Hon. President:- Joe Finch

Hon. Member:- Henry Sandon

Keith Kent

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My work is hand thrown Raku ware.  The firing process is so fundamental, all embracing and challenging.  My focus is to create good glaze quality and subtle colouring with the strong reliable crackle associated with western Raku.

 

I use a white firing Earthstone body, to which 20% grog has been added to enable it to survive the extreme thermal shock which is inherent in the Raku process.

 

My kiln is fired with propane gas.  I use it for both bisque firing to 980°C, and after glazing, Raku firing to approx 910°C, soaking for up to thirty minutes to achieve a good glaze quality.

 

The ware is then taken out of the hot kiln and transferred to post-firing reduction bins loaded with sawdust and some shredded paper.  Once ablaze, the bins are closed up and the pots are left in the smoke-filled, reduction atmosphere for about forty-five minutes.  Then, they are removed and cleaned when cool.  Hopefully, I am pleased with the results!