Raku Pottery Making & Firing 13/14th July 2024 FULLY BOOKED
A beginners introduction and hands on experience of the dramatic technique of Raku pottery making and firing.
Raku is a Japanese pottery firing technique, traditionally used by itinerant potters arriving, with their kiln and firing to order, and was often a social event.
Pots are made, bisque fired, glazed, fast fired, then removed red hot, and plunged into sawdust next into water which produces beautiful, natural and unique results. Pots can be taken home at the end of the 2nd day.
This will be a 2 day course and comprise, working together, participating in wood preparation, kiln building, simple pottery making and the unique process of Raku firing.
Maximum 6 places
All materials supplied, old outdoor clothes and strong footwear recommended
Schedule
Day 1 An introduction the dramatic Japanese process of Raku in all it’s stages. We’ll then make simple pots and leave to dry
After lunch we’ll start building a simple brick kiln, learn about glazing and prepare wood for Day 2 firing.
Day 2. The first (bisque) firing will have been started off early and we’ll be stoking the kiln to about 1000° C we then take the pots out and cool them ready to glaze.
After lunch we’ll glaze pots, pack into the kiln for firing to 900° C, The fun starts as we take out red hot pots and plunge into sawdust, then cool rapidly in water - be prepared for clouds of smoke, steam and blackened pots that clean up to reveal beautiful natural and unpredictable results.