I love using the “naked raku” technique of firing.? The surface of the raw clay is coated with a thin layer of slip (known as terra sigillatta), which is then burnished smooth with a soft cloth.? The surface is glowing but not shiny; truly reminiscent of a skin-like quality that I love.? Lately I’ve been experimenting with colorations added to the terra sig.? And I especially love this blue.? Though light in shade , it’s no baby blue, but rather something smoked and crackled and lined just as any aged face ought to reveal.

I always have to hold my opinions in check after a piece has been glazed and before it’s fired.? It’s raw, monochromatic, somehow very flat-looking.

And the reward (hopefully) comes after the raku firing when all the painterly impressions of fire, wind and weather play over the surface.? A human face appears….