Raku Taster – 13th September 2024

We woke up to a mist covering the valley, a good sign that they weather should be just right for an outdoor Raku firing session with a new group of students. With everyone arriving on time and a quick cuppa, we started off with the usual safety briefing and history of Raku talk. Adrian spoke about the different types of Raku decorating we do and the difference between slower firing of general ceramics pots and the faster Raku firing.  We then bought out lots of examples of Raku pots and creations and explained how we achieved the effect on each one. There were lots of questions as usual with the students getting their heads around areas which have no glaze turning black from the smoke and the glaze popping off when doing the naked Raku technique.

Although this was a taster session and all the students were able to choose 2 bisqued pots from a selection, we also had Bethan bring some of her own creations and her dad who created a little pottery house.   Generally, our Raku workshops are where students bring their own creations and are different from the taster session, however we needed to accommodate Bethan as we had no other dates for her to attend a workshop.

The students had up to lunchtime to decorate and glaze the pots they had chosen. We do tell out students to bring all weather clothing as Raku firing is done outside, and guess what they weather started to turn after lunch and clouded over with a chill in the air. Luckily, we were firing the kiln up to 1040c, so we all huddled around the kiln and kept nice a warm.  We managed to get three firings in of about 45min each, first a glaze one, then horsehair / feather and lastly a naked raku. The students were all taught how to clean up their pots and those needing sealing and polishing, how to do that.  The day ended with a group photo of our 6 new RakuManiacs showing off their fabulous creations.

BR & AR – Had a fab day and the kiln gods (Adrian) were kind to us! Lots of help and guidance with preparing the pots from Adrian & Karen. Thank you

MC & CC – Fantastic day! Thank you. We have experienced 3 different Raku techniques and made a pot in each 😊

RP – Really great day. So pleased with my pots. Lovley people and fantastic help. Thank you xx

LR – Really enjoyable fun day!. I’ll be looking to come back again to try different designs