Techniques and Tips for Saggar Firing in a Raku Kiln
Charlie and Linda Riggs began experimenting with saggar firing after being disappointed with the results of some of their pit … Read More
When most potters in the West think of raku firing, they think of what should technically be referred to as “American” or “Western” raku: a process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat and subjected to post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being placed in containers of combustible materials, which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. This is the raku definition we use and, in these archives, we have gathered articles and videos on raku firing that will appeal to the novice and the expert alike.
And don’t forget to download your free copy of Successful Tips and Techniques for Raku Firing: How to Select Raku Clays, Glazes, Kilns and Combustibles, a perfect resource for potters and ceramic artists who are ready to experiment with raku firing.
This Western raku firing process has a huge draw for many potters because of its excitement and unpredictability. After all, what’s not to love about playing with fire?! But before you start, there’s lots of information you need to know and our Raku Firing archives will get you well on your way.
Interested in buying a raku kiln? Check out our post Helpful Tips on Purchasing a Raku Kiln. Once you get that kiln, you’ll want to be sure you fire it safely. You’ll definitely need to read Practicing Safe Raku: How Potters Can Protect Themselves When Playing With Fire. Plus, we have articles on related techniques like naked raku (it’s not what you think it is!) and saggar firing.
Whether you are new to raku or have been doing it for years and just want some new ideas, you’ll find a plethora of information right here in these pages. So jump on in and start perusing the archives. You’ll discover what makes raku so hot!
Pick up tips to expand the potential of the raku kiln when you download this freebie, Successful Tips & Techniques for Raku Firing.
Charlie and Linda Riggs began experimenting with saggar firing after being disappointed with the results of some of their pit … Read More
Nesrin During shows us how to combine wood firing and raku firing. As you’ll see, wood firing isn’t just about … Read More
Naked raku gets its racy name because during the process of firing, the outer shell of slip that was applied … Read More
The obvara firing process, which originated in Eastern Europe around the 12th Century, involves scalding the finish on the pottery … Read More
We get a lot of questions from readers about the raku firing process. I think raku firing intrigues many a … Read More
Using horsehair and feathers in raku firing yields incredible marks that can’t be created in any other type of firing. … Read More
The definition of raku firing (American-style) is “a firing process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright … Read More
Raku firing is expressive, exciting, and fun. Whether you’re rakuing in your own studio, or taking part in a group … Read More
When Dianna Pittis switched from making pots to making sculpture, she had to invent some clay tools that made it … Read More
I participated in a raku firing (Western style) when I was an undergrad in one of Matt Long’s classes at … Read More
Pick up tips to expand the potential of the raku kiln when you download this freebie, Successful Tips & Techniques for Raku Firing.