Ceramics Focus: Exploring Raku, Making, Glazing, Firing

About this course

The course combines process explanations with practical sessions in hand building and throwing. Participants work with raku clay, slips and specialist glazes, exploring decoration, surface effects and naked raku, where smoke creates patterns on burnished clay without glaze. Teaching includes tutor feedback, a health and safety induction, and supervised involvement in setting up the firing site, loading the kiln, handling tongs and managing post-firing reduction using combustible materials. The course also addresses safe working practices for outdoor firing.

What you'll learn

• Apply hand-building and throwing techniques to make forms suitable for raku firing.
• Use raku clays, slips and glazes with appropriate decoration and application methods.
• Identify and produce different surface effects, including those associated with naked raku.
• Participate safely in kiln loading, firing and post-firing reduction procedures.
• Work collaboratively during the preparation and operation of an outdoor kiln firing.

Is this course right for you?

This mixed-level course welcomes beginners, while a basic understanding of ceramic making and decorating techniques is desirable. Learners take part in practical making and supervised firing activities. Some firing-day tasks can be strenuous, with less physical alternatives available if required.

• No previous experience of the raku process is needed.
• A basic ceramic-making skill level is desirable rather than stated as a requirement.
• The firing day includes physical tasks, although alternative duties can be assigned where required.

Before you go

• For making and glazing sessions, bring a sketchbook and apron.
• For the firing day, bring a respirator, long sleeves, long trousers and closed leather shoes or boots.
• Combustible materials such as sawdust are discussed during the course.
• Work made during the course is fired and glazed as part of the stated materials arrangements.
• Some firing-day tasks can be strenuous; learners who are pregnant or have a physical disability are asked to advise the tutor so appropriate guidance and assistance can be provided.