Western Raku Firing Workshop, April 2021

In this workshop with Lois Hirshberg, participants will learn how to achieve dramatic results from this spectacular firing technique! Unlike most ceramic firing processes, Western Raku is very fast. Red hot pieces are carefully removed from the kiln and smothered with combustible materials. It is during this final smoking phase that the vibrant colors and the crackling of the glaze occurs.
Results vary from turquoise to intense red/bronze to beautiful white crackle. We will also be experimenting with Horsehair Raku.

Western Raku is elusive and mysterious. The unpredictability of the process is what makes it so exciting!

During the first class, Lois will demonstrate slab built vessels while participants make their own items to be raku fired. Two weeks later, you will glaze and fire your bisqued pieces outside in our two raku kilns. This workshop is open to all levels of expertise, and people with little previous clay experience are welcome.