“Happiness in the Accident”

Fractured II

Raku ware originated in Japan in the sixteenth century when tea bowls were made by hand for the tea ceremony. Colours and decoration were not used and the bowls were typically a little distorted or asymmetrical with varying thicknesses of vessel walls. The Japanese celebrated the uneven imperfect ware as “happiness in the accident”.

This expression encapsulates the experience of firing raku ware. It is possible to prepare a pot in exactly the same way to fire in the raku kiln each time and to have a different and surprising result. Therein lies the addictive nature of raku.

With the impact of western influences and exploration, contemporary raku has evolved to include many different techniques including naked raku, saggar, horse hair raku, and obvara, to name just a few. Processes that work with raw bisqued clay rather than with glazes intrigue me most. I am exploring different techniques as I learn more about this fascinating branch of ceramics and become more familiar with my home built raku kiln.

The work featured here is currently a part of an exhibition at Mission Arts Gallery, Mission Beach Qld. “Fractured” is a small series that references the fractured nature of our world, socially, politically, internationally, and environmentally. Specifically, I found myself considering concerns for Queensland’s Channel Country and the proposed fracking of this fragile and important environment.

These vessels are hand built using the coiling technique and white raku clay. They went through the saggar process and then were treated with horse hair, thus combining two naked raku techniques. They were awarded the Display Team Prize for the exhibition. I feel honoured to have my ceramic practice supported in such a tangible way.

Fractured I, II & III