VIDEO-Beginning Raku with Gordon Hutchens (60 minutes)

Gordon Hutchens introduces beginning potters to basic raku techniques. He discusses desirable properties of clays used in raku firings and then shows how to prepare the clay. He makes several pots which are bisque-fired, then decorated using techniques that take advantage of the unique characteristics of raku. After preparing his pots Gordon shows how to make a simple kiln from a 55 gallon drum. Finally, he fires the forms he has made; then he demonstrates how to manage a raku firing and how to perform the post-firing reduction that provides the distinctive raku effects. Glaze recipes as well as a drawing and a materials list for the kiln are included.

"Good camerawork, skillful demonstrations, detailed information, and understandable commentary make this video a good reference for the beginning potter." (School Arts)