Process
The Raku Process All work is biscuit fired in an indoor electric kiln. A high alkaline frit glaze is then applied before the work is then taken outside to be raku-fired in a gas kiln. | ||
![]() | Mandy placing work in the gasfired raku kiln. | |
![]() | When the glaze reaches about 900 degrees the lid is opened and the work is swiftly removed using tongs. | |
![]() | Next the work is placed in a smoke pit... | |
![]() | ...covered with sawdust, and the lid replaced to stop the flow of oxygen. | |
![]() | After around 20 minutes the now-blackened sculpture is removed. The glaze has crazed and the gaps filled with carbon to give the black and white crackled effect. | |
![]() | Wearing protective gloves, the piping hot work is carefully placed on a metal tray to cool. | |
![]() | Water is poured over the sculpture to extinguish any flames and cool the work. | |
![]() | Back in the studio , the work is cleaned up using fine brushes and wire wool. |