Patti Hartnagel - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Raku Pottery

The Raku Firing Process

Raku is a centuries old firing technique developed by the Japanese. The pieces of pottery are fired outdoors in a kiln fuelled by wood or propane. The pieces are heated very quickly to the red hot stage and while the glaze is still molten, they are pulled out of the kiln and into the air. The iridescent colours and/or crackle surfaces are a result of the chemical reaction of the glaze materials oxidizing when the pots are removed from the kiln. To stop the oxidation process and control the surface effects and colours, the pots are then placed in a pit or a container, covered with combustible materials and sealed airtight with a lid. This is called a reduction atmosphere. This reduction of oxygen stops the flaming and produces smoke which permeates the clay body and the glazed surfaces.

Raku pieces are characterized by the black, smoked clay body and the unusual spontaneous surface effects. Raku fired pieces are unique and make distinctive decorative objects.

Patti Hartnagel Biography

* I have worked exclusively in Raku for about 18 years

* Raku is a very spontaneous and unpredictable firing process and therefore provides endless direction for experimentation and exploration

* My range of work includes both wheel thrown and hand built pieces:
- Vases
- Planters
- Masks
- Open free form platters
- Flared vessels
- Free standing decorative fish and
- CATS!

For years the cats have been my signature pieces. Inspired by my two cats, the raku varieties come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and glaze combinations-and sports a a colourful bow tie. My raku cats were originally inspired by my real cats Kushka and Sasha - (sadly, recently deceased).

My work has also been influenced by my experiences of travelling to New Mexico. Extensive research and coursework in traditional Southwest Native pottery techniques, has led to an ongoing body of work interpreting historical Southwest shapes, mask and decorations in Raku. It is a fascinating mix of East (Raku) meets West (Southwest Native). It is an area that continues to provide inspiration.

More recently, my personal interest in all things Italian has included studio instruction in Florence in the traditional Maiolica technique. This has led to some preliminary experiments to introduce more colour into my Raku. A mosaics workshop at a glass studio in Siena, Italy raises the possibility of incorporating decorative glass into my work. My influences and sources of inspiration have been and continue to be rather eclectic! For me, it is this openness to experimentation-along with the unpredictable nature of the Raku firing process-that makes Raku an exhilarating medium with which to work.

My work is currently available at the following outlets:

ALBERTA:

Edmonton:

Alberta Craft Council

Alberta Legislative Assembly Gift Shop (in the pedway)

Black Diamond :

Terra Cotta Gallery

Grande Prairie:

Forbes and Friends

BRITISH COLUMBIA:

Handworks Gallery in Oliver, BC

ONTARIO:

Point Edward:

AhSome Art

Exhibitions, Education and Recognition

2006
Member, Board of Directors; Alberta Craft Council

2004
Mosaic workshop; Siena, Italy

1999
- My work was chosen by the Canadian National Culinary Team as table accents for their competition in the U.S.A. & Switzerland
- R.L.Wilkns & Association (Edmonton, Alberta) 2 person show/sale

1998 - 2005
- Assorted pottery, sculpture, design & painting workshops and courses at:
* Studio Sbigoli (Florence, Italy) maiolica tutorial
* Studio Giambo (Florence, Italy) maiolica workshop
* Taos Institute of the Arts: traditional native pottery techniques
* Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (British Columbia): raku workshop
* Hollyhock Farm (British Columbia): raku workshop
* Red Deer College Summer Series Programmes: assorted courses

1996 - 1997
(Sabbatical year in England)

1995
Off the Wall Gallery (Edmonton, Alberta): 2 person show

1994
- Oppertshauser Gallery (Stony Plain, Alberta): 2 person show
- Café at Holts (Edmonton, Alberta): 1 person show of raku masks
- Gardiner Museum of Ceramic History (Toronto, Ontario); 10th Anniversary Exhibition

1993
- Gardiner Museum of Ceramic History (Toronto, Ontario); Raku Invitational Exhibition
- McMullen Gallery (Edmonton, Alberta): 3 person Clay Exhibition
- Alberta Craft Council (Edmonton, Alberta): Under the Tree Exhibition

1992
- Alberta Craft Council (Edmonton, Alberta): Under the Tree Exhibition

1990
- Edmonton Opera Association Exhibition (Edmonton, Alberta): Masked Ball
- Alberta Craft Council, Finalist, Provincial Juried Exhibition

1989
- Alberta Craft Council (Edmonton, Alberta): Under the Tree Exhibition

1988 -1989
(Sabbatical year in England)

1987
- Walterdale Theatre (Edmonton, Alberta): 2 person exhibition of masks

1986
- Vic Gallery (Edmonton, Alberta): Group exhibit, mixed media

1983
- Bearclaw Gallery (Edmonton, Alberta): Student exhibition

1980 - 1985
- University of Alberta Extension Department (Visual Arts): Assorted pottery courses