Here are some new raku and porcelain pieces for Ikebana International this weekend

       We unloaded the first of two batches of porcelain this morning, including plenty of porcelain vases. This high-fire porcelain is watertight even without any glaze. Raku, however, is inherently porous, due to it's low firing temperature and the heat shock from rapid cooling.

       Since Ikebana is a f lower arranging art, I have been experimenting with water sealing the raku for years. I have been concentrating on enclosed vase forms, on which the insides are barely visible, but where water tightness is advantageous.

       After years of testing polymer resins, which are smelly, toxic, and not necessarily permanent, this time I have given Drylok a go. Drylock is used for sealing concrete walls and resisting hydrostatic pressure. It is commonly used to seal fish ponds, and has been used by raku potters for many years. After some trial-and-error, I have figured out a process, and I will bring a half dozen Drylok-sealed raku pieces to the Ikebana event this weekend. 

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