Pamela Summers

I am a ceramic artist who primarily makes wheel thrown vessels. I strive to make pure elegant shapes. My original designs have evolved over thirty years as a full time artist and potter.

I continue to explore new combinations of form, texture, color and firing techniques. My firing process is based on the Raku process developed in 16th century Japan.

I have has taken this process to a new level developing alternative Raku firing techniques over many years. I use modern equipment and various components and chemicals. These include using a blowtorch, horse hair, sodium silicate and ferric chloride to create unusual surface textures and lush colors.

My Salt Saggar Raku is burnished to a buttery sheen, wrapped in foil with sea oats, grasses, sea salt and copper crystals. Each vessel is then fired to 1500 degrees producing warm earth colored pinks, magentas and oranges.

I make all my own vividly colored Raku glazes using formulas I have developed over 30 years.Each piece is fired in a Raku kiln to 1800 degrees. Post firing treatments include applying lustrous chemicals and burning with native grasses.

Please pick up my pots. I am proud of how they feel as well as how they look.