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.
Thanks to Photo Professor Philip Heying, we have some recent pics from a reception (2/12/ 17) of student work, as well as some snaps of…students working! Thanks Philip!
Barbara Sullivan and Laura Cobb looking at recent workMary Cleveland discusses her work at the student show reception on 2/12/17.Students having fun processing their filmSusan and Lloyd Karnes with Denise Moore at the refreshment tablePhoto Professor Doug Koch talks with student Julia Larberg about her work in the student show
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!
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!
08/19/ 16: This is our First Blog Post, so Welcome to the Fine Arts Blog at Johnson County Community College! Here, you will be able to find out “goings-on” in our studios, what we do, watch videos of students making /discussing work, see our facilities, and hear from the staff and students. We offer a number of courses in Painting, Drawing, Digital Imaging, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry/Metals, Photography and just recently—Filmmaking! We’re excited you’re here and feel free to look around! Classes start Monday and we are very excited about a new year. Check back often to see the latest news and images. THANKS!
Here is a quick general “un-finessed” VISUAL Tour of our areas. We will probably transition to giving each main area it’s own page so they can be updated easier.
Painting Studio: Students have the opportunity to learn and hone their skills in painting using watercolor, acrylic and mixed media on a variety of substrates. The painting studio is well lighted and has ample space for work of various sizes and materials, from small canvases to oversized paintings and collages.
Painting Studio
Drawing Studio: Students develop observation skills and use materials such as charcoal, pencil, chalk and conte to translate what is seen by the eye as well as the mind’s eye onto paper using line, shading and texture. Subjects include still-life, models, and portrait, as well as creative and abstract interpretations.
Drawing Studio
ATB Hallway: Much of the 2-D student work gets put up here on the walls each week.
ATB HallwayATB HallwayATB Hallway
Ceramics Studio: The Ceramics Studio starts with a wheel and handbuilding foundation, after which students can begin focusing on a more specific direction, be it sculpture, vessel making, or a combination. A variety of firing techniques are explored, such as raku and smoke firing. Kansas City is a great resource for ceramicists of all kinds, from traditional potters to conceptual artists working with the medium.
Pottery WheelsView of the Ceramics studioJust before the Students Arrive!
Jewelry/ Metals: A well equipped metals studio allows students to learn all aspects of metalsmithing and jewelry making, such as centrifugal casting, cold joining, enameling, soldering, and stone setting.
Soldering StationsEnameling KilnsSoldering and brazing stationsCasting and buffing areas
Sculpture: The Sculpture area allows students to explore many media, from welding, casting, woodworking, recycled materials and mixed media. Students have the opportunity to participate in a juried competition to create a sculpture using recycled material through JCCC’s Sustainability Program. Students can also use the well equipped Sculpture pad outside when space gets tight to work on projects in wood and stone; it’s also where wax burnouts and casting in bronze and aluminum takes place.
Sculpture Students learn techniques in wood, welding, stone and other mediaThe well equipped Sculpture StudioSculpture PadSculpture PadIron pour
Photo/ Filmmaking: We are so excited to have Tonia Hughes on as our new professor of Filmmaking. She will be piloting the new Filmmaking program over the next few semesters as well as being in charge of the Photography and Filmmaking Programs. Welcome, Tonia!
