Raku Firing Workshop - Saturday, June 1st

Raku is a dramatic, fast, and exciting alternative firing technique! Red hot pieces are removed from the kiln and placed in a reduction chamber filled with combustible materials to create flashes of color in the glazes, and beautiful crackle effects embellished by the smoke in the reduction chamber.  An alternative soluble salts decoration style will be available. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience and is open to students 18 and older.

Bring your own pieces, up to 6, to be raku fired.  Firing is based on time and capacity and will be carried out in order.   Everyone is guaranteed at least 2 pieces, but we anticipate having space for additional.  Raku clay is the best clay body to use to minimize breaking pieces due to thermal shock.   Other clay bodies can also be used, but the risk of pieces breaking increases.  Pieces must be no taller than 8 inches and no wider than 6 inches. Because of spacing, plates and wide bowls should be avoided for this firing. Your pieces must be bisque fired to between cone 08 to 04 using Stoneware or Raku clay. Glazes and other decorating materials will be provided. Feel free to email us if you have any questions about specialty pieces or wish to try other firing styles. Don't forget to pack some lunch as we will be firing throughout the day, water and snacks will be provided. You can bring camping/folding chair to rest inbetween firing cycles as this event will be held outside. Courtesy bisquing is available, please contact us about it prior the workshop by 2 weeks. Pieces will be bisqued the week of the raku firing.

Safety

Raku firing will have open flames and high temperatures, so you must be wearing cotton clothing, long sleeves, jeans, and closed-toe shoes in order to participate. If you have long hair, please make sure you're able to tie it, and if you have facial hair, please make sure you do not put in any products as they might be flammable.

 

Tools

All tools will be provided such as tongs, gloves, reduction chambers, paper, glazing instruments, and flammable materials (newspaper). If you have welding gloves and would like to bring them, feel free. Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or smelling like a campfire.