Raku pottery a passion for CV senior
Brandon Dowdy has found his passion. The Central Valley High School senior has discovered the world of raku. Now in his third year in Sue Mihalic’s pottery class, he’s developed a talent for the 16th century Japan method of firing clay.
Dowdy is so intrigued with this form of pottery that he has built his own raku kiln and is using it as his senior culminating project for graduation.
“He’s very much a perfectionist. Whereas other kids would be more than satisfied with a project he goes a step further and further. He’ll go a bit deeper, pushing it until the piece is ruined. But even then he’s creative enough to make something of it. He’s the type of student that makes teaching a joy,” said Mihalic.
“I’ve ruined so many things. For some reason it irritates me if it’s not perfect, otherwise it’s just an OK pot,” said Dowdy.
Dowdy shares his love of pottery with his mother, Karen, who received her own pottery wheel for a Christmas gift a few years ago.
“My mom and I can talk about pottery for hours. I guess I got her artistic side. She’ll make cool designs with lace and try different things. She inspires me to go beyond,” said Dowdy.
Dowdy made his own kiln using chicken wire, a fire blanket, fire bricks and a propane tank. His house has become a place for him and his friends from pottery class to hang out and work on the pottery wheel. They get tips and pointers from his mom.
“This is a great generation bridge. The students learn other techniques. Anytime you can get a parent to encourage a child, everyone is going to benefit and as a bonus, other kids have an opportunity to learn, too,” said Mihalic.
Mihalic said that about 20 percent of her students will continue with their pottery after graduation. “It’s a quality way to use down time. I’m more than happy to promote it (pottery) as an avocation rather than a vocation,” said Mihalic.
Dowdy plans to continue with his pottery after he graduates. Any college he attends would have to offer it as a class. “It gives me a reason to keep going to school, other than just academics.”
Dowdy says he’s found a niche with raku. “I don’t like to do the same thing over and over. I want my work to be unique. I like to experiment,” said Dowdy.
No two pieces of raku pottery ever look alike since each piece reacts differently to the reduction atmosphere. It’s the unpredictability and variability of raku that makes it attractive to Dowdy.