Mike Bose

Inspired by large handmade utilitarian vessels of Southeast Asia. And old enough to be influenced by the Bernard Leach school of ceramics, I like big bold strong forms not relying on tricks or bright colors to convince someone they’re good. Solid real forms. Raku is my process. With tongs the work is pulled out of the kiln while still cherry red. At that point you have seconds to influence the life’s direction of the piece before plunging it into a reduction material. Carbon from the reduction (sawdust or leaves in my case) is sucked into the unglazed surface. The glaze fissures by thermal shock and receives carbon as well. The result is immediate and amazing. Raku is a process which requires your presence from start to finish. Outside interests in paleontology and archeology manifests itself throughout the work.