Colin McGowan

sculptor

Raku firing techniques

Colin's pieces are made mainly of grogged clay, so that they can withstand the thermal shock

of the raku firing. Once they are dried to a leather-hard

consistency, Colin gouges, scores and erodes portions of the surface to create

texture and interest. He is currently experimenting with ways of masking

and removing areas using latex and shellac.

Pieces are bisque fired, and then enhanced with raku glazes.

Colin uses a combination of application techniques, sponging, brushing,

and layering the glazes.

Work intended for raku glazing have to be fired in a suitable kiln,

that can reach the high temperatures needed. Once the correct

temperature is reached, pieces are plunged into a bed of

sawdust, which ignites to create a swirl of smoke and debris.

Areas of glaze which are open to the air oxidize quickly, while

those hidden in the sawdust bath react more slowly. It is this

which creates subtle areas of colour differentiation on the pieces,

and where the skill of the artist becomes most evident.

The mood of the piece is set by the the range and intensity

of colours which are allowed to develop, and by areas

which are allowed to be stained by the smoke of the fire.

Raku Techniques