Led
by DGN visual art teacher Amy Bernard, DGN student ceramicists participated in
a Raku/Primitive Firing event at North High School in Downers Grove. Raku pottery is created with a specific
ceramic firing process that uses extreme temperatures, fire and smoke to create
unique patterns and designs. Western-style raku usually involves removing
pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers
with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are
closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which effects the colors
in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking
(known as crackling since it is deliberate).The student work that emerges from
the smoke and fire of the day is visually stunning.
