From Flames to Form: Unearthing the Magic of Foil Saggar Fired Raku Pottery

Embrace the Unexpected Beauty.

My online shop will soon be filled with unique vases to treasure, each with its own story forged by fire and imbued with the spirit of autumn. This blog will help you understand the magic I see in saggar fired Raku ceramics.

If this blog raises your curiosity and you are eager to witness these creations in person, I'll be showcasing my handmade art at a market at Turning Earth Hoxton, London on the 24th of March.

Nature's Dance: Embracing Unpredictable Beauty in Foil Saggar Fired Raku

My Foil Saggar Fired Raku pottery is where nature's magic dances with the unpredictable flames of Raku. Unlike the traditional saggar containers, I use the whimsical "foil burrito" saggar technique, coaxing smoke and fire to weave their artistry on each piece. They paint vibrant colours and intricate patterns onto the naked clay, each piece uniquely surprising – a reflection of the very essence of autumn that so inspires me.

The warm browns, earthy yellows, and soft pinks of autumn infuse my palette, echoing not only in the final pieces but also in the process itself. Leaves hopefully create a carbon imprint on the clay, whispering tales of the season, forever etched in the clay's memory.

This dance with fire and nature embraces imperfection, echoing the wabi-sabi design philosophy. Each unique piece, bearing the marks of its fiery journey, becomes a one-of-a-kind treasure. They're more than just art; they're narratives of transformation and growth, capturing my artistic pursuit and the unpredictable beauty of nature's embrace.

From Humble Clay to Dancing Forms

Transformation - New Beginnings.

Transformed by the whispers of autumn, I move to my studio where the magic of transforming clay begins and takes shape. My hands mold cool, malleable clay on the wheel, coaxing gentle curves and simple forms into sculptural vases. Instinct guides me, akin to a silent dance, as the clay transforms under my touch. Each vase whispers stories of textured fingertips, the rhythmic hum of the wheel, and the inherent magic of transformation. The wheel-thrown pottery vases are carefully trimmed and burnished to a soft sheen, ready for bisque firing. Transformed once in the kiln's gentle heat, the vases await their fiery Raku baptism where smoke and flames become their partners, weaving their unpredictable magic.

Embracing the Fiery Transformation

The vases are lovingly brushed with Ferric Chloride, and then delicately sprinkled with small amounts of copper sulphate, copper carbonate, salt, and miracle grow. They are adorned with leaves, vegetable peels, seaweed, copper wire, and small bits of steel wool, each addition adding to the narrative of the piece. The final act involves tenderly wrapping them in crumpled aluminum foil, akin to a protective cocoon, and placing the precious bundles in the heart of the kiln. Here, in the fiery crucible, they undergo an awe-inspiring metamorphosis at temperatures soaring between 740-950 degrees Fahrenheit. Ready for their fiery baptism, the vases hold the potential for unexpected beauty, each form waiting to be kissed by smoke and flame.

Where Magic Unfolds

As the kiln heats up, the true element of artistry comes alive. Ethereal smoke patterns swirl, filling the air with a metallic tang and the sweet, earthy aroma of burning leaves - a sensory experience capturing the raw essence of the process. At this stage, it's important to note that one should stay away from the kiln due to the toxic fumes that are emitted. This doesn't detract from the magic but adds to the respect and caution this craft demands. Anticipation hangs heavy as the smoke settles. Silence descends, broken only by the hushed whispers of cooling clay. Hot treasures emerge, their metallic cloaks teased off, ready for the final stage of magic where vibrant colours bloom and intricate patterns dance into existence.

A slight reveal and the tension builds

As the heat fades, a sense of awe lingers, a testament to the unpredictable beauty born from fire and earth.

Unveiling Unique Masterpieces

Once the kiln cools down, each piece emerges carrying its own unique story. The weight, textures, and warmth of its creation journey are tangible in every curve, making each piece as individual as a fingerprint. The unpredictable colours and patterns are a testament to the magic inherent in Saggar Fired Raku pottery. Each piece, a tapestry of smoke and shadow, carries the whispers of flame and echoes of the artist's touch. When you hold a piece, you can feel its unique journey. Since each piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, owning a Saggar Raku is like owning a piece of magic itself. A way to add a touch of captivating artistry and conversation-starting beauty to a space.

Uncover Your Own Piece of Magic

If you're intrigued by the enchanting world of Foil Saggar Fired Raku pottery, I encourage you to explore further. Visit my shop to discover the diverse range of vases, each with its own unique story. To stay updated with the latest creations, join the newsletter or follow on social media. Experience the beauty of Foil Saggar Fired Raku and embrace the unexpected.

To stay updated on the release of the Raku pieces in my shop and to be the first to witness the latest creations, I invite you to join my newsletter. Also, follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and latest updates.

Dive into this enchanting world, embrace the unexpected, and experience the beauty that Foil Saggar Fired Raku has to offer.