Madelaine's Art World

'Raku', meaning 'pleasure', is a Japanese method of open-air firing, with an American post-process of placing the ceramics in combustibles. The sawdust, seaweed or straw ignites on impact with the ceramics, and carbon is absorbed where the clay is unglazed. The metals withing the glazes can appear lustrous or can change colour, depending on the composition, heat and placement in the kiln and post-production process.

Raku is a dynamic way of working, dependent on the skill and experience of the potter to safely deliver the ceramic object, and produce surfaces that work harmoniously with the form. I use Raku because I love the dramatic effect of a matt black background, and lustrous glazes, soft pastel colours and the more traditional copper glazes that are characteristic of Raku.


Look here for my latest pictures of Raku clocks

Look here for some pieces from the RAKU collection

email : madelaine@madartworld.com