Naked Raku Workshop

Please join Helen and Eunice, in our lovely surroundings on the edge of The Ashdown Forest, for this fun and exciting workshop exploring the expressive style of this alternative firing and its diverse and distinctive crackled results.

In this thrilling and spontaneous workshop, in which we are just the players, and the fire is the master, the results can range from the truly spectacular monochromatic patterns to unexpectedly cracked pots. This jeopardy adds to the heightened excitement and fun of the day!

Naked Raku: Naked, because it is without glaze and at the end of the firing it is the black and white contrasting marks on the “naked” clay surface that are revealed. A layer of resist slip is applied to bisque pots, these are then covered with a coating of glaze and fired, while still damp, in the open air to about 950C. Pots are then placed into a fiery reduction chamber forcing smoke to create striking patterns and disrupt the applied layers. The slip adheres to the glaze, cracks and breaks apart during the firing. After the reduction and addition of smoke the slip/glaze layer is chipped off as the pots cool to reveal all. There is real excitement that comes from the fragile balance between control and uncertainty.

The cost includes refreshments and a light vegetarian lunch. We recommend full length trousers and long-sleeved tops, with strong closed toe shoes! Safety goggles, gauntlets and tongs are provided. A full health and safety guide will be given.

Those attending can bring their own bisqueware (max of 4/5 pieces, with dimensions under 12cm diam. 20cm height). It is recommended that these are made from a strong white bodied clay, it can be slipped, burnishing can also improve contrast. For those unable to make their own pieces a selection of pots will be available to fire from the studio (at £5/item). The number of firings during the day is also uncertain due to timings, weather and size of pots, we will hope to do 4 or 5 complete firings.

For current students please note that in addition to the workshop fee, any items you make in the studio will need to be weighed and charged per 100g to cover the materials and bisque firing.