Hand built raku fired ceramics by Michele Rudenko
Artist’s Statement: Working in American Raku ceramics is an inspiring and fulfilling process. The mercurial nature of Raku often results in a creation that is unique, powerful, and beautiful. This is a marvelous lesson in non-attachment that guides me and possibly others into a deeper understanding of self.
Medium: Hand built raku fired ceramics. I deeply appreciate the entire journey from its beginning as a quiet contemplative moment when I first press my hands into a mass of clay. What follows entails the design and crafting of a piece, its burnishing, bisque, glazing and then completing with the Raku firing and post firing reduction phase.
My work grows and expands, subjected to a vast range of influences. I love pushing the limits of the clay, experimenting with and fabricating new glazes and firing techniques.
This process is a most statisfying experience.
Artistic Resume:
- 1976-1998: Primary artistic expression through watercolor painting, jewelry design, and crafting.
- 1998-2005: Ceramic education – Andree Thompson, Walnut Creek Civic Arts Center, Walnut Creek, CA – Ericka Clark, Merritt College, Oakland, CA
Winning Exhibitions:
- April 2007, Artists Choice Best Art in the Park, Albany Spring Arts Festival, Albany, CA
- August 2007, First Place Best Art in the Park, Martinez Art in the Park, Martinez, CA
- October 2007, Honorable Mention, Sculpture Category, Danville Art in the Park, Danville, CA
- First Place, 2008 Spotlight V publicly juried competition through Zhibit.org
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