Shaun Hall
I have been making raku ceramics since around 1998. Currently I work from my home studio in Earls Colne, North Essex. I am a member of Anglian potters and have been featured in publications such as 500 Raku / Lark Crafts and Contemporary Raku authored by Stephen Murfitt, Crowood Press.
I became drawn to the raku process whilst studying ceramics at College in Middlesex. It is a very immediate process which can yield a variety of glaze surfaces. I favour the post reduction effect with copper oxide. Essentially this involves drawing red hot pots from the kiln and smoking them in combustible materials- either wood shavings or shredded newspaper and magazine print. The starvation of oxygen within the reduction bin helps to develop the copper red colours in the glaze. It’s something of a lottery- but also a very enjoyable and elusive firing process.
Initially, at the start of my making career, I tended towards producing solely sculptural pieces. However alongside the hand built work , I have developed my wheel throwing skills over many years of practice. I am very much influenced by Japanese potters in terms of forms such as the “yunomi” (cylinder teabowl) and “chawan” (curving open bowl). I like their rather immediate approach and use of textured slips, carving and decoration to create something distinct and unique. I throw my pots on a very old rickety kick-wheel which belonged to my late mum. I prefer this over an electric wheel and it’s good for turning and trimming the pots, which I very much enjoy.
Raku and especially copper glazed raku is not particularly food safe, so I do make these pots as purely decorative items. I use a special UV resistant lacquer on the pots which helps to preserve the colours very well. I think they are nice to hold and appreciate as little objects of art in their own right.
Recently I have started to make a small range of stoneware pottery which have something of the same uniqueness as my raku pots. These are glazed with an iron rust finish with an opal or white ash glaze. They are food and drink safe.
As well as being newly represented by the Brett Gallery I have work further afield in Southwold, York, Matlock, Colchester and the Orkney Islands. I have also sold work over the years to the USA- and collectors from Japan, Taiwan, Germany and Austria.
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