(Raku for You)
 


"My pottery is wheel thrown and hand built from slab clay. Most of the work is fired by the Westernized version of the ancient Japanese raku method, but I also use the Horsehair method for decorating surfaces which came from 20th Century American Indians at the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. In both processes, the potter gives over control for the final outcome to the whims of Mother Nature.

When a raku piece is fired and placed in a closed container, natural physical and chemical processes work their magic on the glazed surface and produce a result that the potter can only influence, but never control. Similarly, if the temperature of the surface is just right, a vase will accept the strand of horsehair, shrink and shape it, and absorb its carbon content into the surface. Smoke from the burning hair forms its own unique contrasting background to the horsehair image. The finished work is always the result of a partnership between the hand of the artist and the hand of Nature.

As the human member of the partnership, I strive to understand the processes well enough to create the optimal conditions wherein Nature can loose her artistic forces, and leave a beautiful and lasting evidence of her participation on my work. And then you can enjoy living with it in your home."

 

398 Arnold Rd
Shelbyville, TN 37160

 

(931) 684-6784
(931) 205-0041
(931) 684-6784
 

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.rakuforyou.com

 View a gallery of this artist's work ...click here