Ready to step into the world of smoke, flame, and spontaneous artistry? Raku Pottery Made Simple is your complete beginner's guide to mastering the ancient, unpredictable, and soul-satisfying craft of Raku. Whether you're new to ceramics or looking to deepen your practice, this book will walk you through everything you need-from clay selection to backyard kiln setups and creative firing techniques.
Inspired by Japanese traditions and the philosophy of wabi-sabi, Raku pottery invites you to embrace imperfection and celebrate the magic of unpredictability. In this hands-on guide, ceramic artist Aria Wabisabi demystifies the process and helps you cultivate confidence, creativity, and connection with every firing.
✅ Inside, you'll discover:
The fascinating origins and philosophy of Raku pottery
How to build or modify a backyard kiln-even in small spaces
Clay and glaze options ideal for Raku firing
Step-by-step instructions for forming, bisque firing, and glazing
Reduction techniques: horsehair, naked Raku, saggar, obvara & more
Safety practices, firing flow, and troubleshooting tips
How to photograph, present, and sell your Raku art with purpose
The mindset behind Raku: imperfection, presence, and joy
With over 10 detailed chapters and hundreds of practical tips, this is more than a how-to manual-it's an invitation to explore, experiment, and create pottery that speaks from the fire and the heart.