Dive into the world of alternative firing this winter.. Whether you're a seasoned potter or just looking to expand your creative horizons, our upcoming sessions on American Raku Firing and Naked Raku with Horsehair offer the perfect opportunity to explore these unique and captivating techniques.
American Raku
American Raku Firing is a dynamic and mesmerising process that captures the essence of spontaneity and surprise in pottery. Originating from traditional Japanese Raku, this method involves removing red-hot pottery from the kiln and placing it in a container filled with combustible materials like sawdust or newspaper. The materials ignite, creating an intense reduction atmosphere, transforming the oxide-rich glazes to pure metal. The results provide stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces with crackled surfaces and vibrant metallic hues. Our American Raku Firing workshop will guide you through each step, from glazing to reduction, ensuring you leave with not only beautiful ceramics but also a deep appreciation for this expressive art form.
Naked Raku & Horsehair Raku
Naked Raku and Horsehair Raku take the Raku technique a step further, emphasising simplicity and natural beauty. Naked Raku involves coating the pottery with a slip that resists glaze, creating intricate, smoky patterns during the firing process. The Horsehair Raku is a secondary technique that adds an element of organic artistry, where strands of horsehair are laid on the hot surface, leaving behind delicate, carbonised imprints. This workshop will immerse you in these distinctive styles, offering hands-on experience and expert guidance to help you master the techniques and create your own breathtaking pieces.
Our advanced workshops are designed to not only teach you these incredible methods but also to inspire and elevate your ceramic artistry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from Shirley Battrick.
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Check out our alternative firing masterclasses for winter here. Let's fire up your creativity and make this a season to remember!
