Join us for an exciting two-day Raku workshop exploring this dramatic and unpredictable firing technique. This hands-on experience is open to beginners and more experienced potters, offering guided instruction from making to firing.
Raku is a dynamic and dramatic ceramic firing process known for its unpredictability and one-of-a-kind results. Unlike traditional kiln firings, Raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while it is still glowing hot and placing it into a reduction environment, creating distinctive crackle patterns, smoky surfaces, and metallic effects.
Day 1 – History, Making & Surface Techniques
10:30am–4:00pm | Studio Session
Day one begins with an introduction to the history of Raku, tracing its origins in Japan and its evolution into contemporary Western Raku practices. This talk provides important context for understanding the techniques, materials, and philosophy behind the process.
Participants will then move onto making Raku-ready forms:
It is essential that wheel-thrown pots are made with even walls and on the thinner side, as Raku ware must withstand extreme temperature changes.
We will be working with a special Raku clay body and will teach burnishing techniques to enhance surface finishes and final results. Participants may create up to 6 pieces during this session.
Please note: We will be asking you to sign a Waiver ready for the firing day.
After the workshop, all work will be bisque-fired using our specific Raku bisque schedule, ready for glazing and firing on Day 2.
Day 2 – Glazing & Raku Firing
On-site at our Raku firing location
On the second date, we will meet at our outdoor firing site for a full day of glazing and firing. With additional guidance from Potter Richard Cranwell, participants will:
Learn how to glaze their bisque-fired pieces using traditional Raku glazes
Take part in the full Raku firing process, including kiln loading, removal of red-hot work, and post-firing reduction
We will break for lunch before beginning the afternoon firings. This is a high-energy, fully hands-on experience, and participants are encouraged to be actively involved throughout the process.
Each participant may create up to 6 pots, with 4 pieces guaranteed to be fired.
Important Information
Raku pieces are decorative only and not food-safe
Results are unpredictable and part of the Raku process
Firings are weather-dependent, the second date reserve date is the third date in brackets, incase of bad weather.
Appropriate natural clothing and closed-toe shoes are required
Join us for an exciting two-day Raku workshop exploring this dramatic and unpredictable firing technique. This hands-on experience is open to beginners and more experienced potters, offering guided instruction from making to firing.
Raku is a dynamic and dramatic ceramic firing process known for its unpredictability and one-of-a-kind results. Unlike traditional kiln firings, Raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while it is still glowing hot and placing it into a reduction environment, creating distinctive crackle patterns, smoky surfaces, and metallic effects.
Day 1 – History, Making & Surface Techniques
10:30am–4:00pm | Studio Session
Day one begins with an introduction to the history of Raku, tracing its origins in Japan and its evolution into contemporary Western Raku practices. This talk provides important context for understanding the techniques, materials, and philosophy behind the process.
Participants will then move onto making Raku-ready forms:
It is essential that wheel-thrown pots are made with even walls and on the thinner side, as Raku ware must withstand extreme temperature changes.
We will be working with a special Raku clay body and will teach burnishing techniques to enhance surface finishes and final results. Participants may create up to 6 pieces during this session.
Please note: We will be asking you to sign a Waiver ready for the firing day.
After the workshop, all work will be bisque-fired using our specific Raku bisque schedule, ready for glazing and firing on Day 2.
Day 2 – Glazing & Raku Firing
On-site at our Raku firing location
On the second date, we will meet at our outdoor firing site for a full day of glazing and firing. With additional guidance from Potter Richard Cranwell, participants will:
Learn how to glaze their bisque-fired pieces using traditional Raku glazes
Take part in the full Raku firing process, including kiln loading, removal of red-hot work, and post-firing reduction
We will break for lunch before beginning the afternoon firings. This is a high-energy, fully hands-on experience, and participants are encouraged to be actively involved throughout the process.
Each participant may create up to 6 pots, with 4 pieces guaranteed to be fired.
Important Information
Raku pieces are decorative only and not food-safe
Results are unpredictable and part of the Raku process
Firings are weather-dependent, the second date reserve date is the third date in brackets, incase of bad weather.
Appropriate natural clothing and closed-toe shoes are required
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