Raku Luminaries, October 10th & 17th at 6pm

Description

Raku Firing at Shape Theory Ceramics Raku firing was my first introduction to ceramics 35-plus years ago, and there's nothing quite like it. That moment a raku piece comes out of the kiln, glowing red-hot, then plunged into a chamber of newspaper that ignites in a burst of smoke and flame is so hands-on and visceral. Then, after a few minutes, what emerges is one-of-a-kind: crackled glazes, unpredictable metallic sheens, and smoky black-and-white patterns that no two firings ever repeat. Raku is fast, fun, and a little wild, pieces go from kiln to reduction chamber in seconds, and the results are shaped as much by chance as by design. It's a hands-on introduction to a centuries-old Japanese technique, reworked into an outdoor, all-senses studio experience. Raku is one of those more hands-on ceramics processes where you get to make the work, and in this case, you’ll be making ceramic luminaries and after an evening of firing, you’ll smell a little like a campfire. Because ceramics is a process based medium, this is a two-day class with one week between sessions. DAY ONE — MAKE Hands in Clay, October 10 at 6pm You’ll make one or two small pieces designed for the Raku process. We’ll talk form, texture, and how to design pieces for the Raku Kiln. No previous ceramics experience is required. After the first class, we'll bisque fire your pieces during the week. This first firing drives out the water, burns off organic material, and chemically changes the clay so it can never slake back into mud. Your pieces come out hard and porous, ready for glaze and the sudden heat of the raku kiln. ONE WEEK LATER The Raku Firing. October 17th at 6pm You'll glaze your work and watch it go into the raku kiln. When the pieces reach about 1900°F, glowing red, we pull them out hot and set them into combustible material. Flames catch, and the reduction draws oxygen from the glaze, creating crackle, flashing, and metallic surfaces that no one can fully predict. Raku has a mind of its own. You can also try horsehair raku, where strands of hair laid on the hot surface burn into fine, smoky lines. And then comes the best part: opening the container and seeing to see the collaboration between you, the clay and the fire. Two sessions, one week apart. All clay, glazes, firing, and studio materials included. No experience necessary. Just come ready to make something and see what happens. Class size is limited so everyone gets plenty of time with the process.