Artisans On The Ave in Lake Worth  will feature two of their over 40 artists, Nancy Bernardeau and Robert Hunter.  “Fire and Wood” will open with a Free Public Reception on Friday, January 20th.  Meet the artists as they share their creations made with Raku firing techniques and exotic woods.  The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.  

Artisans On The Ave
630 Lake Avenue Lake Worth, Florida 33460
561-582-3300     561-762-8162

The Public Is Invited:

“Fire and Wood”

Opening Reception:

Friday, January 20, 2017

6:00 – 9:00 PM

This is a free event, refreshments will be served

Gallery Hours:

Open 7 days a week
Monday thru Saturday 11am – 9pm
Sunday 11am – 6pm

Pottery Vessel by Nancy Bernardeau

The Magic of Raku: Nancy Bernardeau

When most potters think of raku firing, they think of what should technically be referred to as “American” or “Western” raku: a process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat and subjected to post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being placed in containers of combustible materials, which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. This raku firing process has a huge draw for many potters because of its excitement and unpredictability. Raku is perfect for potters and ceramic artists who are ready to experiment with custom glazes, or for those who have grown tired of their own tried and true glazes.

Pottery Vessel by Nancy Bernardeau

Nancy Bernardeau tells us, “Raku firing is one of the most exciting processes in ceramics. After you place your pottery into a raku kiln, the anticipation builds as you wait for that final moment when the intense heat begins to melt the raku glazes. It is so dramatic to open up a kiln when it is glowing red hot at around 1832 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course there is danger involved, making it even more exciting and adrenaline producing! So she gear’s up with her respirator, high temperature gloves, and clothing that completely covers and protects from the intense heat. Raku firing gives me the “instant gratification” of seeing my results a lot more rapidly than waiting hours for a kiln to fire and then cool down”.

“Being directly involved in the firing and reduction process, since I place each piece in a container with combustibles, set it up in flames and put a tight cover on it so it smokes and smolders. This reduction or deprivation of oxygen is what creates the dramatic blacks and crackles, a signature of Raku pottery. The magic then continues when the pot is taken out of the container and scrubbed clean under water. The beautiful colors then reveal themselves in sometimes unexpected ways”!

The Patterns of Wood: Robert Hunter

Exotic Wood Trays by Robert Hunter

Whether it be a cutting board or a coffee table, the grains and colors of the woods are the focus of artist Robert Hunter. He is fascinated with what causes the different patterns to occur in the woods; from wind or rain; too much or too little sun, or to the tiny insects that boar the holes that cause the streaks in Ambrosia Maple. With the exotic woods, he works with, the pieces will always be one of a kind.

One of a Kind Candle Holder by Robert Hunter

Robert Hunter is always surprised by what he finds under the bark of a tree and how it will lend itself to the beauty of that specific creation. His unique items of wood art are seen as a contemporary artistic medium, used in traditional and modern styles.  Wood offers a fascination, beauty, and complexity in the grain.

Visit this opening night for an evening of fun.

Meet the artists!!!

View our wonderful art and enjoy yourself!

For more information about this exhibit, classes or how to become part of this gallery please call:

Artisans On The Ave
Owners: Betty Wilson and Linda Manganaro
561-762-8162 or 561-582-3300

630 Lake Avenue Lake Worth, FL 33460
www.ArtisansOnTheave.com

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com  561-537-0291

17019 SW Sapri Way  Port St. Lucie, FL 34986