9. One Day Raku Workshop Saturday July 6th

One Day Raku Workshop Saturday July 6th or September 21st 2024

Join us at Clay Yorkshire for a one day Raku workshop.

During this one day raku workshop you will be experience a simple age-old technique that can achieve exciting results of great beauty, even for those who are doing it for the first time.
It is generally characterised by spontaneous and unrepeatable, elemental effects where the dialogue between earth, water, air and fire play the main roles.
The term raku is closely related to the philosophy of Zen & is of Japanese origin and means “joy”, “happiness”, “glory of the day”
A wonderful technique that allows you to observe, in a few hours, an entire firing cycle.

We will provide 2 pieces of work already bisqued (at 950 °C), unless you would prefer to bring your own bisque fired work (we will provide maximum dimensions for these pieces). We will prepare the pieces for the raku firing in the application of specific raku glazes or the slip for the naked raku which can be scratched to create linear patterns with smoke.

The pieces will be loaded in the kiln and once the temperature reaches approximately 1000 °C they are removed, in incandescent stage, with the help of tongs and immersed in sawdust where the reduction process takes place.

When the piece has cooled it is cleaned to remove the remains of sawdust stuck to it, and to discover the metallisation and iridescence resulting from the reduction or the black smoked pattern created as part of a naked raku technique.

Please note;

Wear comfortable clothing and an old shirt with long sleeves, long trousers & closed shoes to protect yourself from any splashes of fire or sawdust.
Bring protective goggles and mask if you have them.
We provide you with tongs, gloves and all other necessary materials;
A lovely lunch and refreshments will be provided by us.