Raku ceramic vessels


“I really like the unpredictable aspect of clay. That’s what keeps it interesting.” Laura Bruzzese throws Raku vessels, each painted with an underglaze, then fired once in the traditional manner. It takes about 45 minutes for the kiln to reach temperature, at which time the glaze is now “mature”. As the glowing vessel is exposed to the cool air outside the kiln, the severe temperature change between the piece and the glaze produces the cracks in the glaze. These cracks are highly prized as characteristic of traditional Raku Pottery.

Laura’s home is New Mexico.

She earned a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago with an emphasis in painting and drawing. She worked as a scenic painter for television and film prior to pursuing Raku pottery. Laura started working with clay in 1998 when she found herself limited by the two-dimensional surface of a canvas. It is now her primary avenue of artistic expression.