OUTDOOR WORKSHOP
3-6.10.2024
Raku. An autumn outdoor meeting with ceramics born in fire.
Rut Open Air Raku in the Beskids
Workshop techniques:
Raku with reduction/with crackles
horse hair, feathers, milk, sugar, honey
obwara/żurek/bełtucha
combining techniques
naked raku two-step
copper matt + glaze preparation
sagar
black ceramics
ecoprint on ceramics
papergift
alternative firings
The plein air is aimed at anyone seeking contact with the elements, earth, fire, water and air. All four will accompany the birth of Raku ceramics.
Raku is a firing technique referring to the tradition of feudal Japan and is closely related to the tea ceremony. Our meeting will cover various glazing and firing techniques.
The workshops include:
substantive part - lecture (discussion, each technique)
various glazing techniques (applying a paper mask, glazing with a brush, dipping, pouring)
raku firing, in a gas kiln with reduction / with crackles / with fumigation
horse hair / feathers, milk, sugar, honey
obwara / żur / bełtucha
combining techniques, various techniques for obtaining effects
two-stage naked raku
copper matt, + glaze preparation
saggar in a clay mask / paper / with oxides
black ceramics
ecoprint on ceramics
papergift
additionally - preparation of glazes for raku, including volcanic glaze
RAKU kiln operating instructions
paper / or barrel / pit kiln depending on the weather
Prepare 10 works with a specified size range base from 5-12 cm high to 20-25 cm cm. There are many techniques, so prepare two more works, up to about 12, such a bonus from us :). If there are any questions about the size, please write in private.
Good clays for modeling are those with a high content of fireclay. For turning, I use SiO2 Prai, for hand modeling Praf, GS 468, Wojtaszka, jaroszówka, SBK
We recommend turned works, pressed from a ball, from rollers, more cylindrical, more resistant to shock and cracking. Larger works are more sensitive, and flat ones (plates) break more easily and would have to be fired vertically (due to the amount of flat surface in the kiln). You should take into account the weight of the works and the places to grab the ceramics to remove them from the kiln and protruding long elements (rather avoid them) with a large number of works it is easy to chip something delicate. We have tongs with spikes and wheels. So it will be okay 🙂
Workshop cost * reservation:
*until July 31st 890 PLN
*until August 31st 990 PLN
*from September 1st 1170 PLN
/reservation to account 450 PLN
The amount includes the cost of the workshops (materials, firing, glazes, tools etc.)
Limited number of places - 10 places!
Accommodation and delicious full board (PLN 180 per day/person) payable on site.
2-3 person rooms.
For groups/couples/friends ---> 2 or more participants 5% discount
What to Bring:
Bisque-fired pieces: Preferably made from chamotte clay (e.g., Sio2 Prai, Praf, Pram, CJ 9GS, SBK, Wojatszek ST4, or Sibelko Raku with chamotte).
Special preparation:
Two well-polished pieces for Naked Raku.
Smoothly polished pieces for horsehair, saggar, black ceramics, and eco-printing.
Quantity: Up to 10 pieces with dimensions no larger than 12 cm in diameter x 23 cm in height.
Options for bisque pieces:
Pre-prepared bisques from the studio (10-piece Raku set for 490 PLN).
Order deadline: At least 3 weeks before the workshop.
Individual pieces available for purchase (30–70 PLN each).
Essentials to bring:
Apron and favorite tools, brushes.
Masks and disposable gloves.
Warm clothes that can get dirty.
Flashlights or headlamps.
Share Your Passion:If you have an interesting hobby or activity, feel free to share it with the group!
Additional Attractions (by reservation):
Horseback riding – @ Przystanek Polarna Gwiazda
Kobido massage (requires prior arrangement)
Nearby Places of Interest:
Stara Karczma in Jeleśnia
Lanckorona Town – highly recommended
Castle and Brewery in Żywiec
Hiking trips to Grapa or Pilsko (just a short distance away)