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The item up for bids is an original raku sculpture by me, Michelle Loftis. This
One Of A Kind creation is signed and dated on the bottom, and is stamped with my trademark heart on his right side near the base of his rear fins. This sculpture comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that has a photo of this "SAMSON" on it.
For those of you that are not familiar with raku, a little bit of information. Raku is an ancient Japanese form of firing in which pieces are fired once (bisqued) then glazed and put into a kiln and heated to around 1800 degrees. At that point the kiln door is opened and with a pair of tongs the piece is taken red hot from the kiln and put into a container filled with some type of combustible material (straw, paper, leaves, etc.) On contact the material ignites. I watch for a few seconds to see when the color begins to change and when it does I put on a tight fitting lid to "reduce" the oxygen and that's when the magic happens! I'm finding out as the months go by that so many things can change the outcome of a firing, and every time I think I've got it figured out and that "this time should be a breeze", surprise!! nothing will come out in the load! I think that's what makes each sculpture even more special, some may take as many as 3 or 4 firings before I'm happy with how they look.
The crackle pieces are a done a little differently. Instead of putting it into the reduction immediately, I hold it out for about a minute or so to cool the glaze enough so that it's not liquid anymore. Then I quickly put it in the can and close the lid so that the smoke darkens any of the raw parts of the clay. After a minute or two I open it, take the piece out and set it on top of an overturned can. Then I blow on it to cool the glaze really fast to crackle the glaze, being careful not to torch my eyelashes or eyebrows!! It's then put back in the can and smoked for a while longer to fill in the cracks with the carbon and "TA DA" a beautiful work of art!!
I love doing raku, it's like Christmas morning every time you open the reduction can! Sometimes you get just what you asked for or better, and sometimes you get underwear!!
This is "SAMSON". He is a sea lion. The color on this one is wonderful, especially along his back and the back of his neck. The glaze came out much different than I was expecting, with a much rougher texture than what I had planned, but that's raku for you! Always expect the unexpected!
This sculpture measures approximately 4"H x 5"D x 5.5"W.
Whether you are a Marine life collector or just enjoy great raku, don't miss your chance to get "SAMSON" I promise you'll love him!
This sculpture was individually hand built from a lump of clay.
If you would like to see more of my work please find the link to my web site on my "About Me" page, just click the "Me" icon in the upper right hand corner of this page. If you have any questions or would like to see larger pictures feel free to email me, and Please check out my other items!
If you like what you see be sure to add me to your favorites list!
LAYAWAY plan available on winning bids over $250 - I accept a convenient layaway plan on my auctions. If you would like to use my layaway plan, please see my "About Me" page.
*FREE SHIPPING in the contiguous 48 states. Reduced shipping to Hawaii, Alaska and internationally.
I prefer Paypal, or I can take credit cards with a phone call.
Buyer must contact me and payment must be made within 3 days after the end of the auction.
International bidders Paypal only and you must check with me for shipping cost.
International Buyers – Please Note:
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Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
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If you are not completely happy with your sculpture you may return it for a full refund(at your expense, minus Paypal fees if applicable) within 7 days of when you receive it provided:
#1 you pack it the same way that I sent it to you and
#2 You insure it for the amount you paid for it.
Thank You!!
If you would like to be added to my mailing list to be notified of newly fired pieces please use the "Ask a Question" link in the upper right hand side of this page and send your email address.
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On July-24-07 at 20:07:00 PST, seller added the following information:
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