Tim Andrews, one of the leading figures of Raku in the West, is coming to Cerdeira to share his profound knowledge of this exciting process! Originally from Japan and closely tied to the tea ceremony, this ancient glazing and rapid firing technique has evolved, taking Raku in new directions defined by a unique palette of colors or the striking contrast between glaze and clay body. With a deep understanding of this ancestral craft, Tim has explored these new paths, combining tradition with innovation.
This course brings together two of his greatest passions: ceramics and teaching. He will share his technical and artistic expertise while encouraging participants to experiment and discover their own voice using this technique that challenges the ceramic process and creates unique effects.
Through a combination of theory and practice, you will have the opportunity to learn from the master, observe, and create, transitioning from demonstrations to individual work, guiding you through the creative phase to the final firing process.
The first part of the course will focus on clay work, from throwing on the wheel to handbuilding. After the bisque firing, students will glaze, decorate, and prepare their pieces for the Raku firing. A particular highlight will be Tim’s unique resist slip method (or Naked Raku), a technique that creates unpredictable surface effects, allowing smoke to penetrate the cracks in the piece and leave marks that make each piece unique.
“The firing process continues to surprise me (...) Form and surface remain my primary concern – playing with smoke and fire is still central, as is exploring the interaction between 'controlled technique' and 'expressive release' - ideas about energy, containment, protection, and the tension between the cautious and the cavalier.”
Tim Andrews has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of Raku, combining traditional techniques with his own innovative methods. His work is renowned for its unique surfaces, which often feature intricate patterns and textures, created through the dynamic interaction of heat, glaze, and smoke. In this course, he will guide you on a journey of exploration and expression, teaching you his belief that the process itself is as important as the final piece, allowing the unpredictability of the firing to reveal unexpected beauty and form.
Whether you're new to Raku or looking to deepen your knowledge and explore new approaches, this 7-day course offers an immersive hands-on experience to create and experiment with the possibilities of this technique. The number of completed pieces will depend on firing times and the size of your work, but participants are expected to finish at least 6 pieces in the Raku kiln. At the end, you'll leave Cerdeira with a deeper understanding of the Raku technique, enriched by a creative and supportive environment, inspired by Tim’s approach to the technique and the philosophy behind it.
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