Raku Workshops 2021
$150.00
Date: Saturday June 26 or Sunday 27
Time: Arrive by 8.45 for a 9 am start – aim to finish at 4pm ( before dark)
Cost: $150 per day
Address: 19 Acacia Ave, Leura- plenty of parking on site.
Raku Workshop for PCAI: Saturday June 26, 2021
PCAI have organised an exciting and fun Raku master class at Rob Linigen’s Leura, Blue Mountains home studio. This is an all day event with only 10 places available for this workshop. So please book ASAP!
About Rob Linigen
Rob Linigen is a master potter, passionate about experimenting with glaze and firing techniques. As a practicing ceramic artist and teacher, (former Senior Head Teacher of Fine Arts, Nepean College WSI, TAFE), he is held in high esteem as a practicing and exhibiting artist. Rob generously shares his knowledge around glaze technology and pottery production. PCAI has hosted Rob glaze workshops at PCAI studio, and students have attended his Raku workshops in Leura, NSW over the past few years.
What is raku?
Raku is a technique initially developed in Japan that has now been westernised for home studio potters. The technique involves using gas (or wood burning) kiln to heat the pottery to around 1000 degrees Celsius. When the pots are glowing the red-hot pot is removed from the kiln using elongated tongs and placed into bins filled with natural materials that will burn: e.g. paper, sawdust or pine needles. The bin lid is sealed to allow the carbon from the burning materials to react with the glazed pottery within. When cooled, the pottery is removed and cleaned to reveal the magical surface outcome. Characteristic raku effects range from; brilliant metallic coppers, reds, silver sheens; matte blues, purples, yellows to azure , turquoise blues; white glaze with deep black contrasting crazing lines is a stunning effect.
What kind of pots work well in a raku firing?
Raku fired pots, are low fired and the surface glaze applied contains a high degree of colourants that are not deemed as food safe, so therefore pots are not good as vessels to hold food or drink. Aim to make decorative, small scale sculptural forms, e.g. animals, ornamental pots made for use as planters, or non food items are safest.
In making pieces for the for raku process please consider the following: pieces must not be too heavy or awkward as you’ll be required to lift them out of the hot kiln and into the bin using long tongs and facing the emanating heat coming from the kiln. Flat tiles can also prove difficult to pick up. Likewise protruding handles, tails, limbs, trunks etc can break off easily during the process.
When making and decorating your raku pot, consider what outcome you want. Think about positive and negative spaces that will add beauty and contrast to define your work.
How many pots can I fire?
Raku is a reasonably slow process. For this reason with x 10 people attending the workshop, you’ll most likely only get 4 bisque fired pieces ‘rakued”. The size of the pieces must not exceed < 250mm high or wide. So make for quality, rather than quantity! You can bring more, but NB: they may not get fired.
What to bring to the workshop
Your Raku bisque pottery! Pots can be made in class or at home, using the white Raku clay we supply. Pots MUST be bisque fired prior to Saturday June 20 or you can’t raku them. You can make them in class over the next 3 weeks, or bring them in for firing before June 15.
Glazing
Glazes will be supplied and applied on the day. To save time please bring your own soft brushes along (some are available on day.) Glazes will include copper matt, resist slip, saggars, and horsehair and feather techniques. All glaze recipes will be supplied.
Dress for safety
Students MUST wear non slip, enclosed shoes (leather best), long sleeves and trousers neck scarf, all made of non synthetic material; cotton, wool, silk best. Cotton overalls are good too. Be fire safe as loose, synthetic clothing is a fire risk. Remove jewellery when near kiln /fire as it heats up.
It can get very cold in Leura, so be sure to bring a woollen coat or jumper, rain gear (just in case) and a woollen beanie or cotton scarf to tie back hair and protect forehead. Safety leather aprons supplied
Lunch
Rob has suggested that we have a Christmas in June themed lunch and cold drinks, bring your own lunch or bring a plate of goodies to share. NB: we won’t get much time to stop during the day, so bring snacks and food that’s easy to eat on the go. But we WILL get time for tea, coffee and cakes! Bring your favourite coffee mug: Or buy one of Rob’s masterpieces as a collector piece.
Contact details: if you get lost when driving contact:
Di – 0415414589
Or Rob – 0416 205 475
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Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. If classes are full, this will be advised on the online booking Form. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay the full rate or a pro rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking. Also by filling in your name, we can better plan for classes next term.