Reuse, Recycle, Raku

Clayote would like to announce that they are now accepting deliveries of unwanted: paper, cardboard, phone books, magazines, news papers, saw dust, leaves, and pine needles as their effort to recycle your unwanted items into creating art "Recycle, Reuse, Raku"

Raku firing is unpredictable and volatile, but produces exquisitely beautiful results.

The Raku Kiln:

In Raku, a ceramic piece is quickly heated to approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. A Raku piece will be brought up to temperature in 40 minutes, whereas other forms of firing will take hours or even days. Raku firings are most often created in a gas or propane kiln. The gas flame is enhanced by an electric blower, which provides more oxygen to the flame making it burn hotter. This is similar to what is done in a metal forge.

The Reduction Atmosphere and Raku Glazes:

The piece is then placed in a closed container, such as a metal garbage can, with newspaper, wood shavings, leaves or other combustibles. The combustible material immediately ignites and the container is then closed.

By closing the container, a reduction atmosphere is created. Reduction means the fire burns with a lack of oxygen. Pieces with no glaze in such an atmosphere will turn black. The piece is then smoked inside the container for 10 - 30 minutes. During this time, the glaze reacts with various elements in the container, creating flashes of color and a shiny luster. Raku glazes are formulated to perform in a reduction atmosphere. Some Raku glazes contain copper, and produce a striking, metallic finish. Others create a beautiful, crackle finish.


Raku produces extraordinary results which cannot be predicted. The mixture of different temperatures and a broad range of chemical elements make Raku a medium for those who can release control of the results.

For more information please contact Clayote
howlinhands@hotmail.com
484-388-9915