Featuring —

Kevin Wain

Kevin Wain of Earthen Vessels Pottery is well known for his work in the specialized field of raku pottery. Raku is an ancient technique in which the red hot pot is lifted out of the kiln and quickly cooled, often in a smokey, reduction atmosphere. Exciting and spontaneous results enrich the surface of the piece. Here is a recent interview with Kevin about his work:

How did you get started in raku?

It was really pottery in general, not just raku, about 20 years ago that I was studying at the Central Tech Art Centre in Toronto. But once a year the teacher, Mr. Colin DeLuca set up a raku weekend at his home in North York for the more adept students to spread their wings so to speak. It was his mentoring which helped me get started.

What is it about raku that you find so appealing?

It's two things that I find so appealing. First, it gives me a chance to step out of the norm of production pottery. Its very nature allows me to experiment with new forms and texture as well as different glazing techniques. Modern raku is not really all that functional but leans more to the artistic display side of ceramics. Thus allowing the potter to be more expressive. Second, as a public demonstration venue it's ideal to show and tell people what pottery is all about. They can take with them a visual memory of the process so they understand what's involved to produce a pot entirely by hand. It's exciting and fun!

What about the future directions for your work?

I suppose the sky's the limit. I don't really have a vision of a point or direction set in my mind. I only do this type of firing twice a year so when it comes time to make a batch of pots for the scheduled weekends I sort of start fresh with new ideas and/or concepts which have inspired me over the last year. Where I end up depends on where the Spirit leads.

First photo:
Kevin lifts a red hot piece out of his raku kiln.

2nd photo:
The piece is put into a metal container and a helper adds paper and sawdust for a smokey reduction of the clay and glaze. The containers are sealed tight.

3rd photo:
After several minutes of reduction, the pieces are quenched in water.

4th photo:
Each piece is carefully cleaned and examined.

5th photo:
A raku vase.

For more photos of Kevin's work and contact information, please see his Artist Profile page.

Previously Featured Artists:
Timothy Smith
Virginia Smith