The Art of Raku
Experience the drama and excitement of Raku firing. Explore this rapid, low-firing process inspired by traditional Japanese techniques. A real favourite!
Contemporary Western-style Raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat around 1000 centigrade 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 of this also produces cracking and crazing, producing unexpected decorative outcomes.
A short video that captures a previous Raku Session
Session One - at Colchester Makerspace:
This optional class is where you will learn basic hand-building techniques to produce some clay items which will then be techinican fired to bisque.
Session Two - at Cuckoo Farm Studios:
Bring along your already made bisque-fired work to glaze and fire in the Raku process.
Please note that the process has limits in terms of object size and suits objects that are not too big, a size of 200mm height standard vase form 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.
Dates: Session 1 - Varies, See individual event for timings
Dates: Session 2 - Sundays, 10am to 4pm
Frequency: Every 8 to 12 weeks
Cost: from £60.00
Workshop Leader: Peter Jones
Restrictions: 18+
Notes: All materials are included in the costs.
Refunds: Please review our refunds policy
Member Discounts
Makerspace members receive upto 50% off our classes. Membership includes 24/7 access to the space and all our equipment and starts from £10 a month.
Visit our membership page for details.