Raku course, (2 days)

“Raku” is the name of a special technique for firing ceramics. Originating in Japan, the method produces intriguing patterns of black crackle rings and beautiful metal shifts in the glaze. The crackling occurs when the products are moved directly from the approximately 1000 degrees hot gas oven to a “soot chamber” with combustible material. This catches fire of the hot objects. The fire is then smothered by means of a lid, and in the reducing environment then formed, the metallic color shifts and the blackened goods occur.

Raku actually means “joy,” and pure and cutting joy it is to create pottery with this method - it's fast, unpredictable and insanely exciting. Get ready for a nerve-wracking experience!

At the first course, on March 23, we meet in the studio at Slaggatan 29 (Falun) and we produce our works. These are then left to dry before I burn them before course two.

On the second occasion, we glaze our creations and burn them in the gas-powered raku oven in the garden at Hästhovsvägen 9 (Falun).

When the glaze has melted at about 1000 degrees, we move them with pliers to a barrel filled with sawdust. The sawdust is then caught on fire by the hot objects, which are then allowed to smolder in a reducing environment before finally being moved over to a watering can and washed clean of soot. Alstren is ready to take home the same day.

During the course day two, (Sunday 19/4 at 10 am- about 4 pm) we are outdoors all day - clothes according to the weather. (The smoke from the soot barrel smells quite strong, so don't put on your best “go-away” garments. If the weather is abysmal with heavy rain or heavy wind, we will find a new opportunity for the burn.)