Tim Tyler is a multifaceted artist who works in clay, photography, painting, sculpture and print-making media. Tyler graduated from Winthrop with a BFA with a concentration in ceramics and after years of focusing primarily on painting and running his gallery, Tim has returned to the wheel to create some of the most gorgeous Raku vases we have seen. The word “raku” means “happiness in the accident.” Raku pottery was first developed by Japanese potters in the 16th century and it still holds a mystique today. The unique look of Raku pottery is achieved by utilizing both smoke and fire in the Raku kiln to create an unpredictable and unique style. Raku pottery can be produced from any clay, but special Raku clay is more suited to withstand higher temperatures and thermal shock. The process of Raku firing differs from other firing methods because the pots are removed from the kiln at their maximum temperature and are then covered with combustible materials such as wood, newspaper, cardboard or dried leaves; all of which produce a different effect. These materials and the smoke they produce inhibit the absorption of oxygen into the molten enamel resulting in metallic glazes , the smoky finish in unglazed areas and the crackle patterns that are unique to Raku pottery. The intrigue of applying this Raku style is in the random results that are obtained; ie, “happiness in the accident.”