Ruth Apter’s raku sculptures are inspired by traditional fetishes of the Southwest. Visit her website to see more of her work.
![Running Horse in Turquoise](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Turquoise-2.jpg)
“Running Horse in Turquoise” Raku Fired Ceramics and Copper Wire, 6″ L
A friend asked me the other day when I decided to be an artist. I was baffled by the question. I couldn’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t making things or thinking about color, texture and design.
![Love Bunnies](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_love_bunnies_raku_fired_ceramics_approximately_3_inches_high.jpg)
“Love Bunnies” Raku Fired Ceramics, 3″H
I have spent my lifetime exploring materials and techniques. There were a few art school classes that I attended decades ago, but I would have to say my journey is primarily self taught, with some mentoring from artistic friends along the way.
![Dog with Hydrant](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_dog_with_hydrant_raku_fired_ceramics_approximately_2_34_inches_long.jpg)
“Dog with Hydrant” Raku Fired Ceramics, 2.75″L
My current work in clay is somewhat of a surprise for me. My earlier attempts with clay involved the wheel. I hate throwing pots, and I do not like sitting at a machine. I admire potters but I do not make pots. I sculpt. I glaze tiles.
![Red Bear with Salmon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_red_bear_with_salmon_raku_fired_ceramics_3_inches_long.jpg)
“Red Bear with Salmon” Raku Fired Ceramics, 3″L
When I take a step back and look at the animals I create, it occurs to me that I am after their essence. I do not make bears . . . I make “bear-ness”. When I am working on a new design, it often takes me a few tries to capture the look and pose I am after. Sometimes I think my work looks like a young child made it, especially when I am working on a prototype and I get it wrong. The next one just might have the qualities I am looking for.
![Owls](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_owls_raku_fired_ceramics_approximately_3_12_inches_high.jpg)
“Owls” Raku Fired Ceramics, 3″L
Raku is a tricky business. The very nature of the process involves risk. Raku is akin to glass working in some ways.
![Howling Wolf](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_howling_wolf_smoke_fired_ceramics_3_“_long.jpg)
“Howling Wolf” Smoke Fired Ceramics, 3″L
I do love playing with fire and taking calculated chances. There are design limitations involved with raku. I believe I have pushed the limits, both working on such a small scale and with designs that have lots of fragile parts.
![Buffalo](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_buffalo_raku_fired_ceramics_3”_long.jpg)
“Buffalo” Raku Fired Ceramics, 3″L
I am fascinated by the never-ending variations found in the copper glazes; fire patterns caught and frozen. I do my firing in an unusual way. I take the pieces out of my custom electric kiln when they reach 1850 degrees Fahrenheit and place the copper glazed animals in a bucket with a crumpled piece of paper. With tongs, I grab up the flaming paper around the animal and plunge it into a bucket of water. The patterns of the flames are captured on the surface as the piece is suddenly cooled.
![3 Sea Otters in Gren Tea White and Leaf Green Crackle Glazes](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rsz_3_sea_otters_in_green_tea_white_and_leaf_green_crackle_glazes_raku_fired_ceramics_3_14_inches_long.jpg)
“3 Sea Otters in Green Tea White and Leaf Green Crackle Glazes” Raku Fired Ceramics, 3.25″L
I use a lot of colors in my work, and love the way the crackle lines are enhanced by the smoke. I blow on each critter as it is taken out of the kiln until I hear it start to ping from the stress. Next, I plunge the piece into a bucket of sawdust and whole oats. As the piece smolders, the patterns are formed and the smoke enters the cracks and is trapped. This is the magic of doing a raku firing. I have fired thousands of pieces, and I am still captivated.
![Two Billy Goats in White and Patches](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Billy-Goats-2.jpg)
“Two Billy Goats in White and Patches” Raku Fired Ceramics, 2.75″L
My nephew once asked me how I know if I have done good work. He gets a raise and an “attaboy” at work. I told him either my work sells or it doesn’t. All my “attagirls” have to come from within. And so it is with most artists, I think.
Ruth Apter invites you to follow her on Facebook.
Thanks for the exposure. I could not be more pleased!
wonderful
Lovely work, you have a lovely yard as seen in Robin Urtons photos…