Large Tea Bowls Raku Various Sizes $65	Med Tea Bowls Raku Various Sizes $50
Small Tea Bowls Raku Various Sizes $40	Large Turquoise & White Raku 9" x 13" x 13" $600
Large Copper Turquoise Raku 7" x 11" x 11" SOLD	Low Copper Classic Raku 6" x 12" x 12" $600
Low Gold & Turq. Plate Raku 3" x 12" x 12" SOLD	Classic Copper Crackle Raku 8" x 11" x 11" $400
Medium Blue & Navy Raku 6" x 11" x 10" SOLD	Medium Classic Blue Raku 6" x 7" x 7" $150
Medium Classic Copper Raku 6" x 8" x 8" $150	Medium Pink Classic Raku 6" x 8" x 8" $175
Medium White & Turquoise Raku 5" x 10" x 10" $150	Small Classic Green Raku 7" x 6" x 6" $125
Small Perfectly Round Raku 4" x 7" x 7" $130	Small Classic Pink Raku 5" x 7" x 7" $125
Small Yellow Oval Raku 6" x 6" x 5" SOLD!	Tall Gold & White Classic Raku 9" x 9" x 9" $300
Tall Gold & Turquoise Raku 11" x 8" x 8" $320	Large Copper Classic Raku 10" x 13" x 13" $600

Colleen Black-Semelka

Raku and My Philosophy

Raku is a Japanese term which refers to a type of ceramics made by techniques characteristic of 17th century Japanese ware. The term Raku implies ease, pleasure and spontaneity. The Raku firing process is relatively quick by ceramic standards and results in rapid chemical changes. It is these rapid changes and implied definition of Raku which I have focused on in my work.

Change is inevitable. Some outcomes are beyond our control, yet others can be influenced by our thoughts, actions and perceptions. By merely changing the angle from which one views my work, the versatility of each shape can be seen. The pieces appear to move as they acquire different forms when viewed from different angles. The reflective properties of Raku glazes further embellish these changes in perceptions.

Because of these characteristics, I see my new work as an answer to society's demands for infinite variety and instant gratification. Through my work, I wish to plant a seed and hope that it will grow into a novel and sensuous experience that transcends the visual realm. If people looked at each other with new sensitivity, many of our human differences could be resolved. As the world becomes smaller and cultures blend, we need to develop a better understanding to live with each other in harmony and peace. It is these feelings of ease and harmony (as the term Raku implies) that I try to evoke with my newest collection. I start with what is inevitable and combine it with what can be.

511 Red Banks Rd. | Greenville, NC 27858 | Phone 252.353.7000 | Fax 252.353.7007 | Email Art@CityArtGreenville.com