What is raku?

Raku is a firing technique that originates in Japan and is used to fire traditional chawan teabowls intended for tea ceremonies.  We use a firing process inspired by those techniques in which we fire bisqueware pottery or ceramic sculptural work in a kiln, typically using natural gas or propane as the fuel source.  Once the wares in the kiln are at a temperature of about 1850 degrees Fahrenheit the glowing hot ceramic is removed from the kiln and placed into a reduction barrel.  The reduction barrel is typically made of metal, such as a metal trash can.  Inside the reduction barrel are combustibles; newsprint, sawdust, pine needles, etc.  These ignite and the reduction barrel is closed with a metal lid.  The combustibles create a reduced amount of oxygen and the glazes and ceramic react in such a way to give you beautiful results varying in blues, purples, reds, greens, gold, and more!

Join us for a packed day with a community raku, picnic lunch, and festivities out in the lush rolling hills of Occidental, CA (1.5 hrs from San Francisco)!

What's included in the Raku Workshop experience?

• Bring 3 ceramic pieces (about coffee mug sized) or 2 larger forms.
• Any mid-range clay bodies are welcome.
• Your pieces must be bisque fired prior to the workshop.
• Glaze and prep pieces to be loaded into the kiln. We'll be providing a variety of raku glaze options, including crackles, turquoise & copper glazes, and horse hair techniques.
• Review of fired pots. Learn to refine your glaze application!
• We'll run 5-7 raku firings over the course of the day!
• 1 homemade yummy lunch will be provided.

*Please note that raku fired pots are never fully vitrified, making them not food-safe.