Raku Ceramics
Moore College of Art & Design
Young Artist's Workshop
Learn to create forms using wheel throwing and pieces using the exciting ancient Japanese process of raku, a quick procedure that results in a unique luster and surface.
Why Raku? Raku , is literally a fast way to light a student’s “fire” and thirst for knowledge in the ceramic process. It is a quick tour through all of the elements, building skills and chemistry that will inform students to fearlessly experiment in every aspect of ceramic creation.
What is Raku? Raku can be described as a low-fire glazing technique. Work that has been previously bisque fired is placed in a kiln and brought to temperature quickly. When glazed areas have matured, the work is removed with tongs and appropriate heat protective clothing. After removal, the piece can be immediately cooled in water, left to cool in the ambient air or placed in a container with some carbon based combustible material, covered and left to smoke for a time. Depending upon the approach, the student can achieve many interesting textures and colors in their work.
Contents / Learning Tasks
-understand the importance of experimentation and documentation as research is done to create a project
-develop an understanding of the dialogue that takes place during critiques and apply it to the creation of art works
-interpret and use world events and experiences as sources for ideas, adding relevant social / emotional content to works
-manipulate and explore building techniques, isolating and combining forms to create a visual landscape
-realize practical applications for work produced (for example, pleasing a potential client, technical aspects of where work is viewed and final installation
-understand the importance of experimentation and documentation as research is done to create a project
-develop an understanding of the dialogue that takes place during critiques and apply it to the creation of art works
-interpret and use world events and experiences as sources for ideas, adding relevant social / emotional content to works
-manipulate and explore building techniques, isolating and combining forms to create a visual landscape
-realize practical applications for work produced (for example, pleasing a potential client, technical aspects of where work is viewed and final installation
-create a history that makes the viewer understand the maker’s visual language, leading to discussion of the work’s historical, contemporary and personal relevance
Course Requirements
-Attendance
-Attendance
-Participation during critiques
-All students are required to keep a note/sketch book. They will keep all relevant information pertaining to this class time in this resource. (Sketches, glaze tests, recipes, research info, handouts, etc.) This book should be present at all class meetings. Sketchbooks facilitate the communication students have with their instructors. The instructor has more tools to assist students in achieving their artistic goals viewing this collection of thoughts.
-Participation in loading/unloading bisque and Raku firings.
Prep and cleanup!
Supplies
* Sketchbook
* Clay (ordered through business office and supplied at first by the program)
* Hand building tools are provided by the program (needle tool, knife, sponges, modeling tools, carving tools.
Beyond that, students are encouraged to experiment & bring any tools or anything you think would make an interesting texture when pressed or rubbed into a clay surface, dental tools are great
Any experimental/outside supplies can be purchased at Dick Blick or The Ceramics Shop
Suggested Reading
Hands In Clay, Charlotte F. Speight & John Toki, Mayfield Publishing Co.
Hands In Clay, Charlotte F. Speight & John Toki, Mayfield Publishing Co.
Raku, A Practical Approach, Steve Branfman, Krause Publications
Raku Pottery, Robert Pippenberg, Pebble Press Inc.
Ceramics, Philip Rawson, The University of Pennsylvania Press
Raku Pottery, Robert Pippenberg, Pebble Press Inc.
Ceramics, Philip Rawson, The University of Pennsylvania Press
Clay & Glazes for the Potter, Daniel Rhodes, Chilton Book Co.
