Red White and Blue Vase 9"x4.5" SOLD! Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration	Gold Vertical Ripped Vase 12" x 7" $225 David Fernandez
Classic Two Toned Vessell 15"x 12" $420 Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration	Little Yellow Buddah Vase 8" x 5" SOLD! Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration
	Classic urn with stripe 9" x 8" $360 Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration
Purple and Blue Drip Plate 20" $680 Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration	Large Platter 20" $680 Black-Semelka and FernandezCollaboration
Vertical Carved Blue and Pink Vase 6" x 7" $75 Colleen Black-Semelka	Textured Pink Pot 10" x 11" $260 Colleen Black-Semelka
Black and White Ripped Vase 12" x 7" $225 David Fernandez	Pastel Matiesse Vase 11" x 7.5" $165 Colleen Black-Semelka
Barmauce Tea Bowl 5" x 3" SOLD! Colleen Black-Semelka	Blue Tea Bowl 5" x 3.5" $40 Colleen Black-Semelka
Medium Bowls Various Colors $38 to $45 each Colleen Black-Semelka	Medium Bowls Various Colors $38 to $45 each Colleen Black-Semelka

Colleen Black-Semelka

Raku and My Philosophy

Raku is a Japanese term which refers to a type of ceramics made by techniques characteristic of 17th century Japanese ware. The term Raku implies ease, pleasure and spontaneity. The Raku firing process is relatively quick by ceramic standards and results in rapid chemical changes. It is these rapid changes and implied definition of Raku which I have focused on in my work.

Change is inevitable. Some outcomes are beyond our control, yet others can be influenced by our thoughts, actions and perceptions. By merely changing the angle from which one views my work, the versatility of each shape can be seen. The pieces appear to move as they acquire different forms when viewed from different angles. The reflective properties of Raku glazes further embellish these changes in perceptions.

Because of these characteristics, I see my new work as an answer to society's demands for infinite variety and instant gratification. Through my work, I wish to plant a seed and hope that it will grow into a novel and sensuous experience that transcends the visual realm. If people looked at each other with new sensitivity, many of our human differences could be resolved. As the world becomes smaller and cultures blend, we need to develop a better understanding to live with each other in harmony and peace. It is these feelings of ease and harmony (as the term Raku implies) that I try to evoke with my newest collection. I start with what is inevitable and combine it with what can be.

511 Red Banks Rd. | Greenville, NC 27858 | Phone 252.353.7000 | Fax 252.353.7007 | Email Art@City-Art-Gallery.com