Tom Radca
Tom Radca
Ceramic Art
For years, Tom Radca's pottery designs have been treasured for their marvelous depth of color and lusterous highlights. Expertly handcrafted in the artisan's rural Ohio barn studio, Radca's trademark large scale designs feature 36" diameter plates and vessels measuring up to 60" in height.
Beginning at the potter's wheel, Radca often works with as much as 50 pounds of clay. The warmth and splendor of Radca's pieces are attributed to his carefully developed firing process. Color and effects result from controlling the temperature of firing and by introducing combustible materials to the kiln environment near the end of the firing process - a process he calls "Painting with Fire."
After the pots are fired and allowed to cool, Radca applies muratic acid that eats away at carbon buildup and exposes the color underneath. It took years of exploration for Radca to perfect this technique, as well as his unique firing process.
Artist Statement: From the first time I saw a potter creating a vessel on his wheel, I knew that this was what I wanted my life's work to be. I began my career as a functional potter, making anything that could be used in the kitchen.
After 7 years of production pottery, I hit the wall creatively and considered getting a "real job." But the challenge drove me. Taking additional coursework, learning new techniques and meeting potters who would become lifelong mentors shifted my creative focus from functional to decorative work.
Over the past 40 years, I have felt challenged to create large forms. My first attempts at 30" plates yielded a production of 75 plates, with only 8 making it through the final firing. Frustration and discouragement were tempered by the challenge -- just as my beginning attempts at life as a potter were challenged by trips to the pawn shop to be able to feed my family. My present day challenge is the production of tall, columnar vessels. The kiln gods and I continue to do battle with this form. I truly believe the challenge is necessary -- it tends to keep one humble.