News
This is where you will find up to date information about upcoming events, past events, workshops or just general happenings around Kaipara Wild Studios.
If you see something on this website that you'd either like to buy or have a go at making; or if you'd like some more information, just drop me a line to: connect@kaiparawild.nz and I'll do my best to make it happen.
Harbour Hospice Art Exhibition & Sale: 30/05/24
Over the Kings Birthday weekend (30th May - 3rd June 2024), I've been asked to exhibit some of my latest pieces in the Eastuary Arts Harbour Hospice Art Exhibition and Auction! This is the first time I've really exhibited any of my pieces in anything like this. It's been very exciting and more than a little daunting! The worst part has been pricing my art. I'm pretty good at under-selling things, but luckily I've got a good bunch of friends that encourage me to price things reasonably. And it's to raise money for a great charity so that helps too. So if you're in Orewa over the long weekend, pop in to the Estuary Arts Centre and have a look at all the wonderful art for sale! Here's a link for some info: https://harbourhospice.org.nz/event/hibiscus-coast-art-exhibition/
Here's some images of my pieces:
"Ugly Pugly"
"King Angus"
Raku Firing: 27/01/24
Raku is an ancient Japanese technique. A Google search tells me that the technique was first developed in Kyoto in the 16th Century! I'm sure there are many variations, but the way I was taught goes as follows: Using a gas kiln, heat bisqued and glazed pieces up to around 1000 degrees (celsius). Whilst still glowing hot, carefully remove each piece and place it in a container of wood chips. The wood chips immediately ignite, causing the fire and smoke to surround the piece - creating the vibrant colors you see. The pieces are then covered and allowed to cool for a while, before plunging them into cold water (which fixes the glazes and helps create the "crackle" effect. In this process, any are of the piece not covered in glaze will be stained black by the smoke.
Alternatively, you could do "Naked Raku." Once again you use bisqued pieces. The kiln is heated to around 700 degrees Celsius. The pottery is then taken out and pieces of horse hair / feathers / sugar etc. are placed on the hot surfaces. The hair etc. immediately melts and creates wonderful "shadow-like" designs on the pottery.
You never quite know what you're going to get with Raku firing but this was a great success and everyone had loads of fun! If you're keen on watching the process, just email me at connect@kaiparawild.nz.