Broccoli

Although it has been a slow season thus far in the garden, things are starting to happen. Last nights greens included broccoli, parsley, arugula, and a lot of cilantro.

Raku/ Traditional

Traditionally used in Tea Ceremonies in Japan, Raku was introduced in the 16th century. It was hand built, never thrown at the wheel, for a more hand made feel. The ware was taken from the kiln when red hot, and left out to cool or put directly in water. Usually in a deep red or black, Raku played an important role in the development of Japanese ceramics. Tile maker Chōjirō was the first citizen charged with creating Raku ware during the construction of the Jurakudai in Kyoto. He was soon given the family name "Raku", which has continued in the family pottery.

Raku Family Pottery HERE

There are a few examples of Raku Ware on display currently at the Asian Art Museum exhibition, "Lords of the Samurai" HERE

Paul Soldner/ Western Style Raku

Paul Soldner was one of, if not the pioneer of western style Raku, introducing the combustible reduction chamber in the 1960's. Traditionally as mentioned, Raku ware was taken from the hot kiln and left out to cool, or put in water. With western style Raku, a chamber such as a trash can, would be filled with sawdust, seaweed etc, to encourage combustion. The lid of the trash can would be put on once the red hot ware was put in the can to create an intense reduction or carbonized atmosphere, turning the clay body black. 

Paul Soldner HERE

In House Raku

western style/ianiswas

The neighbors bottling the Sangiovese and the Chardonnay. Also had a chance to taste the Biodynamic Zinfandel and the Cabernet from the barrell, and am looking forward to the release later this summer. Can't get more local then just across the street. Talk about a garage wine. Good work Matthew!

Wine-Thieves HERE

Jerry Rothman

Jerry Rothman was faculty at Cal State Fullerton for over 25 years, and Laguna Beach resident for equally as long. Rothman is also credited with inventing what is now called Ferro-ceramic, a mixture of ceramic and inorganic materials, that allowed for clay and steel to be fired together, in order to create large scale cantilevered structures. The clay itself would not shrink dramatically against the steel during firing preventing cracks. Most of the images here are from the "Sky Pot" series from the 1960's, during his Otis days working with Voulkos.

Into the mainstream

In 1987 skimboard pioneer Tom Trager made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the skimming world, which was pretty much Laguna Beach then, thought the sport was ready for it's close up. 22 years later...........

Arms

It was only a matter of time. It is after all, connected to the hand.

from the top:

Picasso 

Paul Thek

Ricky Swallow

Anno Dijkstra

Natalie McDonald

Corkage

Four corked bottles employing old world pottery ethics: One glaze, thick and thin for variation.

Burning Spear 1977

Dry and Heavy from 1977, still one of the great Reggae records.

Burning Spear HERE