Raku Ceramic Vessels by Bob Smith - Lanning Gallery [Sedona Arizona]

"Large Lidded Pot 199"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
17" x 13" x 13"

"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.

"One-piece Box 204"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
6" x 6" x 6"

"Lidded Pot 209"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
14" x 12" x 12"

"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."

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"Pot on Altar 200"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
10" x 11" x 11"

The Process of
Contemporary Raku

"Lidded Tall Vase 201"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
18" x 4" x 4"

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.

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 €œfreeze€ 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.

"Bottle Form 214"
Raku Ceramic Vessel
13" x 5" x 5"

Please inquire for current inventory.
Photos available upon request.

"Platter 152", 19" x 19"
"Lidded Vase 188", 19" x 8" x 8"
"Altered Vase 163", 14" x 6" x 4"
"Lidded Vase 189", 14" x 7" x 7"

"Lidded Pot 216"
Raku Ceramic vessel
11" x 9" x 9"

Artist's prices beginning at $250 up to $1,600.

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