David Austin 'Kitiakitanga II', Sculptural Vessel

Made in a raku kiln at low temperatures, this vessel from David Austin represents the concept of being a guardian of our environment and everything in it. Living with this piece acts as a portal to this concept and looks out over one's environment. Kitiakitanga is a Maori concept but has universal relevance.

This unique work is not waterproof.

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David Austin is a ceramic artist/designer who makes in New Zealand, Australia and England. David is primarily a RAKU maker. This process involves raku clay which is able to withstand the sudden heat change in a gas fired raku kiln. All pieces are bisque fired first and then subjected to heat and then oxidised in a smoke chamber producing an endless array of surface finishes. Austin has New Zealand Māori ancestry and explores Māori concepts such as 'Kitiakitanga' - a concept of looking after our environment and everything in it ; 'Whakapapa', the concept that we are the product of all of ancestors and should acknowledge this. 

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Material: Raku clay, raku glazes, black sand, aluminium, reduction smoke chamber, gold oil-based paint, and lacquer coat. This work is not waterproof. 

Dimensions: approx. 45 x 37 x 9cm