As for me, I’ve developed just as slowly, until I started making raku ceramics. In the beginning I did something else entirely. I specialised in the Japanese language for many years. I taught Japanese and translated as well. Like all translators, I dealt with a wide variety of document, but what I most enjoyed was translating books. So that has nothing to do with raku.

Once in a while, I did pottery. Never raku though. I did a bit of pottery in Japan actually, where I lived for a few years. One day, in France, I read an article about a pottery technique that used a method of firing the items in a very fast way, removing them from the kiln while still very hot, putting them in a bin full of sawdust to fill them with smoke, and then submerging them in cold water. Subjugation. For reasons I cannot explain to myself, this matter really struck me and it seems that I came into contact with raku, without realising.

 

The article disappeared; my life continued.

And one day, years later, raku returned, and imposed itself.

 

What I like about raku, is the unpredictable aspect of the work. Nothing is for sure and there are surprises, all the time. I also like the irregular and brut aspect of the items. The creations are always absolutely unique as the combination of earth, fire and water never give identical results. And there is a lot to be said about the mysteries and pleasures gained from finding perfection among imperfection. At the end of the day, just like in life.