BOOKS
Raku, Art and Technique. by Hal Riegger

"Raku is a technique but, far more than this, it is a philosophy.
Knowing the technique is essential but understanding Raku's
message permits an ultimate achievement in this extra-ordinary
simple, yet subtle and complex, craft of pottery ....

This book is not intended to provide a detailed set of instruc-
tions; its purpose i5 rather to explain the nature of Raku, From
the information presented, the reader should arrive at hls own
solutions ..... the response of the individual to the challenges
of the clay, the glaze, the fire and to the moment is the essence
of Raku" from the preface to "Raku, Art & Technique”,

This book is well worth owning just for the wonderful photographs
mostly by the author. On ton of that there ls a comprehensive
outline on finding, digging and preparing clay, well illustrated
with photographs: a chapter on forming which includes textures
and finding them in nature, again beautiful photographs: chap-
ters on drying, glazing and firing with photographs which really
Show the glazing process,

There are glaze recipes, but more than that, a description of
what happens to glazes in the kiln, how application and thickness
affect the result and how different methods of application can be
used - again detailed photographs accompany the text,

Perhaps the best photographs concern kilns, not only the building
of them but wonderful photographs Looking into the glowing kilns,
pots steaming and smoking and Haming.

This is 4n author who really knows and loves his subjects and
presants an insight into it that should inspire a deep
exploration of it,

The photographs alone would make an inspiring book and along
with tham you get a philosophy and an insight into a subtly
fascinating aspect of pottery. The choice of type-face, the
excellent format and the photogqranhs make the book itself an
integrated work of art,

Ruth Meechan

23,