International artists gathered last spring in Colorado for a summit to collaborate, experiment, explore and develop new potentials in the ancient Raku ceramics technique.
"It was during this symposium that the collaboration of these artists produced experimental works comprising a collection unique to the history of international ceramic art," Jim Romberg, ceramic artist and host of the symposium, said.
The international collection of Raku ceramics created during the symposium converges Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 at the Gail Severn Gallery in Ketchum. The "Raku: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression" show arrives in concert with a Raku workshop Nov. 26 and 27 at Boulder Mountain Clayworks in Ketchum.
Raku differs from other ceramics techniques, in that artists hand form pieces with distinctive glaze patterns using low temperature glazes. The hands-on approach infuses an intimate relationship between the artist and the clay.
Romberg, who hosted the symposium, is also the former Sun Valley Center for the Arts ceramics program director.
He returns to the valley for the event, and is joined by Tim Andrews, United Kingdom; Jean Biagini, France; David Jones, United Kingdom; Chang-Juan Chang, Taiwan; Aline Favre, Switzerland; Fabienne Gioria, Switzerland; Rick Hirsch, U.S.; Toshio Ohi, Japan; and Paul Soldner, U.S.
Meaning "joy, happiness and enjoyment," the art of Raku dates back to the mid-16th century. At that time the great tea master Sen Rikyu commissioned tea bowls for a tea ceremony. The ceramic tea bowls so impressed the tea master that he bestowed the Raku name on the artist.
The Gail Severn Gallery and the artists embrace Raku's origins by offering a portion of the sales to the "Legacy Arts in Education Program." Developed by the Lynette Jennings Foundation: Art for Life, the program brings experiential arts learning into the public school system.
The exhibition debuts at the Ketchum gallery before touring to various U.S. galleries and museums throughout the next year.
Romberg also leads a workshop at Boulder Mountain Clayworks that will focus on the creation, glazing and firing of ceramic vessels within the context of the Raku technique. The hands-on workshop includes demonstrations, lectures and the inauguration of a new Raku kiln. Participants are encouraged to bring bisqueware for firing.
For workshop details, contact Boulder Mountain Clayworks at 726-4484.
Jim Romberg, Raku vessel.
