Saggar, barrel and raku firing weekend workshops
Description
This is an intensive firing course, where you will learn how to fire work (your own or provided by us) in saggar and raku firings over two days. The workshop takes place at Abi Higgins Ceramics’ beautiful studio in Christow in Devon and is run by raku and saggarfiring potters Abi Higgins and Alison West. Christow is a village in the Teign Valley on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park with easy access to Exeter. The name Raku means ease, pleasure and enjoyment. With its roots in Japan, the technique has altered over the years to produce some of the most interesting and gorgeous effects found in ceramics. Intensely hands-on, it is sheer pleasure to experience the low-temperature, fast-firing process which involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Saggar Firing was originally developed to protect wares from ash-slagging and flame-flashing in wood firings, but in contemporary use, with clean-burning gas firings, the process is used in exactly the opposite way: to contain fumes around a pot so that the pot picks up colour and pattern from the fumes. Saggars are the lidded containers used to contain and isolate pots during a saggar firing. Barrel Firing was developed as an alternative to long pit firings with the advantage of getting to high temperatures making it possible for added oxides, carbonates and copper wire to produce stronger colours. A steel barrel is loaded with sawdust, straw and wood together with metallic colourants and pots and fired over several hours. Over the weekend you will – • Learn how to prepare your pots for raku, barrel and saggar firings. • Learn how to load and fire a gas-fired raku kiln, load and fire a saggar in a gas kiln and load and fire a barrel. • Be introduced to resist techniques, sacrificial glaze (naked raku) and reduction glazes with a demonstration of applying terrasigillata slip. Time permitting, we will also add a horsehair/feather firing. • You will be instructed by two teachers, so plenty of help and advice throughout the weekend. Small groups, of no more than 11, means more in-depth tuition and guidance to explore your own ideas. Bisque fired pots can be provided at extra cost or bring your own bisque fired masterpieces. Accommodation is not provided but there are local B&B's/pubs where you can stay and a list of local options will be sent to you on confirmation of booking.
What's included in the price?
All materials and tools included. Homemade lunch and tea/coffee/cakes provided.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Alison West Ceramics and Abi Higgins Ceramics are known for their distinct styles and contributions to the craft and both show their work nationally. They first crossed paths within the pottery community and have since collaborated on numerous firing workshops, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and techniques. Alison West has gained recognition for her innovative approach to pottery, particularly in the realm of saggar firing and reduction techniques. Her work reflects a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair, showcasing intricate patterns and textures brought to life through her saggar firing process. On the other hand, Abi Higgins is celebrated for her expertise in reduction-fired domestic ware and raku firing. Her pieces are characterized by their functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, often featuring vibrant glazes and captivating surface treatments achieved through the dynamic raku firing method. Together, Alison and Abi's workshops provide a comprehensive exploration of firing techniques, offering participants the opportunity to learn from their wealth of experience and refine their own skills in pottery making. Their collaborative efforts not only enrich the local pottery scene but also inspire aspiring potters to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hen dos
- Corporate days out & team building
- Stag dos
- UK Holiday
- Intermediate level
- Advanced/pro level
- Suitable for all abilities
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Weekends
- Suitable for beginners
