Raku, a traditional Japanese firing process, was used to fire the pieces shown above. The firing technique involves a very rapid heating and cooling process.

Each piece is first bisque-fired to prepare it for glazing. The glazed or unglazed pieces are then placed in a kiln and fired to a temperature of 1500-1800 degrees, or until the glazes melt.

When they are glowing hot, the pieces are removed from the kiln with tongs and placed into a container full of combustible materials—like newspaper, straw, leaves or sawdust.

After igniting, a lid is placed on the container, starving the oxygen from the atmosphere and reducing the glazes to a dramatic finish.

The process requires total involvement and an intimate understanding of the materials, transforming the pottery into sensual and dramatic art forms.