WORKSHOP Hands-On Firing: Raku & More

 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Join us on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27 from 10am to 6pm for a raku workshop with Jane White and Susan Salmaron. The cost is $150.

REGISTER NOW

In the event of rain and/or wind, the workshop will take place the following weekend.


Description

Through lectures and firings, participants will identify variables that influence results of raku firings. We will work towards controlling and repeating results. The Guild’s facility and checklists will be emphasized to ensure that participants can run a safe and successful firing at the Guild or anywhere they have access to raku firing.

Safety concerns will be emphasized, including smoke, how fire behaves, possible burns, use of propane, burner, gloves, and choreography.

Each day includes firings and discussion. Sunday will include Foil Sagger firings, led by Susan Salmeron.  We will have abvara, horse hair and naked raku slip available.

Open to anyone with a working clay knowledge, who can provide bisqueware made outside of class time.  No ware will be made in this workshop and no greenware can be fired.  Anyone without access to a studio can use the Fisk Studio in Clinton at a nominal cost.  See below.

Special Note 

Bring your lunch.  Please plan on staying in the building to monitor kilns and participate in discussion.

WORKSHOP  DETAIL

Throughout the two days , we will ideally create a list of variables that influence results as well as discuss/analyze results of each kiln load.

Day ONE: 

Glaze a provided tile for first kiln load

Divide into two firing teams, each with their own kiln to manage

Discussion of bisqueware to determine any challenges and divide into loads

Images and discussion of possibilities

Glaze your pieces to prep for more firings

We should get  through at least 10 firings on the first day

Day TWO:

Continue glazing

Teams meet to determine loads and start kilns

After lunch, Susan Salmaron will lead us in Foil Sagger techniques.  We will be able to work on these while waiting for raku kilns to be ready to unload.  Bring horse hair, feathers, and any combustible to experiment

Stop firing at 4:30 to discuss results and clean up kiln yard

Questions?  Call Jane  517-815-4743