Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame
Description
There is a maximum of six places available on this course Dates available: SATURDAY 20TH JULY, FULL SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER. FULL PLEASE NOTE this course is held outside and it can be cold. Please ensure you wrap up warm if you book when the weather is likely to be cold. LONG HAIR SHOULD BE TIED BACK AND COVERED SHOES MUST BE WORN. Raku is an ancient Japanese craft using a technique which enables you to glaze the work, fire and take home unique and beautifully finished pots in one day. On this course you will be able to choose at least three bisque fired pots to glaze and fire in the Raku kiln. You will be encouraged to fully participate in every process, glazing, placing the pots in the hot kiln and observing carefully until the kiln reaches the correct temperature and then removing your pieces and placing them into a bin of combustible materials for reduction. Once the pots have been in the reduction bin for approximately 45 minutes they are removed from the bin, the pots are still very hot at this stage, but can be plunged into cold water before cleaning and ready to go home with you. We try and have at least three firings during the day to enable everyone to experience the process fully. This course is held in Camberley, Surrey and is a joint venture between Gone To Pot Ceramics and Spindleberry Pottery. Janet has been giving private pottery throwing lessons for several years, at her studio in Farnham. She produces functional stoneware pottery in blue and green glazes, sculpts figures and animals and has a love of working in porcelain. Suzanne is a very experienced teacher, tutoring pottery to special needs students until her recent retirement from the profession. She now has the time to concentrate on her love of pottery, teaching private students and runs a local U3A pottery group. Working with fused glass is another one of her skill sets. Alan, (Janet’s husband) has a background in the building industry. He has designed and built the Raku kiln to meet our needs and desire to have our own purpose built kiln that would suit our specification. Over the course of time the kiln has been adapted to improve the air flow. Suzanne, Janet, and Alan, will guide you through every process, explaining each step and helping you along the way. The day starts at 10.30 and finishes at approximately 4.00. SAFETY REMINDER Please wear old clothes, this is a smokey environment.
What's included in the price?
At least 3 bisque fired pots and a choice of glazes. If you wish you may bring your own bisque fired pieces, no bigger than 10” tall and of even wall thickness, otherwise they may break in the kiln if the wall thickness is uneven. Tea, coffee, soft drink and biscuits are available throughout the day. Light lunch is provided (sandwiches, tomatoes, savoury snacks, a selection of fruit and choice of cakes). Please let us know of any special dietary requirements.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Daytime (weekdays)
- Weekends
- Parking provided
- Suitable for beginners
- Suitable for all abilities