Jan Kushnier has always been fascinated with masks.

A former grade school teacher, Kushnier is now a Raku artist. Raku is a form of Japanese pottery whose name literally translates to “enjoyment” or “ease.”

Kushnier, who described the complex process as “extremely unpredictable and exciting,” said her love of Raku is a very personal experience, as she is essentially putting herself into the clay.

“Ultimately, I surrender the mask to the air, fire and water of this process and accept that these elements will determine the outcome of my creation,” said Kushnier of Raku’s almost spiritual involvement with the elements.

Facing the Flames, an arrangement featuring much of Kushnier’s hand-made masks, is currently being shown at the Cre8ery.

In the mask-making process, bisqued pottery is fired to approximately 1,800 degrees F, then removed from the kiln red hot, and placed into a metal garbage can lined with newspapers. The heat from the pottery ignites these materials and the container is sealed. Finally, the piece is removed from the chamber and plunged into cold water to set the colours.

Kushnier did not focus on a specific theme when making the masks, instead starting with an idea and drawing her inspiration from different cultures.

She described how patterns can be designed by using wax so that certain areas remain untouched by the glaze.

“Areas that are without glaze turn black from the carbon in the fire” she said, while the fire provides glazed areas with colour. “But fire can provide different results [on different masks] even though the same glaze was used.”

While there are a large variety of glazes available, Kushnier said she primarily uses just two types: a matte glaze, which is dull, and a luster glaze, which is shiny.

Set against a white wall in the Cre8ery Gallery, the features and colours of Kushnier’s creations are accentuated, showcasing their details and complexity. Each mask is different from the one next to it, employing numerous colours and accessories, such as straw, feathers and jewelry, providing each with its unique feel.

Utilizing all kinds of elements and decorations, Kushnier’s installation succeeds in capturing Raku’s unique beauty, one not often seen.

Facing the Flames is on at the Cre8ery Gallery (125 Adelaide St.) until Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Published in Volume 64, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 26, 2009)