"My love for clay runs deep and not many people know that I do this," said Raku artist Michael Conger. He will be presenting an exhibition during Gallery Walk on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5-9 p.m at the Boulder Mountain Clayworks Studio and Gallery in Ketchum.
Conger grew up in Ketchum and has returned to pursue his passion for Raku ceramics. His show he will have two pieces for a silent auction with all proceeds going toward the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
"I gravitate toward Raku because it is such a hands-on interactive art using fire, water and earth. It is all about the journey," Conger said.
Conger will include images of the Raku process at the show along with 25 to 30 pieces he has created in the last two months. The term Raku is derived from the site where clay was dug in Kyoto, Japan, in the late 16th century. It is a form of Japanese pottery characterized by low firing temperatures. Pieces are removed from the kiln or fire while still glowing hot.
After attending Hemingway Elementary and Wood River High School, Conger continued his education at Boise State University, graduating in 1994. He studied ceramics with John Takahara and in 1995 opened the Boulder Mountain Clay Co. in Ketchum. His unique platters and bowls could be found in many Ketchum stores until he left in 1998.
"I decided to come back because I needed a sense of belonging and community," Conger said. "The community has supported me in the past, and I want to pass it on. It is important to me that I contribute to the community that helped me."
Conger has been working in the valley throughout the fall and has invited everyone he knows. In addition, he has invited Raku artist Jim Romberg, who has been an inspiration to him. Romberg has taught at Boulder Mountain Clayworks. His ceramics are included in many museum collections and his work is represented internationally in galleries and private collections.
Reflecting the power of earth, water and fire coming together, Conger's work encompasses the process of Raku and allows him to express and communicate the fragility, elegance and diversity of the human condition.
"I put myself out there and I am exposed," Conger said. "I make the art because I love it, and it makes me feel good and these pieces reflect who I am as a person."
Michael Conger creating ceramics in the firey Raku process. Photo by
