Course Description:
This course will guide students through getting their fingers messy in clay, to pulling their own completed red-hot pieces from a raku kiln. The class will be taught in two sections—wheel throwing and raku firing. Glazing and finishing techniques will be included as well. Students will learn all the techniques needed to throw miniature pieces on a pottery wheel, including centering, pulling walls, shaping, forming lips, and trimming. The second portion of the class will focus on finishing the pieces using raku glazing and firing methods. Raku is a 16th Century Japanese technique. Raku literally translates to “Enjoyment and Ease”. Each piece is fired in a propane gas kiln outside, until the piece becomes glowing red. The piece is then removed from the kiln and placed in a chamber with combustible materials. The combination of fire, smoke, and lack of oxygen create unique colors and metallic highlights. Raku is one of the most fascinating and intimate techniques in pottery. Students will be actively involved in this exciting process!
In addition to the pieces that students create themselves, they will each receive three unglazed pots thrown by the instructor. They will be able to experiment with glaze and fire on their own pots as well as on the instructor’s pieces. Through trial and error the instructor has figured out how to create gorgeous refined miniature raku pottery. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning his secrets. He is eager to share what he has learned in the past six years while working primarily in miniature pottery.
Time: 36 hours. Students can expect to have at least ten completed pieces by the end of the week.
Power Tools: none
Skill Level: All levels
Materials Fee: $75. There is an option to purchase additional tools or a pottery wheel
