Rob’s pieces go through a Raku firing process that means each piece, like a fingerprint, is entirely unique.Raku firing is an ancient Japanese technique.
It encourages hairline cracks to appear in the surface of the glaze by subjecting the pots to extreme changes of temperature during the firing process, and immersing them in sawdust, giving an amazing sense of texture.
When the pots are at a very high temperature and the glaze has melted they are taken out of the kiln and thrown (gently!) into a metal container filled with sawdust.
The heat of the pots quickly sets the sawdust alight at which point the container is closed.
Once the fire uses up all of the oxygen it starts to draw it out of the clay, which is when tiny cracks begin to trace their way randomly across the surface of the pot, leaving unglazed areas blackened.
Pots are further enhanced after firing by the use of gold leaf.
The vivid colours and textures of Rob’s work give it a raw and intense feel that has led to hi