Once the material has ignited and flames are dancing around the vessel, the container is quickly sealed causing an oxygen-free atmosphere and reduction smoke. This reaction turns the clay body to a smoky gray or jet black and glazes spontaneously develop metallic or iridescent luster. Due to a multitude of variables, success depends on continual experimental firings and observations. Once the piece has been made, sanded or burnished with a smooth river stone and bisque fired, it is ready for the next step. I collect shells, seaweed, leaves and such which I wrap with copper wire around the porcelain or stoneware clay pieces.
Newspaper is tucked in between kindling and graduated sizes of wood and the fire is lit.
The swirling flames in combination with seaweed, shells, salt, etc. cause a chemical reaction which results in flashing and fuming thus creating different colors and designs. The fire burns for up to 6-8 hours and most important, a slow cooling process is required to avoid cracking. Once the pieces are removed they are cleaned and most are waxed numerous times giving them a beautiful sheen. One can understand that it is impossible to duplicate exactly any one piece. Raku and Pit fired pieces are porous by nature, therefore, are not intended to hold food or liquid.