A group of ReConnect artists had an exciting day of raku with ceramic artist Nicola Henderson at Glasgow Ceramic Studios on Sunday. It was a perfect day to be working outdoors and after painting their ceramics with glaze, which had been made and bisque fired previously in Project Ability, the group went to an outside space for the firing.
Raku firing is based on a traditional Japanese technique. The ceramics are removed from the kiln when red hot and placed in a container with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colours in the glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces glaze crackling.
It was a wonderful workshop and the group are all grateful to Nicola for her hard work and sharing of her expertise.
Images by Celine Mcilmunn
