.
The last
picture shows my woodfire kiln. I have just thrown a small
amount of wood into the front burner ports. The wood
ignites the flames and the wood ash affects the clay and
glazes. The firing takes 12 to 14 hours to reach a
temperature of 2350 degrees Fahrenheit.
