Raku Pottery: Introduction
Raku Pottery: Introduction
If you’ve been inspired by the Great Pottery Throwdown to try ceramics take a look at this introduction to Raku Pottery course. In this half-day course you’ll learn how to glaze and fire your own pot, creating stunning results.
Working with the elements of fire, water and earth you’ll explore the Japanese pottery technique called Raku. Loosely translated Raku can mean enjoyment, pleasure, comfort, happiness and contentment. This low firing technique is connected to a rich cultural and spiritual heritage where there is still much to be discovered, experienced and shared.
You’ll start by glazing pots using wonderful and colourful glazes. Then you’ll find out how to make your own kiln and place your own pot into the kiln to fire. When the pots are ready to be removed from the kiln you’ll learn how to take them out safely before dunking them in water. The stunning raku effects will be revealed as you take the pots out of the water and clean them up.
At the end of the session you’ll take your beautiful raku pot home with you.
What you'll learn
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Learn How to Glaze
Glaze your pot using a variety of colourful glazes.
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Firing the pots
Learn how kilns work and how you can make one at home before placing your pot in the kiln to fire.
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Cleaning and finishing the pots
Carefully remove your pot from the kiln, cool it down and then clean it up to reveal stunning colours and patterns.
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Q&A
The course will close with the opportunity to ask any further questions.
The Essentials
Raku Pottery: Introduction will run from 10am until 12.30pm in the morning. On Sun 17th July the afternoon session starts at 2:00pm. On Sun 11th Sept the afternoon session starts at 1.30pm.
We’ll provide all the equipment and materials for this course and you will take your pot home at the end of the session.
The course involves putting your pots into and taking them out of a kiln, which will involve being near naked flames.
Please ensure that you are wearing long sleeves and trousers, and your feet are fully covered by shoes. Sandals, shorts and short sleeves are not suitable for this course.
This course will take place outdoors, please check the weather for NP25 and either bring layers or sun hats/ sun cream as appropriate.
Your instructor for the day..
Tez is an experienced ceramicist and builder of pizza ovens Tez is an experienced ceramicist with pottery in her blood.…