Heat, fire, smoke, art: Video of Raku workshop at Shepard

The unmistakable bouquet of kiln-fired ceramic filled the back parking lot at Shepard High School recently as students created works of Raku.

The workshop, led by Carl Mankert of Chicago Kiln Service, offered students a chance to create with unusual materials, such as horsehair and sugar, used for decorative effect.

Raku has grown in popularity due to its unpredictable results and vivid colors. The patterns and color derive from the harsh cooling process and the amount of oxygen the artist allows to reach the pottery.

Depending on the desired effect, the artist may cool a piece of pottery instantly in water, more slowly in the open air, or in a covered barrel filled with combustible material, such as newspaper, and allowed to smoke.

Water immediately cools the pottery, stopping the chemical reactions of the glaze and fixing the colors. The combustible materials produce smoke, which stains the unglazed portions of the pottery black.

The amount of oxygen allowed during the firing and cooling processes affects the color of the glaze and the amount of crackle.

Watch teacher Brenda Rentfro and her students at work here: