Raku (楽焼raku-yaki) is a Japanese term that refers to a 16th century technique and philosophy of ceramics and firing that became an integral part of the Japanese Tea Ceremony during that time. It encompasses the idea of cherishing the “imperfect”, or as it is referred to in Japan, Wabi-sabi (侘寂). Tea Bowls, or “chawan” were low fire glazed, quickly fired (as opposed to a typical firing), and “pulled” from the kiln while still hot. They would be allowed to cool rapidly in the air, which resulted in unpredictable, “Wabi-Sabi” glaze results… in the 1950’s, a then young Paul Soldner, American potter, began to introduce an “American method” of Raku, keeping the Wabi-sabi philosophy but creating more vivid and colorful glazes than those which had been used traditionally in Japan. Pieces would be “smoked” or “oxygen reduced” or simply, “reduced” after being pulled, to create the wildly unpredictable and striking metallic colors that we see in much of the raku pieces today. -l. gascogne
Pics/ video by l. gascogne
Below: JCCC CERAMICS STUDENTS RAKUING
Jane did a GREAT job pulling a LOT of pieces for the raku firing!Sam Davis’s students watch in amazement as pieces get pulled from the hot kiln during the Raku process Sam Davis’s Ceramics class participates in a raku firing process.
This Past First Friday, JCCC Student work was invited to be shown at the Wallace Engineering Firm in KC at 18th and McGee. Special thanks to Crystal Anton (JCCC Sustainability leader) and her husband who works at Wallace Engineering, for inviting us. Congratulations to the many students whose amazing work looked GREAT in the Space!!!
(Above and Below:) Beautiful and diverse Jewelry/ Metals pieces were a highlight in the entry space of the show.
Macy LaMasney’s rakued figure was near the front of the highly visible corner space.
Devon Dewey’s photos were amongst the impressive photo submissions in the Student Show on First Friday at the Wallace Engineering Firm.
We are so proud of the Students and Staff who put this show together in such a TIGHT time frame. It looks awesome:
The Students have been busy on their first projects. We have some exciting News to share; JCCC’s Sculpture Program has been featured in the local TV news channel, KSHB 41 Action News. Each year the Sculpture students compete in a chance to get funded to make a sculpture project through JCCC’s Sustainability Program. The chosen students then create a piece out of recycled or renewable material that gets displayed on campus. We are so proud of our Sculpture students. The story showcases the latest exhibit:
Students eagerly get going on first projects in Fine Arts!
Drawing Students prepare to get a new challenging assignment in John Carroll’s classPainting students engaged in critical discussions prior to an assignmentStudents sketching out ideas prior to paintingThe Sculpture Lab is already brimming with activity on a Friday morning!
