Taking out the hummingbird

Here's a photo a friend snapped of me taking out the hummingbird from the raku kiln.  I very much enjoy working with the raku firing process and learning how to use underglazes.  It can create some very beautiful and unpredictable surfaces.  I think I also love the smell of the burning materials when it's all done -- it reminds me of the ocean, and roasting marshmellows or hotdogs on a small grill.