Pat Grayston information page
Horse Hair Ceramics Raku
Summary
Pat Grayston is a retired high school art teacher. Pottery and painting have long been passions. Her studio features pit firing and a raku firing of pottery.
Horsehair pottery is made from a white stoneware clay that has been bisque fired to a lower than usual temperature. Later, the bisque is warmed up in the kiln to about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is removed, individual strands of horsehair, preferably from the tail, are laid against the hot surface. If the temperature on the surface of the piece is just right, the hair will attach to the pot, shrivel up, and begin to burn. As the ash forms, a small deposit of carbon and smoke is absorbed into the clay surface, leaving a permanent trace of the horsehair. As the temperature falls below 900 degrees Fahrenheit, the pot will no longer accept the hair, and the process is over. When the ashes are washed away and the piece is completely dry, it is polished with bees wax to give it a soft satin finish and lasting luster.
It is an interesting fact that most of the contemporary potters who make horsehair pieces are also raku artists. Perhaps it is because we honor the traditions of other ceramic cultures and prefer to make items that offer primarily an artistic rather than functional value to the collector. The important thing for the informed ceramic lover to remember is that horsehair pottery is not a form of raku pottery. The raku ware has a tradition which grew out of 16th century Japan, horsehair pottery is a 20th century Native American tradition which, because of its simple beauty, has been adopted by other potters who also do contemporary American raku.
Because horsehair pottery must be porous in order to achieve the effect, it is not to be used as a water vessel for fresh flowers. Its use is solely as a piece of art to enhance the décor of your favorite room and to make a statement about your appreciation of Native American fine craft.
If you ever have a chance to see it made and watch each hair form its own unique squiggly line, you’ll know immediately that you are witnessing another example of the partnership which exists between the hand of the artist and the hand of Nature. About Canada are a store in Banff Alberta who carry a range of products by Pat Grayston, they are a gallery and gift store. This is a store that sells online and tends to have some really neat Canadian made products.
at Grayston is a retired high school art teacher. Pottery and painting have long been passions. Her studio features pit firing and a raku firing of pottery.
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