Raku Firing Field Trip

Who doesn't love throwing combustible material into flames and pulling out glowing ceramics from kilns? Art students--intro and AP alike--certainly did, as they participated in an in-school raku firing field trip on October 20th.

Raku firing refers to a low-firing process inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing; the orginal Japanese style is a digression from Buddhist influences and the tea ceremony. Western-style firing involves removing pottery from the kiln while at a glowing, red heat and placing it in containers (students used garbage cans) filled with combustible materials (newspsaper, paper, wood chips, etc.). Once the material is ignited, the containers are closed, which produces an intense reduction atmosphere, ultimately creating one-of-a-kind glaze colors and effects.

Steve placing pottery in a garbage can filled with strips of newspaper.

Steve taking pottery out of the kiln.

Perhaps the greatest value of raku firing is the unique results--each piece can never be replicated, as the outcome depends on the type of combustible material surrounding the pottery, the type of glaze used (students could choose from white crackle, 50/50, and turquoise), and the weather.

Students gathered around garbage cans waiting for pottery to come out.

All of the art teachers participated: Mrs. Mase and Mrs. Graham were seen snapping photos, Mrs. Cutillo helped students, and Mrs. Lindsley and Mrs. Kucher-Csatlos even fired their own pieces along with Steve from the Montclair Museum who conducted the field trip.

Completed pottery (even with only three glaze options the variety of results is endless!)

Not only were students able to witness and participate in a traditional firing style, but they were also able to create unique, irreplaceable pottery.

Photo Credits: Mr. Fitzgerald (VIce Principal)

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