Raku is a Japanese low fire process that dates as far back as the 16th century. Pots are taken from the kiln while they are still red hot to be placed in a container full of materials catching fire. Kiki is rethinking this historic technique and by trial and error she is coming to contemporary design.
Firing Raku in her studio garden adds another experiential layer to the process and gives her a deeper understanding about the possibilities and usage of this ancient technique. Working closely to the fire (1000 degree celsius) is a very physical act that carries on these smoked, final objects. There are so many variables within the process of Raku Firing, that each outcome is a surprise even to the artist and no object will ever look the same. Keeping alive an intuitive approach to the making, Kiki cultivates the richness of the sensory experience.
Each piece is unique, handmade
constructed of glazed, hand shaped stoneware
No two items are alike.
