2-Part Raku Workshop

2-Part Raku Workshop

Taught by: Steve Liggett

DATES & TIMES: April 20 & May 4, 1-5pm each day

DESCRIPTION:

Raku Pottery was developed in Japan in the early 1500’s as the Ceremonial Tea Ware of the Zen Buddhist Masters. The word Raku signifies enjoyment of freedom. It was preferred by the Masters because of its humility, tasteful unpretentiousness, simple naturalness, and its deliberate avoidance of luxury...all very important to the Zen philosophy. According to the Zen Masters, its elusive, subtle, yet vigorous beauty is Raku's worth. It is valued because it is believed that the Spirit of the Maker is embodied in the form and revealed at the foot, which is traditionally left naked (unglazed). It is believed that if we are alert to ourselves, in contemplating the Raku form, we will recognize in it our own Spirit and Meaning.

1ST PART: Handbuilding Techniques in Clay – We begin by meeting at Liggett Pottery, 10 W King St. in Tulsa on Saturday, April 20, 1-5pm. Using special Raku clay, Steve will demonstrate 3 basic forming techniques in Clay: pinching, coiling and drape molding. The class will have the remainder of the time to build several forms that they would like using these techniques. Then these pieces are left to dry and be bisque fired by Steve.

2ND PART: Glazing & Raku Firing – Students return to second location in SW Tulsa for the glazing and Raku firing of their pieces on Saturday, May 4, 1-5pm. We will join with others who have built Raku forms in another clay workshop and learn about glazing, oxide and post-firing reduction techniques using straw, leaves, newspaper and anything that burns as we explore the fascinating technique of Raku where we take hot clay pieces from the kiln and put them into combustible material. Participants will take home their finished pieces from this firing.

FEES: $125 - Includes all Raku clay, glazes and firing.