Raku is a pottery technique that originated in Japan with the Raku family. It was used in the production of tea ceremony wares, and the ensuing cups were regarded as a celebration of Zen principles. Contemporary potters have embraced the raku process because of how accident, imperfection, and immediacy play into the production of the pieces. Historical raku produced quiet, contemplative pieces; contemporary raku is loved not for its quietness, but for its flashiness and luster, and for the intense excitement of the firing itself. Explore the philosophical underpinnings of both practices as you create work in the raku manner.
Course Details:
4 Credits
CRN 10630
MW 9-11:50am
105B ART
About the Instructor: Jessica Swanson
Each class I teach is a rich opportunity to not only present a spectrum of information about the subject matter, but to listen to one another and create a community that is a total learning experience. I believe that each student has a unique perspective and that expressing that perspective through creative projects, writings, and discussions is one of the great joys I get to experience while teaching. Whether I work with students for a term, or stay in contact for years, I value the diversity of each student and the exciting energy that is shared while on the adventure of learning and creating.
Jessica Swanson is a curious artist and passionate educator. She is especially interested in the intersection of fine art, product design, and biology. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and BA from Whitman College. Her ceramic sculptures have been exhibited in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Chicago. Her recent collaborative work growing species on ceramics to form a living glaze has been published in the Brittish journal, Ceramic Review.
