Raku & alternative firing
Clay, transformed by flame and smoke
For makers who love surprise, experimentation and the thrill of the reveal. Raku and alternative firings create rich colour, crackle, smoky markings and metallic flashes that can’t be fully replicated in an electric kiln.
Firing techniques
Raku
Glazed pots are pulled from the kiln while they’re still glowing and finished in combustibles. Fire, smoke and reduction leave crackle, carbon blacks and metallic flashes.
Obvara
A hot pot is plunged into a fermented mix, then water, scorching warm, earthy patterns into the bare clay.
Horsehair and feathers
Laid onto a hot surface, they burn away in an instant and leave fine, smoky carbon lines behind.
Pit, saggar and sawdust
Slow, smoky firings where pots sit among combustibles. Pit and wood-fired kilns burn overnight and reveal their results the next day.
On the calendar
Upcoming firings
No firings on the calendar right now
Raku workshops run between March and November, when the weather allows. Ask Deb to hear about the next one, or see what else is on in upcoming workshops.
Raku workshops
A firing you take part in
Because gas and raku kilns heat up and cool down quickly, the process is hands-on and immediate. The firing itself takes about an hour, and every piece comes out with its own character.
- One large bisque-fired piece, or two smaller ones, ready to glaze
- A selection of eight studio-made glazes
- Combustibles, and often an obvara mix
- Welcome to bring your own bisque pieces and combustibles
- Your pieces go home with you on the day
- Runs March to November, weather permitting
Out of the fire
One of a kind, every time
Want to see what’s possible? Book in for a demo and see how alternative firing could change your own work.
