Lanning Gallery: Art in All Forms [Sedona Arizona]

"Lidded Pot 145"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
19" x 10" x 10"
Bob Smith, Raku Ceramics - A featured artist at the Lanning Gallery [Sedona Arizona]
 
Silhouette and form, with a quiet contained presence, have always been my major concerns. My most current work reflects this on-going fascination with form plus an increased exploration of greater depth, subtlety and drama in the surface; with new directions in color, scale and texture. I continue to use the vessel as my point of departure, enjoying the historical connection. But more and more, it is what I do to the piece after it comes from the kiln that dominates my thinking.

Why have I stayed with it for so long? Perhaps it is because I have been changed, significantly and irrevocably, by making clay art; because my head, hands and heart have come together during this active, long-term pursuit of my dreams; because I am beginning to understand the complexities of my medium; and because I work hard and with care and sincerity to train my hands to do what they must; and in this self-actualization, I have become passionate.

 

"Lidded Pot 144"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
16" x 11" x 1"

"Lidded Pot 147"
Raku Ceramic vessel
14" x 10" x 10"
 

The Process of Contemporary Raku
In contemporary Raku, the work is made from a very porous clay, first fired to remove all moisture (as with stoneware, porcelain, etc.) before glaze is applied. Thereafter, the process differs greatly from typical stoneware firings.
Through some stroke of luck or good fortune, I have found work which is satisfying, engaging, challenging and comprehensive, and through which my heart can sing.
 
Click on the images to see a larger view.
 

"Pot on Tray 142"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
13" x 7" x 7"
 

"Lidded Pot 139"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
11" x 9" x 9"
 

In Raku, glazed pots are introduced into a kiln that is already at temperature, around 1800 degrees F (considered low temperature). The glaze bubbles and smoothes quickly – in 10 to 15 minutes, generally – at which point the pot is removed with long tongs, still glowing yellow, and put into a container filled with combustibles - typically straw, leaves or newspaper. The heat of the pot immediately ignites the material, and the vagaries of the smoke and flame leave their unpredictable and unique marks and effects on the pot. After a period of time – 10 seconds to 30 minutes – the pot is removed from the container, and often quenched with water to “freeze” the results. Losses due to thermal shock or to unacceptable results may be high, but those pieces which survive truly reflect the mysteries of the process.
 

"Slab Platter", 21" x 18" x 2"
"Lidded Pot 138", 18" x 15" x 15"
"Large Combined Vase",  29" x 13" x 13"

"Pot on Double Tray 140"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
9" x 9" x 12"
 

Artist's prices beginning at $350.

Please inquire for current inventory. Photos available upon request.
 

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