Raku Ceramics Workshop with Malcolm Murchison

Saturday 17 August | 10pm – 4pm | Cost: £100 full, £90 concession

Part of August Craft Month NI & Causeway Craft Trail Artists at Flowerfield.

Glaze and fire pre-made pots in the ancient Japanese process of Raku, led by Malcolm Murchison. Apply the glaze with guidance and instruction, the pots go into a red-hot kiln, are extracted and placed in sawdust before a bath of cold water. The results are as unpredictable as they are exciting. You will take home at least four beautiful pots. A rare opportunity to experience a highly specialised technique.

Raku Pottery was developed in Japan in the early 1500’s as the Ceremonial Tea Ware of the Zen Buddhist Tea Masters. The word Raku describes ideas such as fulfilment, enlightenment, and enjoyment of freedom. The Tea Masters preferred the process because it had a resonance of humility, purity, simple naturalness, which are important to the Zen philosophy.

Pots carry the marks of the tongs used to extract them from the kiln and the ravages of the firing. This is celebrated as an essential aspect of the process. The finished decorative pots are generally unsuitable for eating or drinking from as they absorb water and have little mechanical strength.

No prior experience required. Participants must be 18+

Safety:

Caution is recommended if you have any history of respiratory illness such as asthma as the workshop involves proximity to smoke. Please wear older clothes and avoiding man-made fabrics. Long hair should be tied back. A hat is a good idea. You may finish smelling a little of smoke, as if you have been at a garden bonfire. This workshop will take place outdoors and is moderate weather dependent.