Contemporary Western-style Raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat around 1000°C and placing it into containers with combustible materials such as sawdust. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colours in glazes and clay bodies. The thermal shock also produces cracking and crazing, producing unexpected decorative outcomes.

This optional class is where you will learn basic hand-building techniques to produce some clay items, which will then be technician-fired to bisque.

For this session, we ask that attendees bring their own bisque-fired work made from Raku clay, clay with a grogg content, or something not too fragile to glaze and fire in the Raku process.

There isn't a maximum number of items that can be brought along but we can't guarantee they will all be fired — it will depend on the space available. Please note that the process has limits in terms of object size; a standard vase form of around 200mm height is approximately the largest that can be managed safely. You will be working outside, so please dress appropriately.

Vegan soup, sourdough bread and drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring along your own snacks too.