Copper Matte Raku

All ceramics glazes have at minimum the following components, glass in one form or another and flux, a chemical that makes the glass melt. Ceramic glazes are really just melted glass. However, all kinds of other chemicals are often added to the glaze, affecting things like texture and color. Even the type of glass and type of flux used will yield different effects on the piece's surface. Regardless of the specific components in the glaze, Copper Matte Raku always focuses on producing a matte surface instead of a glossy finish on the finished piece.

There are many variations of copper matte in Raku. I have traditionally used bone ash as a component to yield the sand-like matte texture on the piece. Copper, Cobalt, and Manganese provide the coloration, which can be anything from a brilliant sandy copper finish to multi-colored. If I pull the piece from the kiln at the highest temperature possible and immediately place it in the trash can with newspaper to produce smoke, the result is a coppery finish. Colors tend to emerge if the piece is a little cooler when reduced. An interesting effect obtained with copper matte glazes is that the surface of the piece often shows an imprint from the flames of the burning combustibles licking against the surface. Glossy glazes often scar a bit from the burning newspaper against the molten glaze surface. There is none of that scaring on copper matte pieces, which is a benefit of this style.

I am not currently focusing on Copper Matte, but it is available upon request on any type of form desired. Simply contact me.

Examples of some of my Copper Matte forms appear above. Visit the Shop now to see all Copper Matte and other styles of Raku