Raku is a low fire process, reaching around 1000C at its highest temperature. In raku, pottery is removed from the kiln when red hot. It is cooled rapidly, often in combustible material like sawdust or paper. Raku firing is usually done in a fuel-burning kiln, rather than an electric kiln.
The Raku pottery tradition originated in Japan in the 16th century. In its original Japanese form raku pottery was typically hand-built and used to make tea bowls. These are small semi-porous drinking vessels used in a Japanese tea ceremony.
Over the years, the Raku pottery process has evolved. Raku pottery ware has developed from the humble tea bowl to any kind of pottery you can imagine.
Some modern raku is black and white with a strong crackle effect. Other raku pottery has striking vibrant colours and hues.
Each Raku workshop is held over two consecutive Sundays 9am to 4pm.
Wheel-throwing (including trimming/finishing your pieces) or hand-building experience is required.
On the first Sunday you will make your pieces for the raku firing the following Sunday.
Pieces can be either thrown on the wheel or hand-built, the choice is up to you.
Your pieces will then be bisque fired ready for the raku firing.
The following Sunday is the Raku firing. This very hands-on. After glazing your pieces, they will be fired in the raku kiln up to 950c. They will be taken out while red hot and place in bins lined with saw dust. This will create amazing metallic colours and effects on the piece.
Sunday 28th January and Sunday 4th February
Workshop Length: 2 x 7hrs
Time: 9am to 4pm
Price: $220pp
Age: 18+
What's Included:
All clay, glazing materials and firings.
Tea, Coffee and Light Refreshments.
Skills Required to take part in this Workshop:
Wheel-throwing (including trimming/finishing your pieces) or hand-building experience. These workshops are not suitable for the absolute beginner, as tuition is not included.
What to bring:
Apron or protective clothing
Towel
Enclosed shoes are essential
Your Lunch
Hat and sun cream on the second Sunday, as this will take place outside.
Sunday 3rd and Sunday 10th March
Workshop Length: 2 x 7hrs
Time: 9am to 4pm
Price: $220pp
Age: 18+
What's Included:
All clay, glazing materials and firings.
Tea, Coffee and Light Refreshments.
Skills Required to take part in this Workshop:
Wheel-throwing (including trimming/finishing your pieces) or hand-building experience. These workshops are not suitable for the absolute beginner, as tuition is not included.
What to bring:
Apron or protective clothing
Towel
Enclosed shoes are essential
Your Lunch
Hat and sun cream on the second Sunday, as this will take place outside.
Sunday 14th and Sunday 21st April
Workshop Length: 2 x 7hrs
Time: 9am to 4pm
Price: $220pp
Age: 18+
What's Included:
All clay, glazing materials and firings.
Tea, Coffee and Light Refreshments.
Skills Required to take part in this Workshop:
Wheel-throwing (including trimming/finishing your pieces) or hand-building experience. These workshops are not suitable for the absolute beginner, as tuition is not included.
What to bring:
Apron or protective clothing
Towel
Enclosed shoes are essential
Your Lunch
Hat and sun cream on the second Sunday, as this will take place outside.
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