Project Description: The theme for this final project will consist of a series, which will focus on Raku Firing. Raku firing is a technique used in Ceramics that only occurs during the spring semester. Raku firing requires the ceramic materials to be fired outside instead of inside as well as cooling down. As a previous student who had taken Ceramics and had gone through Raku Firing, it was definitely an amazing process. Raku firing consists of wedging clay with a certain coarse powder. As it is bisque (“pre-cooked”), we glaze the work with certain glazes. Each student was assigned in different groups as they maintained their station of either putting the pieces in the kiln, placing them in hay, and cooling them down with water. The end result of these pieces were truly amazing, as they differ from other glazes.
I have discover through most of my work, that I create a story with them. Previously, I had created a Lithography series, in which I was able to shoot images of the Lithography studio as it showed students working on their stone, on the press, and materials needed for the process. For Project 1 and 2, I was able to use my brothers as one portrayed the idea of motion and the other as a toy maker. With this project, I hope to create the same atmosphere as well as produced interesting images.
Outcomes:
- To produce a striking series that explains the process of Raku Firing
- To produce images from different perspective (Examples: close ups, general and middle views)
- To produce a series of 4 to 6 images, approximately 8×10 at the Ceramic Studio
Methods and Materials:
- For this project, I would use my digital camera and tripod
- Depending on the type of weather and lighting, the possibility of a reflector may be needed
References:
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Duane Michals
- Eadweard Muybridge (http://www.heckscher.org/pages.php?which_page=exhibition_detail&which_exhibition=112&utm_source=April+Monthly+2014&utm_campaign=April+2014+Monthly&utm_medium=email)
- Robert Adams
- Hiroshi Sugimoto
- Christopher Thomas
- Philip Lora Ci Corcia
Example of Raku Firing from Spring 2013
