JOAN GOVEDARE - fine raku potter
For over fifty years Joan Govedare has been creating elegant raku vessels imbued with beauty and the mystery of creation. Trained by her astronomer father, Govedare’s accurate depictions of the stars and constellations inside her pots amplify the feeling of sheer magic one experiences upon seeing and holding her jewel-like creations.
Aside from creating unique individual pieces, Joan at times finds a theme that deeply speaks to her and explores making a series of vessels that are related. Her ceremonial rattle series lower on this page is such a theme.
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2”h x 3” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.75”h x 3.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1”h x 2.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2 1/8”h x 3” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.5”h x 2” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2.5”h x 4” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2.5”h x 5.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2”h x 5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.5”h x 2” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 5.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 4.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
3.5”h x 2.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint, features Pisces and Aquarius
1.5”h x 2.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 4” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.5”h x 2” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint, features Delphinius the kite and Aquila the Eagle
2”h x 1.75” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
3”h x 6” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2”h x 4” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
3”h x 4” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
3”h x 3.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
2.5”h x 2.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
4.5”h x 4” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
5.75”h x 4.75” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
5.75”h x 4” diameter
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Zodiac Bowls
Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.5”h x 3.5” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
1.5”h x 3” diameter
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Rattles and Rattle Vases
In this new series Govedare explores her love of ceremonial rattles. Three of these pieces double as vases that can be used for dried flower arrangements.
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
5.5”h x 5.5”w with stand, rattle 4.5”h x 3.5”w
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
8”h x 3” diameter
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Raku fired ceramic, acrylic paint
6.5”h x 6”w with stand, rattle 4”h x 3.5”w
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About the Raku firing process
The smoky finish that underlies Govedare’s vessels is the result of an ancient firing technique called Raku.
While red hot (about 2000℉) the pots are removed from the kiln and placed on a bed of pine needles in an airtight container. Here the trapped smoke enters the clay body and turns it the characteristic shades of grey. Once cooled, durable, waterproof acrylic ceramic stains are applied with great precision, resulting in Joan's uniquely elegant vessels.
Joan in her studio on beautiful Whidbey Island