500 Raku

Raku is an ancient ceramics technique enjoying a modern-day renaissance. This groundbreaking new entry in the highly successful 500 series demonstrates the vitality and invention of today's raku ceramics. Objects including cups, plates, bowls, vases, and statuary contribute to this international gallery of work juried by Jim Romberg, one of the leading practitioners and teachers of raku in the world."

Contains color photographs and brief descriptions of five hundred contemporary teapots, each including the title of the work and the name of its creator.

Includes sections, "Who's who in Japan," "Business directory," etc.

It’s an absolutely unequalled photographic gallery: no other book has ever presented such a varied, captivating collection of contemporary ceramics based on the human form. The works range from representational to abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism, and many of them come from leaders in the field such as Judy Fox, Kurt Weiser, and Andy Nasisse. Kay Yourist has produced female forms that are smooth, minimalist vessels with only the slightest hint of breasts and belly. The simple, rounded features of Diane Lublinski’s black-and-white figures possess a fun, clown-like whimsy. Michael A. Prather’s mournful ceramic portraits have frowning faces and pointed dunce-like heads in a muted color palette. Many of the ceramics come with detail images and illuminating artist’s commentary.

The amazing beauty and variety in these 500 bowls is a testament to the imagination and inventiveness of today's ceramist. Every technique from across the globe is presented here.

Ever since it’s existence, perhaps more than happiness, unhappiness, limits and depression have forced artists to produce, and it is seen that artworks which arise primarily as a result of the need to self-heal, bring society together against common and binding challenges. This coronavirus outbreak, which has affected the whole world, is one of the hard times humankind is going through. In this period we have been living since March, art offers the most valuable contribution to the sustainability of life with its features that reconcile emotional conflicts, increase awareness, enable the development of social skills, manage behaviors, guide reality and contribute to solving problems. As the people of the world, in this period when we question our relationship with each other, nature and animals, when we are unsure about the future, and when we reconsider our perceptions and priorities, artworks are the only tools that have the power to cope with the coronavirus under its conditions. Because like the virus itself, artworks are capable of passing all boundaries, and they can influence all people, even if they’re under different flags, speaking different languages. This influence will bring back the awareness, the hope, the knowledge that we’re not alone, the compromise, the sustainability of life and its colors. Goethe’s “One cannot escape from the world with greater certainty than through art, and one cannot relate to it with greater certainty than through art.” aphorism reveals a truth that enlightens our present from centuries ago. I thanks so much to all my artist friends who have contributed to the "International ARTVITAL Interdisciplinary Mixed Exhibition" that we hold with these thoughts online within the ISLC2020 International Conference on Sustainable Living. Also I would like to thank my dear friends who took part in the organizing board and made the exhibition happen and Rating Academy, which always appreciates the aspect of science and art that develops and enriches each other.

Publisher Description

Contemporary Raku is a complete guide to this exciting, dramatic and beautiful art form. It explains the making, glazing and firing methods employed for producing Raku-ware, and features contributions and insights from leading makers. Recognizing the deeper values of the practice, the book also considers the influences and sources of inspiration behind the work of these makers. It introduces the necessary tools and equipment, and advises on essential health and safety measures. It explains how to make vessels and forms with step-by-step photo sequences. Recipes for clay bodies and glazes for the beginner and the more experienced maker are included. Details are given on the Raku-firing process and the range of kilns used. Finally, it explores the practice of 'Naked Raku'. With over 300 illustrations, it is a stunning and detailed account to this magical process.