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JUST RAKU
The Newsletter for Raku Artists and Raku Art Lovers
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February 2005
Issue #28
Published by
Gary R. Ferguson – Raku Artist
http://www.garyrferguson.com
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In This Issue
* While the Smoke Clears – Las Vegas, Walking, Raku Secrets
* From The Studio – 2005 Clay Goals
* Article – Colorants (Part II)
* Tips/Techniques – Crackle Glaze Fun
* Q&A – Fine Art Fair Listings
* Glazing – Vapor Glazing
* Reader Feedback – What you said-some almost unbelievable
* Click Away – Raku on the Web
* Raku Workshops

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* While the Smoke Clears *

Welcome to another issue!

January was a busy month. One week, I was in Las Vegas on
a business trip. Unfortunately, this was not a "clay
trip". It is sometimes overwhelming the amount of "input"
that hits you in the big hotels and casinos (lights,
sounds, people) – 24/7. I'm not a big gambler, but I did
end up leaving town a little bit ahead.

My youngest, Trevor, has decide to start walking already at
9.5 months. This was a little unexpected since his older
brother, Connor, didn't really start walking until he was 1
year old. This has brought a whole new level of busy-ness
to my life. They never seem to take off in the same
direction!

Finally, the response to my new ebook, Raku Secrets, has
been tremendous. I'm very happy with the feedback I've
been receiving as well. Just a little confirmation that
all the hard work was appreciated.

I don't know if I officially announced this yet or not, but
if you have a Raku workshop coming up. Send me the info
and I'll include it in the next newsletter.

As always, I look forward to your feedback, suggestions,
questions, and article ideas at:
editor@garyrferguson.com

Gary R. Ferguson
- Raku Artist –
pottery@garyrferguson.com

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Open a new eBay account by clicking on the link below and
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* From the Studio *

Last month, I covered my 2004 Clay Goals. Well I guess I
need some for 2005. This year the focus is going to be
more on creativity and experimentation.

1) "Touch" clay every week
There have been weeks at a time that I have not "played
with clay" over the last year or so, and I plan on changing
that.

2) Extremes – Very Large and Very Small work
I've noticed most of my work falls into a certain size
range. I've seen wonderful examples both miniatures and
multiple section installation pieces. I plan on trying
some of both.

3) Alternative Raku
I've seen and read about other types of Raku, but haven't
tried them yet. I plan on playing with Naked Raku,
Horsehair Raku, and maybe even fuming.

Well that should be enough. Hopefully you have some
"creative" Clay Goals for this year too.

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taking on-line surveys, click on the link below. Go to
http://www.surveysavvy.com/?id=1424287 and click on 'Join'.
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* Article *

Colorants – Part II

Continuing on last month's article, here are some more
common colorants and how they will perform when used with
other chemicals or types of glazes:

Manganese Carbonate
- Brown
- Purple (in an Alkaline glaze)
- Blue to Purple (with Cobalt)
- Brown (with Iron or Rutile)
- Bronze to Gold (with Copper)

These colors are basically the same in reduction, but other
chemicals may react differently (i.e. the Copper noted
above)

Nickel Oxide
- Gray (when used in quantities less than 1%)
- Brown (when used in quantities more than 1%)
- Gray (in an Alkaline glaze)

Rutile
- Yellow and Brown
- Green (with Chrome or Copper)

When used in reduction colors of Blue and Purple can be
obtained.

Tin Oxide
- White

This is often used to make a clear glaze white or a colored
glaze brighter

Silver Nitrate
- Silver/Gold Luster

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Raku: A Practical Approach by Steven Branfman
The "nuts and bolts" how-to book of Raku
Order 30% off at: http://tinyurl.com/8m5k
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* Tips and Techniques *

I had several questions in regards to Firing Crackle glazes
which included – How to prevent getting "dirty" crackle,
How to get colored crackle, and Why do I get no crackle
(especially on slip cast pieces).

Dirty Crackle can be caused from several things. If you
fire in reduction, you will likely get gray crackle so fire
in oxidation. Also you want to glaze fairly thick and make
sure you are getting a good melt. If not, the glaze will
be a little dry or matte looking. Finally you want to clean
the piece really well. My favorite is SoftScrub and steel
wool

You can color crackle a few ways: add colorants (like
copper, cobalt, iron, etc.) to the base glaze, or add
stains (like Mason stains) to the base glaze, or use an
underglazes on the piece and then cover with a clear
crackle.

If you are not getting crackle, the glaze fits the clay too
well. The glaze needs to shrink slightly more than the
clay in order for cracks to form. You can try cooling the
piece faster or blowing air on the piece, but normally if
you are not getting crackle you either need to change the
clay body or change crackle glaze that you are using.

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Amazon sells more than books! Help support this newsletter
by using the following link: http://tinyurl.com/x5xa
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* Q & A *

Q: I'm looking for a source of "Fine Art Fair" listings in
the US. Any ideas?

A: I know a few sources that provide Fair Listings

Ceramics Monthly Magazine (http://www.ceramicsmonthly.com)
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006K8DH/rakuclayartis-20
Has a section in the back of each issue that lists major
shows across the country.

Art Calendar Magazine (http://www.artcalendar.com)
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006KYMW/rakuclayartis-20
About the half the magazine is dedicated to shows, fairs,
galleries, etc.

Crafts Report Magazine (http://www.craftsreport.com)
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008BFUI/rakuclayartis-20
Has many articles about the business of being an artist and
includes many ads and reviews on major shows across the US.

Sunshine Artist Magazine (http://www.sunshineartist.com)
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006KYMW/rakuclayartis-20
Has listings for all kinds of art festivals, craft shows,
and exhibits.

Hopefully this helps, and good luck.

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"Bought your book - great compendium!"
http://www.rakuglazes.com
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* Glazing *

Vapor Glazing

There was a question emailed to me after last month's issue
as to "What is Vapor Glazing."

So I did a little research and discovered an old issue of
Clay Times – March/April 2001 that had an article covering
Vapor Glazing by Biz Littell. His technique is named
"Kosai ware" which means "hue of light" and involves the
use of precious metals such as gold and platinum or special
salts such as Stannous Chloride.

His process is to first bisque fire the piece, then glaze
fire the piece to cone 04. Then the piece is fired a third
time to about 1000F at which point the kiln is opened to
cool down to about 800F. One to two tablespoons of
stannous chloride crystals are quickly poured on the hot
kiln shelf around the pieces (but not on the pieces). Then
the kiln is closed for a few minutes to give the salts time
to fume the pieces.

This colorant effect is more permanent that the standard
Raku copper matte flashing effect.

These chemicals are apparently very corrosive so it is
critical that the proper safety equipment is used –
respirator, mask, gloves, etc.

The following website has a very similar article:
http://goffpottery.com/finch00/finch.html

More examples of this type of work:
http://www.lalobaranch.com/modules.php?set_albumName=littel
l&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

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Raku Pottery by Robert Piepenburg
The must have "Bible" of Raku
Order at: http://tinyurl.com/8m5b
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* Reader Feedback *

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Gary:
I saw your pictures on your Raku techniques [web page]
(http://www.garyrferguson.com/raku.htm) I was curious as to
your open container reduction process in the washtub. My
Professor would like to know too. Why do you do this?
Dawn

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Dawn:
I use that technique when using the glaze Rick's
Turquoise. If I use a normal reduction method (lidded can,
etc.) I get a mainly copper with some burgundy/silver
flashing. If I use the water spraying technique in the
tub, I get an incredible range of colors of turquoise,
green, red, yellow, copper all on the same piece. It is a
very amazing glaze when reduced this way.
Gary F.

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Hello Gary,
Thanks so much for all you contribute! I've been able to
set myself up in Mexico with a fabulous kiln and dog gone
successful results thanks to your incredibly informational
book!! Wow!

I'm writing because as I said, I'm in a remote part of
Mexico far away from any ceramics supply store or chemical
supply and I have a couple questions for you. I have a good
supply on hand of Gerstley borate and Nepheline Syenite and
some bone ash, also cobalt carb and copper carb and oxide.
I also have quite a bit of underglaze colors. I've tried
mixing the underglazes into an 80/20 blend of
Gerstley/Nepheline and can't get any true color... mostly
white with some light color or flat black and fired to cone
08. I've read that I can add GB to underglaze to get a
glossy glaze, but haven't gotten any strong results. Shall
I just relegate myself to the world of pastels? Do you have
any tips on using underglaze colors in Raku? I'm guessing I
must run them thru a light bisque first. Any suggestions
you have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for your contributions to the crazy world of
Raku!
Michele M.

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Hi Michele:
You don't say what percent of underglaze you are adding to
the 80/20 blend. I know with some Mason stains and
underglazes you have to add a large percentage (like 30% to
50%) to get certain colors.

You might also try covering the piece with the underglaze
first and then put a light coat of the 80/20 over the
underglaze. Spraying the 80/20 glaze over the underglaze
works best.

You probably already know this, but you can also add the
Copper Carbonate and Cobalt Carbonate to the 80/20 glaze
and get great dark Blues and Greens as well.

Hope this helps.
Gary F

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Hi Gary,
I received the eBook last week. Really, a very good book!
Lots of things I didn't know yet.
I'm glad I have it.
Regards,
Hanneke B.

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Hanneke:
I'm glad you are enjoying the new Raku Secrets eBook. The
feedback in general has been great.
(http://www.rakusecrets.com)
Gary F.

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Dear Gary,
I have recently joined your newsletter and enjoy it very
much, thanks.

I also noticed your ebook, which I am very interested in.
My only concern is that in Australia the ingredients are
different eg. It is not possible to obtain Gerstley borate
from the suppliers that I'm aware of. Can you help me in
this question - is there a simple substitute? I want to be
able to make most of the recipes that I have seen for Raku.
Thanks for your time.
Jill

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Hi Jill
The following issue of the Just Raku Newsletter lists
several possible substitutes for GB. I'm not sure if these
other chemicals or Frits are available in "Oz" or not.
http://www.garyrferguson.com/justraku22.htm
Let me know.
Thanks,
Gary F

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Dear Gary,
I'm a long time reader and Raku artist. I like your
newsletter because it gives lots of practical tips and some
glaze recipes as well. I always enjoy trying new glazes.
But mostly I like your newsletter because I enjoyed reading
about another Raku artist who was experiencing some of the
same things I was and who was faced with some of the same
choices I was.

But lately I've been dreading opening your newsletter. I
couldn't figure out why I was dreading it so much,
especially given the fact I enjoyed it so much. Then I
finally realized: your newsletter is one huge ad for you;
your book, your website, etc.

Now, I don't [fault an] artist [for] making a buck (and I
enjoy making one myself!) but seriously dude, enough
already.

I'd much rather read about your process as an artist or
your struggles to come up with something new, firing
surprises and the things that make an artist's work
different than say a lawyers (for example). I'd much
rather read about how you combat burning out on a favorite
design that is a huge seller than where I can get your
latest "Got Raku" tee-shirt.

I think you have something to contribute to the Raku
community beyond glaze recipes and books - that is what I'm
trying to get across here

Thanks,
[Name Withheld by Editor]

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I really debated putting your comments in this issue, but
decided, what the heck, at least I'm an equal opportunity
newsletter editor. So here goes…

I also was going to go on a rant, but I decided against
that as well. I'm mellowing in my old age. Instead I have
just two comments:

1) I won't tell you how many hours it takes each month to
publish this F.R.E.E. newsletter.

2) If you are dreading the newsletter each month – please
unsubscribe. I don't think I can handle being the source of
your discomfort.
:)
Thanks for your support!

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Gary:
It's all your fault. I was up all night reading "Raku
Secrets". I have been Rakuing for about ten years, and
still so much to learn. Your Raku Secrets gave me a lot of
new insight. Thanks so much for all you do for us
"Rakuists".
Elaine S.

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Elaine:
You had me going there for a second. Thought I was getting
another "complaint" email. I'm a little gun shy now.
Glad you are enjoying the eBook.
Thanks!
Gary F.

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Hi Gary
Your new book sounds great – I just ordered it. But I have
a concern that maybe you can help me with. I seem to be
stumped when it comes to a plain ole dependable clear (for
white clay) crackle glaze. Is there such thing as a
foolproof 2 or 3 ingredient recipe that is a bit flexible
over a couple hundred degrees of firing temperature that
works with or without post-fire reduction? Or do all of
these variables have to be right on the nut? It is really
tormenting me. What say you?

PS Is the new book in hard copy format? Or only electronic?
PPS I'd also like to find a good crackle glaze that uses
Kona, which I have a surplus of.

Thanks!
Mike B.

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Mike B.
I don't think "foolproof" and Raku can be uttered in the
same sentence. ?

Seriously, it will take some playing around with different
glazes on the clay you use, because the crackle is related
to how much the glaze shrinks more than the clay. So there
isn't one answer.

Typically with a clear crackle you don't need a heavy
reduction, but you do need to have a bunch of smoke to
stain the clay so the crackle is visible.

Hope this helps,
Gary F.

PS Raku Secrets is primarily sold as an eBook but a
printed-paper version is available at
http://www.cafepress.com/rakusecrets
PPS I found one – I don't know what kind of crackle it will
produce thought. Let me know.

White Cloud
Gerstley Borate 75
Kona Feldspar 25

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Hi Gary
Hey – I can't help but think that OCC Luster that you refer
to in [last] month's newsletter might be one of Robert
Piepenburg's – you know he's affiliated with Oakland
Community College up here in the Detroit area. I'm not
putting money on it but I've seen the glaze bins at their
Royal Oak campus and a bunch of their labels have that OCC
designation. Just a thought.

Oh, and for what its worth: when mixing a glaze batch I
always get out all of the ingredients first, line them up
(next to the scale) in the order they appear on my 'recipe'
card, and then replace each one on the shelf immediately
after adding that component. That way interruptions and
phone calls don't make me miss my place.
Mike B.

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Mike:
You may be right about the OCC glaze. I'm always curious
about how some glazes get named.

Thanks for the additional tips on not screwing up when
mixing a batch of glaze.
Gary F.

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Happy New Year, Gary, and Buon Anno as they say here in
Italy. Hope you can continue this wonderful initiative that
probably takes quite a bit of your time but connects,
through Raku, people in the USA and Europe and perhaps
other continents too.
Ana

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Hi Ana:
I have never tracked all the counties that I have Just Raku
subscribers, but I know it is several dozen at this point.
Raku is Everywhere!!!
Thanks,
Gary F.

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Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques – James C. Watkins,
Paul Wandless http://tinyurl.com/72aaf
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* Click Away *

My eBay Listings http://tinyurl.com/tn08
Just Raku Blog http://justraku.blogspot.com
Just Raku Logowear http://www.cafepress.com/justraku
Got Raku? http://www.cafepress.com/gotraku
Just Raku Archive http://www.JustRaku.com

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Raku – John Mathieson http://tinyurl.com/3f5yh
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* Workshops, Ads, etc. *

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WORKSHOPS IN ARIZONA April 2005
TUCSON Apr 23-24
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FEES: 1 day $90 / 2 days $160

For more details and some general saggar firing tips and
techniques, check out my blog at: http://tinyurl.com/68wvs
or http://justraku.blogspot.com/2005/01/saggar-workshop-in-
arizona.html

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Raku: Investigations Into Fire by David Jones
Order 30% off at: http://tinyurl.com/8m5x
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JUST RAKU (C) Copyright 2002-2005 Gary R. Ferguson



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