Raku Fired Ceramics

This course makes an ideal entry point for beginners who wish to try their hand at making with clay but is also suitable for those with experience who may wish to develop their own project ideas during the first workshop. This course involves two different workshops.

Day One – Hand Building Workshop

The first workshop introduces students to the basic and ancient pinch-pot technique with which to create one or two bowls as well as a larger bottle/vase or sculptural form by joining two pinch pots together. Decorating techniques and finishes will be introduced and discussed, including; mark making through embossing or carving into clay, the characteristics of raku glazes and an explanation on the effects of flames and smoke on pieces during the reduction process.

Day Two – Glazing & Raku Firing Workshop

The second workshop introduces students to the basics of glazing as well as the use of wax resist and masking tape. Once students have glazed all their pieces, they will assist in the setting up of the raku kiln and reduction bins in the courtyard. The raku firing process incorporates a fast kiln firing, a transfer of the pots from the kiln into the reduction bins, followed by plunging them into cold water and a final cleaning with steel wool to remove the excess carbon. The student work will be ready to take home immediately on completion of the firings.

The same class also runs on Fridays 14th & 21st July