raku

Artist - Lynn Pagel

Raku Buttons

Stoneware is strong and
dense from lengthy high
temperature firing and
slow cooling. Gas kiln
firing results in
beautiful earthy colors.

Raku is also high
temperature fired, but
cooled very quickly,
sometimes creating
crackle patterns in the
glazed surface. Red-hot
pieces are removed from
the kiln, tossed into dry
leaves and covered. The
captured smoke adheres
to the clay surface and
reacts with the glaze.
Striking metalic colors
are distinctive in Raku.

I use both processes
to make buttons. Button
collectors and hand-
weavers find my buttons
most appealing.