insideKENT Magazine Issue 43 - October 2015 | Page 23

gloves – to an empty metal bin and subjected to
post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being covered
in combustible materials (in this case, sawdust).
By closing the container, the oxygen is reduced
after the combustible resource catches fire and
starts a reaction that forces the oxygen from the
glazes and clay. It is this reaction that gives the
pieces their exclusive colour — the very hallmark
of Raku.
Different substances will create different effects,
but for a more intense copper, fine sawdust works
well. To achieve a crazing effect on the surface,
leave the pot in the air until you can hear the
glaze start to ping. Then comes the hardest part:
patiently waiting to see the results. After 20-30
minutes, carefully remove the items from the bin
and leave them to cool before placing in a bucket
of water for cleaning.
My finished result

Now all that's left to do is to use a kitchen scouring
powder and brillo pa BF