The Tradition of Raku

This is a 2 day workshop: July 20 and July 27th.

Even though this story happened over 450 years ago it’s an important story to tell now. Inside it are timeless lessons about tradition, the importance of creativity, personal integrity, and the value of honoring cultural history.

This workshop is also very personally empowering.  When you create a Raku style Tea Bowl with your own hands, glaze it, watch it being fired, then drink tea from it, you become a unique part of this story, a part of  history.

1st day  Creating:

Telling the story of the origins of Raku Ceramics.

Demonstration in the Ceramic studio of how a Raku Chawan (Tea Bowl) is made.

The anatomy of a tea bowl: Its form and function.

Then you can start to make your own bowl. With some simple guidance you will pinch, shape, and carve your bowl into being.

Each of them is unique and can reflect your own personal style. You can make other shapes as well.

Lunch break (Bring your own lunch, I’ll serve tea.)

We’ll then continue making throughout the day. You can work at your own speed.

In between the creating day and firing day your pieces will dry and then be fired for the first time. When you return for the firing day, your pieces will be ready for decorating, glazing, and their final firing.

2nd day  Decorating & Firing,

10am: We’ll gather to talk about the day's activities.

I’ll demonstrate decorating and glazing techniques. I’ll also orient you to the exciting firing procedure so you feel safe and confident to participate if you like.

Then, we’ll begin to decorate and glaze your pieces. Traditional clear and black glazes are provided.

Lunch break (Bring your own lunch. I’ll serve tea.)

Then we’ll fire your pieces in my small Raku style kiln.

When they become red hot and the glazes have melted, we’ll open the kiln and take out your pieces. We’ll cool them quickly in water or put them in a lidded metal can with combustables.

After all participant’s items have been fired we’ll make tea for each other in our newly born Raku style tea bowls.

All Clay and tools are provided though you may bring your own if you have them.

No experience needed.