Raku Firing B.Y.O.Bisqueware

Raku is an outdoor, alternative firing method based in ancient pottery traditions. We will glaze items with raku specific glazes, fire them in the outdoor kiln then abruptly remove the pieces and place them in a reduction environment with combustibles. Raku is known for having variable color and surface pattern results. We will have sawdust and horsehair on hand to experiment with.

The pre-registration fee of $25 includes glazing and firing of 3 pieces. Additional pieces may be fired for $10 each. Walk-ins are welcome on the day of to attend and fire their work for $15 a piece.

Participants should plan to bring their bisqueware to glaze and fire, or they can use sample pieces that we have available on the day. Any bisqueware made in the studio can be raku fired, but we also have a limited supply of Raku clay available for purchase, $40 for 25lbs. Raku clay has a lot of extra fine grog to help prevent cracks from thermal shock. It is also a lower fire clay than the stoneware usually used in our studio. Raku clay should be kept separate from your other clay, labeled, and not added to our studio reclaim.

Participants making pieces for this firing in our studio must complete their wet work by May 17th, well before the Raku firing on June 7th.

You may also like the following events from The Smithy:

• Next month, 3rd June, 10:00 am, Spill the Tea with Normandy Alden, a lively discussion on cups and mugs for potters! in Cooperstown
• Next month, 28th June, 01:30 pm, Candle Pouring in Ceramic Vessels, with Toni Hacker of Beacon Merchantile in Cooperstown