What is Raku?

Raku is by definition a process to fire clay. Initially the ware is bisque fired in an electric or gas fired kiln. Once the kiln is cooled, the ware is removed, usually glazed, and firing is repeated. Once the appropriate temperature is reached the ware is removed from the raku kiln and placed in a container with some sort of combustible material, such as; newspaper, wood chips, saw dust, straw, salt, etc. Once full flaming is achieved, additional combustible material is added to the fire. The container is then sealed to ensure all the oxygen is depleted. The atmosphere inside the container is said to be in reduction, absent of oxygen. As the flames are smothered the glaze traps carbon from the smoke into the glaze. The results depend on the glaze and combustible materials used. Usually, the results are very colorful and vary greatly. Cj's raku is fired between 1800 and 1850 degrees F. Some special glazes may require as high as 1900 degrees F, or as low as 1641 degrees F.

Raku is unique. Cj will break his work gently with a rubber mallet so that unique lines are formed in the piece when it is repaired. Repairs are made with a special clay glue that permanently adheres the pieces together. The glue is infused with a Platinum or 24kt gold acrylic that gives a unique pattern over the colorfully glazed cracks in the raku piece. This adds more dimension to the artwork and gives it an overall uniqueness that cannot be achieved any other way. As raku is not high fired, it is still quite porous and rather delicate. This ware is for decoration only and will not hold water and is not suitable for food, microwave, or dishwasher. It should be handled with care as you would any artwork.

Cj's artwork has won local, regional, and national recognition while keeping his prices moderately low and affordable. He believes his artwork and all artwork, should be accessible for everyone to enjoy!

What is Stoneware?

Stoneware is a name given to ware that is fired much hotter than Raku and can be used in ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and usually, unless otherwise indicated on the work, is safe for food and water. Stoneware is durable at high and low temperatures and holds water well, therefore it is most often used in functional ware. Dr. Johnson's stoneware is usually fired to 2341 degrees F, but the actual temperature depends on the type of clay and the function of the piece. Some surface decorations such as; lusters, gold, silver, platinum or palladium, may require a third firing to 1323 degrees F.

What is Porcelain?

True porcelain is a fabricated body made from white firing clays, silica, and feldspar. Depending on the porcelain's ingredients, it is fired to over 2491 degrees F. It is generally white, hard, durable, and sometimes translucent, when trimmed very thin. When fired properly, it approaches a point of total vitrification, which is the turning point to glass. It is as beautiful as it is durable. When porcelain is glazed with translucent bright colors, the colors seem much brighter compared to stoneware and Raku. Dr. Johnson's porcelain is uniquely durable, and colors are vibrant and lively. He specializes in a unique Red that can be used for decoration, but not for food. This Red is in much demand. It is not suitable for food or drink but will hold water. Red is not for everyone as it is considered a bold and aggressive statement. Other colors are also available that can be used with food or water.