Ceramic Santas not quite jolly, but quite popularKirchKirch112007-01-31T20:50:00Z2007-01-31T20:51:00Z15543162267370911.8106Ceramic Santas not quite jolly, but quite popularBy Marcia MannaUNION-TRIBUNE December 6, 2006 RANCHO SANTA FE – There are no bulging bellies or gleeful grins, and the raku Santas wear long robes and carry a staff rather than a sack of toys. With droopy brows and baggy eyes, their expressions say, “These are times that try men's souls” rather than, “Ho, ho, ho.”Still, these somber St. Nicks sell faster than Escondido ceramics artist Susan Kirchmer can make them.Recently, Kirchmer made more than 30 Santas to present at a women's luncheon, believing she would have plenty of surplus to display at Rancho Santa Fe Gallery's “Festive Expressions” art show, which continues through Jan. 6.The Santas were gone within an hour. Now just two figures are exhibited at the gallery, one in a red robe, one in green, and Kirchmer can barely keep up with the demand.“People were fighting over them,” she said, sounding incredulous. “I already had someone call from the show and order five.“They have these compelling whimsical faces with a forlorn look that speaks to me. I just couldn't capture the nuance of jolly.” The raku Santas are made by an arduous process, and each one is unique.Raku has been practiced in Japan since the 16th century, and differs from the conventional slow cooling method of firing ceramics in a closed kiln. Each piece is fired twice, then pulled from the kiln with tongs and fireproof gloves while it's glowing hot.“Raku is more appealing to me,” said Kirchner, who is known for the Asian-influenced lanterns and vessels she creates at her home studio. “The firing is quick and you do small batches rather than a full kiln load. The glazes are molten hot, and you have to get the lid off quickly and remove the item by hand. But you have more immediate results and it's more intriguing. The raku process leaves more room for error and it involves a lot of chance. The piece goes through a lot to survive.”When the Santas are removed from the kiln, they are plunged into a tin container filled with sawdust, leaves and pine needles. The transfer from fire to air causes the porous clay to crack, and the surface becomes black from smoke.About one-third of the time, the works break during the process. Those that endure the trial by fire get scrubbed clean, leaving behind an antique-looking crackled surface. Some of the glazes take on an iridescent sheen, but in every case, the outcome is a surprise.The last step is embellishing the figures. At the end of each pointed hat, for instance, Kirchmer attaches a spray of tiny ornaments with curly metallic wire.“Each one is thoughtfully adorned,” she said. “Some have raffia on the staff, some have little baskets.”At the gallery, one Santa has a miniature birdhouse hanging from his staff, the other Santa dangles two tiny gold and red packages.“Festive Expressions” showcases works by the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild, a group of more than 50 photographers, painters, sculptors and glass artists. There are dreamy landscapes by painter Nancy McTigue, bright watercolors by Martha Grim, and art glass by Cherie Laporte Cohen.Kirchmer is one of 15 artists who joined this year.“They have a jury process to add new artists,” Kirchmer said.“All of them are fabulous people. Artists try to stick together and help each other be successful.”R0lGODlhBQAHAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAFAAcAQAIHjI8Ju6kMCgA7AA== Marcia Manna covers North County arts and entertainment for the Union-Tribune.  R0lGODlhAgACAIAAAMDAwAAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAACAAIAQAIChFEAO1==   Find this article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20061206-9999-1mi6raku.html