Raku Workshop with Malcolm Murchison
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 signifies emotions such as fulfilment, enlightenment, and enjoyment of freedom. The process was preferred by the Tea Masters 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.
During the workshop you will learn how to:
– Create pots using the Raku process
– Apply wax
– Glaze pots
Apply the glaze with guidance and instruction from Malcolm, see the pots go into a red hot kiln, then see them extracted and placed in sawdust and flames before a bath of cold water. The results will be as beautiful as they are extraordinary. Take home at least four beautiful pots.
The finished decorative pots are generally unsuitable for eating or drinking from as they absorb water and have little mechanical strength.
Presented as part of Causeway Craft Trail Showcase and August Craft Month.
Come along to:
Flowerfield Arts Centre
185 Coleraine Road
Portstewart
BT55 7HU
Access:
Hearing-impaired infra-red system in the auditorium and induction loop at our Box Office/reception. Guide dog, Hearing dogs and Registered Assistance Dogs are welcome to our venue, including the auditorium. Wheelchair access is available throughout the building and our auditorium for wheelchair seats/transfers. We have a low-level counter at our Box Office and Visitor Information desk. We have adapted toilets on our ground floor immediately behind our reception and also on our first floor. A lift is available from our ground floor to our first floor.
Booking:
Bookings can be made online, here.
By Telephone – 028 7083 1400
In Person at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart
Contact info and social media links:
Contact info@flowerfield.org if you have any questions.
N.B. Caution is recommended if you have any history of respiratory illness such as asthma since the workshop will involve proximity to smoke. Please wear old cotton clothes, avoiding man-made fabrics. Long hair tied back. A hat is a good idea. You will smell of smoke as if you have been at a garden bonfire. This workshop will take place outdoors.
Disclaimer:
All August Craft Month events are run independently by the event organisers. For questions regarding the event please contact this event organiser directly.
