Montreal based Jose Drouin draws inspiration for her unique raku works from forms which evoke other cultures, as well as human and animal figures. The simplification of these forms lends an almost ancient quality to her work, resulting in pieces that appear to be artifacts.

Jose's personal involvement in her work is twofold. On the one hand, she is a craftswoman who physically shapes and throws the clay to create her work. However, she is also an artist who strives to create pieces in which others can see themselves and be familar with them. Her line of functional art breaks the boundaries of traditional serving pieces. Decorated with whimsical flourishes and creatues, these works make eating and decorating all that more enjoyable!

Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique in which the fired piece is removed from the kiln and placed in a combustible material. The pieces are then covered to deprive it of oxygen, thus causing the glazes used to shrink and create the vibrant, metallic colours seen in the final piece.