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Saturday
Saturday
24 May 2025 - 28 June 2025 ( 30 hours, 5 weeks )
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Waterloo Centre
Raku involves rapid firing and cooling in specific outdoor kilns. This course, at Morley Waterloo Centre, provides a full opportunity during sessions to make, bisque fire, and apply glaze. On the last Saturday, you will spend the day outdoors firing. It is suitable those who have some experience with Raku and ceramic making. Raku does not create functional objects. One kiln load per student, this usually amounts to 5 - 6 medium sized objects. This course consists of 3 making sessions and 1 glazing and 1 firing day. There will be a charge for clay work to be glazed and fired. Please bring and use you own tools or we have basic tool packs to purchase. Students work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other. As this is an advanced course you will participate more in the firing day, with supervision you will be packing the kiln, taking pieces out the kiln with tongs and putting pieces into reduction bins and helping other students in this process wearing full protective gear, if you are not confident in doing this the introduction to Raku may be more suitable course.
You will take part in a power point explanation of the process.You will be making a range of objects during the practical sessions. The tutor will give you feedback and practical help with different making techniques to realise your ideas. You will be glazing your work with Raku glazes and different decoration and application techniques. You will take part in a Health & Safety induction. You will help to set up the firing site and actively take part in the firing process and post reduction firing treatment of your work, following Health & Safety guidelines.
A fundamental skill in making and processing ceramics is desired.
Some tasks on the firing day can be strenuous, however there are less physical tasks that can be assigned if required. Please advise your tutor if you are pregnant or have a physical disability so they can assist and give guidance where necessary.
For the making and glazing classes: a sketchbook, Apron. For the firing day: a respirator (can be purchased for £5 from your tutor), a long sleeved top or shirt, long trousers and closed leather shoes or boots. Combustable materials such as sawdust (discussed in class). There is a material charge of £2 per kilo for work made in class. This includes all firings and glazes.
