Fire and Water: Raku Workshop

In this exciting spontaneous process for glazing derived from the Ancient Japanese Tea Ceremony, some amazing glaze effects can be achieved from reduction firing in the outdoor raku kiln. A brief history, the process and safety procedures will be discussed.

We will also explore the techniques of naked raku. We will be glazing, then firing, pulling pieces from the kiln and taking home fabulous raku fired pottery.

Students will need to bring two to five bisque fired raku clay pieces in size recommended to be no larger than 12" high x 6" wide--no flat pieces, please. NOTE: If you don't have raku bisque ware, a limited number of bisque fired pieces can be purchased for $10 to $20 per piece.

We will be able to fire at least 2 of your pieces, depending on size of pieces and number of students, but hope to get all pieces fired. The class may go later than 4 PM in order to accomplish this.

Please remember to bring a sack lunch.

A NOTE ON HEALTH & SAFETY

The raku process involves working with smoke and flames. The Hudgens Center for Art and Education will provide safety masks, however, please consider your respiratory sensitivities before registering.

A limited number of leather gloves will be available for use while handling hot objects, we encourage you to bring your own. Participants MUST wear sturdy shoes and natural fibers (cotton jeans and tops), YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE WEARING SYNTHETIC FIBERS SUCH AS NYLON/POLYESTER!

THIS IS A WEATHER DEPENDENT, OUTDOOR ACTIVITY. Workshop may be postponed due to adverse weather conditions.