Bring to life fire and glaze dancing on clay to bring about uniquely colored mediums is the ancient art of Raku. Estella Fransbergen practices this technique and designs one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect beauty and natural inspiration.
"I kneed and roll the clay into long rolls, flatten them like ribbons and then stack them on top of one and another. Surprisingly, the bonding, the molding, the creation occurs rapidly as if all along, the clay knew its final form. I stand the piece in air until it becomes bone dry. It is vulnerable now, it could easily chip or break.
Firing is a spiritual process for me
It's almost as if I have to move into the fire, cradle the piece and gently usher it out. Over time, I have learned to simply accept and thank nature. Earth, water, wood, air and fire can create beautiful art".
