What’s Raku, and Why Is It So Fun?
Raku is a fast, fiery, slightly unpredictable Japanese pottery firing technique where pieces are pulled from the kiln red-hot and placed into combustible materials to create smoky crackles, metallic flashes, and unique surface effects you can’t get in a regular kiln. It’s dramatic, collaborative, and honestly just a really good time. In this workshop you’ll learn a brief history of raku, some glazing tips and tricks, and how to fire the kiln. Participants will glaze their pieces, load them into the kiln, and have the exciting opportunity to pull them out of the kiln and take them home at the end of the workshop!
Participation Options:
-Just come learn and watch the process!
-Bring one or two bisque-fired pieces of their own to glaze and fire
-Purchase premade pots made by instructor AJ to glaze and fire. Bring your clay-curious friends and send them home with a piece they got to collaborate on!
No experience necessary, we’ve got something for everyone!
Considerations for BYO bisque:
-Maximum Height: 15 inches. Maximum Width: 3-4 inches. (This is because our raku kiln has one fixed level, so narrow pieces help us fit more work in each load).
-Very tiny or super flat pieces (like beads or thin ornaments) can be tough to grab with tongs. We can usually make it work, but check in first so we can make sure we will be able to accommodate you.
-Fragile appendages or pieces with lots of attachment points are more likely to crack in the firing due to thermal shock.
-Raku fired pieces are not food safe, so sculptural or decorative pieces are best.
-Any clay body can be used for this firing, but groggier clay body will be less likely to crack. Everything must be biscuit-fired upon arrival.
-Bring your pieces unglazed. We’ll have underglazes and raku glazes ready, and will spend the first chunk of time glazing together. You are welcome to bring pieces already painted with underglazes.
The Plan
-3:00pm: Warm welcome, glazing, safety notes, and a history lesson.
-Load and fire together, one or two cycles depending on group size. Sacks and conversational activities while we wait for the kiln to heat up!
-Pull your pieces from the glowing orange hot kiln (Your instructor AJ will be there to assist, or pull them for you if you are not comfortable).
-Wrap up around 7:00ish (exact end time depends on how many participants/pieces we have).
Comfort Notes
Some parts of the firing will take place outside, so dress for the weather. Also, because every good Radius hangout is fueled by treats, bring snacks to share if you’d like!
