Raku Firing

A few weeks ago a good friend asked me to her home to take part in a night of raku firing. Diane is a potter who loves exploring new techniques and mastering her craft. She goes to great lengths to learn and perfect every aspect, even to the extent of making her own kiln.

According to wikipedia online, raku is Japanese meaning “enjoyment,” and dates back to the 16th century. Raku pottery involves a glazing and firing process in a kiln with temperatures reaching as high as 1800°F. A post fire processing draws the oxygen out of the pottery. It is in the reduction chamber that the glaze creates a unique bronzed finish in the pottery.

Patterns and colors are unpredictable since they are created through this natural process of oxygen removal. We also experimented with a number of natural enhancements melting feathers, horse hair and leaves on the pottery while it was still red hot. The items burned off against the surface of the pottery leaving their indelible patterns.

After the firing is complete, the pottery is dunked in water to "freeze" the patterns. The reason the clay doesn’t crack under the drastic temperature change is that it is specifically designed to withstand thermal shock.

Witnessing the fiery passion of raku as evening fell in the backyard, accentuated the magic for us all. Mosquitos came out and nibbled at our elbows and ankles but we kept working, engrossed in the process and unwilling to abandon the work. The volcanic glow of the kiln, the heat of inhuman temperatures, and the sudden freezing and hissing of the pottery seemed like an alien encounter in the night.

I couldn’t help but think of God and how the breath of his nostrils created the universe. By the power of his word he called galaxies forth and in the end he will also melt this world with a fiery judgment.

As we come before him we are humbled in his presence, reduced as in a great reduction chamber. The Lord melts away the dross, forgives and cleanses. In this divine rearranging and instruction, He impacts our lives for the good.

When the Almighty touches us by the power of his Spirit he leaves an indelible mark on our souls. Every life is uniquely stamped and there are no two pieces alike. This is his purpose and it is magical, beyond our understanding. We are being transformed into his image, prepared for glory! This is the joy of creation. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and God makes all things new!

Though we face hard times and pass through dark trials in the night, our Creator is not willing to sleep or abandon the work of his hands. He labors to finish what he has begun and will continue faithfully until time has run its course and we are complete in him.

God says to us in His Word, I am faithful and I will bring it to pass. I will complete the good work I have begun in you until the Day of my appearing. Though night is coming, live as children of the day. Stand fast and be pure, even in times of trial. I am refining you that your faith may be made strong. Persevere and you will receive the crown of life.