Incredibly funny, life size characters are artfully created by Patrick Wise as you watch. Each is unique, some are figments of the imagination, others inspired by real people but each one creates just the right character for a room. Members of his family have been wood joiners for centuries. By applying traditional wood joining techniques Richard creates beautiful, classic furniture. For a more artsy look, his wife Ninika, hand carves and paints select furniture pieces, giving customers a choice of natural wood or painted finish.
People enjoy watching something made by hand and knowing exactly what they are getting.
Using a special clay, a pot is made that can withstand the extreme thermal shock of Raku firing. The pot is glazed, heated to 1800 F, then pulled hot from the kiln and thrust into a container where it is surrounded by combustible materials such as newspaper. The heat of the pot causes smoldering and smoke, which blackens the pot. Rapid cooling causes the metallic luster and black, spider cracks typical of Raku pottery. It's fascinating to watch the whole process.