Art & Alchemy

Two-day course

Tutor: Andy Mason

Dates: 19 & 20 August

Time: 10.00 – 16.00 (lunch in the middle of the day)

Location: Messums Studios, Unit 1 Homeland Security, Chilmark, SP3 5DU

Cost: £330

This two-day course with Andy Mason will cover numerous methods of experimental and immediate firing techniques associated with modern RAKU. 

It is an ideal course for those who are fascinated with understanding ceramics and firing technology and would like to explore and understand RAKU firing methods and its creative potential in greater depth. Over the two action packed days with Andy, you will have the opportunity to trial the following methods:

• Naked RAKU,
• Copper Wire Fuming,
• Horsehair Fuming,
• Metal Mesh Saggar firing
• OBVARA firing

Japanese in origin, RAKU loosely translates as ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’, and dates back to the 16th Century.

Its historical roots are based around creating rustic, though precious, tea-bowls for the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

The Western interpretation is more usually known for the drama and excitement of the rapid ‘live’ kiln firing, unfolding with the joy and incidental surprises of this creative process.

This workshop will focus on the alternative methods that have emerged and developed from the latter part of the 20th century, taking advantage of the adaptability of fast firing lightweight RAKU kilns.

OBVARA firing originates in 12^th century Eastern Europe where it was used over the centuries as a means of sealing and waterproofing low fired ceramics. This method uses a living yeast liquid mixture into which red hot pots are submersed after being removed from the hot kiln.  The results are intriguing and unpredictable surfaces for which this method was adopted by many contemporary RAKU artists. 

Naked RAKU (aka. sacrificial glaze firing) is a fascinating method where exterior glaze is sacrificed (peeled off and discarded) to relive the smoke design on the surface of the pot beneath.

Saggar firings and Fuming methods offer a fascinating addition to the RAKU of today.

Participants are welcome to bring up to five pieces of their own biscuit fired work. We recommend Ashraf Hanna clay to be used for making. We recommend that for the work intended for Naked Raku you would consider burnishing the surface.

Size specification for the work for this course:

Size Limits: Height maximum – 240mm.   Width maximum – 140mm.

Maximum 5 Pots

Please note – Wide open bowl forms are generally more difficult in terms of vulnerability to cracking, and also more difficult placing and removing from the kiln if there are several other pieces alongside. Bowl forms should be a more closed shape- i.e the rim is not the widest point.

Alternatively, you can purchase vessels pre-made by the studio in an Ashraf Hanna clay. Each vessel £20, or £90 for five.

Tutor Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years experience, brings a dynamic and enthusiastic approach, sharing his individual techniques and guiding you through a range of creative glazing methods.

Born and raised in North Staffordshire he simultaneously draws inspiration from the historical legacy of The Potteries, nature and landscape influences, and appreciation of the great tradition of Raku, resulting in studio work ranging from technical precision through to a subtle asymmetry. 

Please bring: Sensible clothing and footwear, apron, notebook, packed lunch.