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Island Images: Raku Ho‘olaule‘a

Creating art can be a lonely endeavor, so events that bring artists together are a welcome change. For ceramists, the annual Raku Ho‘olaule‘a is a special event.

"As artists, we tend to work in solitary in our studios, and this gives us the opportunity to all come together to collaborate and work, which is such an important aspect," said organizer Jackie Lau.

Award-winning works and other selected pieces from this year’s gathering are now on view at the ARTS at Marks Garage through July 14.

Leading up to the exhibition, Hawaii Craftsmen, a nonprofit organization that supports the fine crafts community, hosts a series of raku workshops throughout the year, culminating in an intense four-day camp, where artists fire pieces. This year’s camp was held at Camp Mokuleia May 25 to 28.

Later, works are juried for selection.

"It’s such a wonderful experience, it’s definitely the highlight of my year," said Phillip Markwart, 61, a silk screener and textile designer. Markwart took first prize for his tea caddy in the traditional category.

"Other art shows are for the pieces, but this exhibit — while it culminates in an art show — highlights the process of the pieces," he said.

The 36th annual event brought together more than 70 artists from across the state to test their skills at the traditional ceramic art form, which originated in Japan during the 16th century as part of Zen practice.

Following the customary ways of raku, potters must fashion pieces used in a traditional tea ceremony, from tea bowls and cups to dishes for holding sweets. Pieces are rapidly fired in a kiln at temperatures of 1,600 to 1,800 degrees.

"For all the artists, this is truly a labor of love because it’s a lot of work," Lau said. "(The process) is elemental; we can’t do this type of work in our studios and it fulfills something deep in our nature."

The retreat allowed artists to indulge in everything ceramic and share techniques and tips.

This year’s guest juror was artist Steven Forbes-deSoule from North Carolina, who has focused on raku for more than 20 years, Lau said. Hawaii Craftsmen strives to find a mainland judge to eliminate bias, Lau said.

While there are two categories, contemporary and traditional, in which artists can enter their pieces, they must enter at least one of their works in the traditional category.