We are thrilled to welcome local ceramic artist, Jacqui Sosnowski, to the studio to show us the wonders of obvara firing.

Obvara, meaning "boiled" in Russian, is a 12th century surface technique used to decorate pottery. It was claimed that obvara-fired pots helped to store food better as well as keep hot food hotter and cold food colder. Plus, if you were lucky enough to get "Obvara Eyes" decorating your pot, it was said that these warded off evil spirits and protected the house. 

What is Obvara Firing

Bisque fired pots are taken from the raku kiln while red hot and then plunged into a bucket of the obvara brew which is a simple mix of yeast, flour and water. The pots then writhe and squirm and immediately take on the colour of the brew. Then a quick dip into cold water to stop further "cooking" and they're done. No waiting for three days for the kiln to cool down - not even any waiting while the pots reduce in a bucket of sawdust - obvara is immediately gratifying and intensely exciting. You literally watch the magic happen right in front of your eyes! 

   

Preparing for the Firing 

A) Vessels

First and foremost, you will need to make your vessels! We highly suggest using Keanes White Raku. 

Please note, other clay bodies have not been thoroughly tested and may crack due to the extreme thermal shock of the firing process. 

Each participant will have the opportunity to fire 2-3 small vessels. Vessels can be either wheel-thrown or hand-built and must be no larger than a grapefruit (max width 10cm, max height 15cm). 

Lastly, vessels must be bisque fired to 1000°C prior to the workshop. If you do not have a kiln, vessels can be bisque fired at Stone Studio for $12/kilo. Click here to book in for our firing service.

 

B) Clothing

All participants must wear enclosed shoes, long sleeves, and long pants. Natural fibers only, please. No synthetics or poly-cotton blends. Clothing must be tight-fitting (no flowing shirts, and absolutely no dresses). Long hair must be tied back. During winter, please be sure to dress warmly.

 

What do I need to bring?

◦ TWO (MAX THREE) grapefruit sized pieces that have been bisque fired to 1000°C (max width 10cm, max height 20cm)

◦ Water bottle

◦ Snacks/Light Lunch (Morning Tea Provided)

◦ Sunscreen, Mozzy Spray

 

Additional Information

The workshop is suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced ceramic artists, looking to add a new skill and knowledge to their repertoire.

This workshop is held OFFSITE in the hills of Duranbah, at the home of studio owner, Jennifer Redmond. The location is approximately ten minutes inland from the Kingscliff studio. Address to be provided. 

Please note, this workshop is WEATHER DEPENDANT. If there is a chance of rain, or if the winds are too strong, the workshop will be postponed. We will notify you the day before the workshop if the weather is deemed unsuitable for firing. 

 

All classes are subject to availability and may be cancelled at any time, under the discretion of the operator.

DAYLIGHT SAVING

Please keep in mind that from October 4th 2020 to April 4th 2021, we will be operating on daylight saving time. Ensure you are aware of time differences as we will not be able to reschedule your booking if you are late.

CANCELLATION

We have a strict seven-day cancellation policy.

If less than seven days’ notice is given, we will be unable to offer a refund, however, we are able to offer you a credit.

Please note, cancellations within 48 hours of your class will receive no refund or credit. We are a small studio, with very small, intimate classes, and it is unlikely that with less than 48 hours notice we will be able to fill your seat.

You are more than welcome to send a friend in your place. Just shoot us an email and let us know.

If more than seven days’ notice is given, you are entitled to a full refund.

RESCHEDULING

If more than seven day’s notice is given, you are more than welcome to reschedule your class. Please contact hello@stonestudio.com.au to request the rescheduling of your class.

MISSED CLASSES

If a class is missed, no make-up session can be offered. Please set a reminder and double-check class dates and times prior to booking.

MINIMUMS

We require a minimum of three bookings in order to run a class. If we do not meet this minimum, we may cancel the course at any time and offer you a full refund or a credit to attend a class of the same value in the future.

LIABILITY

Stone Studio and its employees are not liable or responsible for any accidental injury to students or any loss or damage to personal possessions.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

Stone Studio reserves the right to take photographs and video footage during classes that may include students and to use these photographs and video footage for the purpose of advertising our classes in all media in perpetuity and without payment to students.

INFORMING OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF TERMS & CONDITIONS

It is the responsibility of the person booking the class to inform other participating students of our terms and conditions.

FINISHED WORK

All care is taken to ensure student’s piece are well made, however, due to the inherent of the this medium, Stone Studio cannot be held responsible for any undesirable outcomes, including cracking, breakage, misfires or something not turning out how you had hoped.

AGREEMENT

By completing the purchase, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to our terms and conditions.

STORAGE

We have a strict ONE MONTH storage policy. This includes thrown work waiting to be trimmed, bisqued work waiting to be glazed, as well as finished work waiting to be collected.
If pieces are not collected within this time frame, they will either be discarded or donated.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the storage policy. If you cannot collect your finished work within this time frame, let us know and we are happy to make alternative arrangements.