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, fast and fun! 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:
1. Come watch and learn the process. (Each attendee must register for the workshop), $75
2. Bring 1-2 of your own bisque-fired pieces to glaze and fire, $120
3. Purchase 2 premade pots made by the instructor to glaze and fire, $140
No experience necessary, we’ve got something for everyone! Sign your clay-curious friends up for an exciting ceramics experience.
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 a groggier clay body will be less likely to crack. Everything must be bisque 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.
An Approximate Timeline of Workshop Activities:
12:00pm: Warm welcome, glazing, safety notes, and a history lesson.
There will be two or three cycles of firing depending on group size.
Snacks and conversational activities while we wait for the kiln to heat up! Each cycle takes approximately one hour.
1:30 Load first kiln and fire together and unload around 2:30pm.
3:00pm load second firing, unload around 4:00pm.
You will have the chance to pull your own 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 5:00ish (exact end time depends on how many participants/pieces we have). Take your cool new finished pots home with you!
Radius Monthly Members doing drop off firing: Pick your pieces up on the regular monthly pickup shelves anytime after the workshop wraps up.
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 beverages and snacks to share if you’d like!
Photography Consent: By engaging in Radius Art Studio’s community, such as classes and events, you consent to the use of photographs featuring you and your artwork for promotional purposes on various social media platforms. We value and honor your creativity, ensuring all shared content reflects the positive spirit of our studio. If you choose not to be featured, kindly inform us, and we will make efforts to exclude images with your presence. Feel free to tag us in your photos, and let us know if you wish to be tagged in our posts.
