Alternative Firing: Smoke, Flame & Transformation

Explore the unpredictable beauty of smoke, flame, heat, and atmosphere in this immersive five-day workshop combining hand-building with Raku and alternative firing methods. 

Students will create forms specifically for low-fire and atmospheric processes, starting with how shape, texture, surface, and firing will work together. Through demonstrations in pinch, coil, slab, hollow forms, and surface design, students will develop individual work while learning how different firing methods leave distinct marks on clay. After bisque firing, we will explore traditional glazed Raku along with alternative surface and firing possibilities that may include naked Raku, horsehair, saggar, smoke, and fume effects, depending on the work, weather, equipment, and interests of the group. 

The second half of the week becomes a communal exploration of fire as students participate in preparing, firing, reducing, smoking, cleaning, and finishing their pieces. Open to all experience levels!

Please click here for a brief overview & introduction from the Instructor, Supply List and Workshop Schedule. 

Program Tuition: $750 (does not include Room & Board)