Alternative firing: Raku/Horsehare Firing

Number of Sessions: One 2+hour firing
Course Fee: $20.00

Description:
For Raku use WS-5 clay with grog and for Horsehair use WS-5 clay with grog or Bmix with grog.

Raku:
Students will experience firing their own pieces using the reduction process with the assistance of the instructor. A propane-fired kiln will be heated up to 1900 degrees (red hot). Pieces will be removed with tongs and placed in cans with newspaper. A flame will erupt and the lid will be placed on the can immediately. A tight seal will be crucial for reduction which provides metallic glazes with color and luster. Crackle glazes need smoke to show crackle pattern.

Raku is full of surprises; usually the results are great, but not always. The procedure puts thermal stress on the pieces. Occasionally cracks and breakage will occur. Fired raku pieces are intended for decorative use only. They will not hold liquids. 

Horsehair:
Pieces should be terra sigged before regular bisque. Items intended for Horsehair will be removed from the kiln at a lower temperature than those pieces intended for Raku. Horsehair is provided. 



Materials:

Participants should prepare up to 3 bisque-fired, raku-glazed pieces, and place in front window staging area for alternative firing. The pieces can be wheel thrown, handbuilt with good joints. Both firing and glazing stickers are required.


Class Information:
 
  • Students with no previous raku firing experience should make an appointment with the instructor.
  • Students must wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt and enclosed shoes and socks. Cover hair and wear glasses for safety.
  • Number of students: Minimum 3    Maximum 6
  • Classes run between mid-October to mid-April.