The Raku technique of firing these individual pieces results in one of a kind figurines. There is no way one can predict exactly what the finished results will look like when completed. Raku glazes crackle into fascinating patterns and the metallic oxides from the glazes changes colors. In fact, different colors can appear in a variety of areas of individual pieces-- from a single glaze depending upon the amount of reduction [lack of oxygen during firing]; location of the pieces in the reduction chamber; and the effects of carbon burning of wood, newspaper, leaves and a variety of materials during the firing procedure.

Making these Raku pieces involves multiple technique steps. I start out with wet clay and a vision of who I want the piece to resemble....and it takes off from there. Each handcrafted one-of-a-kind figurine is inspired by people in my Jewish community-capturing their emotions onto clay and creating figurines depicting spiritual exploration--a clay kittel of their heart and soul.

Once the figurine is formed, it is left to dry enough time to be placed in a kiln where it is given it's first firing. Once removed from the kiln and completely cooled, masking tapes are applied as a resist for the glaze.

The richness of the glazes and glistering metallic gleam are the achievement of carefully applied glazes. Different Raku glazes are then applied. The piece is then left to dry and placed in a Raku kiln where it has it's second firing. Carefully the pieces are removed from the kiln while still glowing hot and placed in a carbon container filled with newspaper, leaves, wood chips and other organic materials. The red hot pieces will engulf in flames and a lid is carefully and quickly attached to the container to start the reduction process. The flames reduces the oxygen in the burning container, and after 30 minutes the pieces are removed to the open air and allowed to cool. To achieve the unique crackling patterns, water is carefully sprayed onto the pieces when still hot. The above photo shows two horizontal stripes which are the result of using masking tape to achieve carbon smoking. 

          our former librarian                                                  our former Rabbi