The Price Gallery exhibition features local artist Steve Slaughter and his original Raku pottery. The exhibition will run from October 21 to December 12, 2024, with an artist reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Steve, an El Dorado native and employee at Clean Harbors Environmental Services, began his journey into the world of pottery while attending Louisiana Tech University. He primarily specializes in the Raku firing technique, an ancient Japanese method known for its stunning and unpredictable effects.
In Raku pottery, pieces are glazed and fired in a kiln to around 1800°F. Once the glaze melts, Steve removes the pots from the kiln using metal tongs and places them into containers filled with combustible materials such as newspaper or sawdust. The intense heat ignites the combustibles, resulting in dramatic flames and smoke. The container is then sealed, creating a reduction atmosphere that interacts with the clay and glaze, yielding stunning metallic and lustrous finishes that are entirely unique to each piece.
“I love the unpredictability of Raku,” said Slaughter. “No two pieces are ever the same, and that makes each one special. The process is as exciting as it is artistic.”
The community is invited to view Steve’s vibrant collection of Raku artwork and to meet the artist at the reception on October 29, where he will share insights into his creative process and passion for pottery.
SAAC galleries are located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas and are free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. For more information or the schedule an appointment, call the South Arkansas Arts Center at 870-862-5474.