teacher Amy Carpenter skillfully handles a ceramic piece during the Raku firing session, highlighting the exciting and intense nature of this traditional technique.
Sculpture Teacher Amy Carpenter expertly manages the Raku Kiln, showcasing her skill and enthusiasm.
Sculpture Teacher Amy Carpenter carefully lifts the Raku kiln cover, revealing the beautifully fired ceramics beneath.
Ady Jaeckle’s ’25 finished bowl after getting fired in the kiln.
Ady Jaeckle’s ’25 finished bowl after getting fired in the kiln.
Student work after the Raku firing.
Student work after the Raku firing.
Director of Technology Jen Kunkel takes a look inside the kiln.
English teacher Bradley Starr investigates the hot, orange glow inside the kiln.
Yasmine Demeter ’27 uses a temperature gun to gauge the heat of the kiln, as sculpture teacher Amy Carpenter looks on.
Sculpture teacher Amy Carpenter places the art pieces inside the Raku Kiln before firing it up.
Not even today’s rain could stop Amy Carpenter’s sculpture class from engaging in Raku pottery, a traditional Japanese technique known for its distinctive and unpredictable finishes.
The process involved using a blow torch to rapidly heat a specialized Raku kiln to temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Afterward, the glowing hot pottery was carefully removed from the kiln and placed in a reduction chamber filled with combustible materials, creating a smoky, oxygen-reduced atmosphere that results in unique crackled glazes and metallic finishes.