Linda Helms

I will be offering a 2 session  Raku workshop this spring on Sunday, April 23 from 9:30am to 3;30 pm The glazing will take place on Saturday, April 22/23 from 12:30 to 2:30.

The workshop will have a limit of 6 participants. For this workshop you must be a member of the Clay Hub to work in the studio. Or have your own space to work in independently on your own.

Raku fired pieces are decorative and are not meant to be used with food as the clay after this type of low firing is too porous and cannot hold liquids. Also the oxides that make up a part of the glazes are not fired to a high enough  temperature to be safe with food. 

However you may think of creating decorative functional pieces which have other specific uses:

- Wall Sconces,

- Lamp bases ( consider the hardware and space needed for the neck area where the bulb is attached as well as considering where the cord exits at the bottom. You may not need a bottom floor) 

- Fish wall hangings, 

- Candle holders, 

- Decorative platters and bowls. ( as a centre piece or to be hung on a wall)

- Sculptural pieces ( hollow)

-  Containers with lids,

-  Decorative vases ( vessels) ( if wide enough this could hold a plastic or glass container which could then be used for real plants) 

- Masks. 

These are just a few ideas you may want to consider. Most of the above may be either hand built or wheel thrown. Creating texture always enhances a piece. 

You may want to google raku forms and this will also expand your palette of ideas. 

Any black areas you see on pieces are unglazed areas and are created from the smoking process in a raku firing.

Guidelines:

4 pieces per participant to be glazed prior to the day of firing.

Maximun height for all pieces 10 inches.

Maximum width for symmetrical / cylindrical shapes 5 inches. 

Maximum width and length for oblong or oval shapes 6 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide.

Maximum length with and depth for flatter wall type pieces: L7xW7xD3 1/2inches.

The flatter pieces need to be able to stand on one of its sides against the interior wall of the kiln.

Note: Covid 19 protocals, Masks are optional,but still sanitize when entering the studio. Bring your own apron and hand towels to take home please.

Instructor: Linda Helms

Intermediate skill level

Ages: 18+ 

Min: 4      Max: 6  ( wait list available)

1st Day: 12:30 to 2:30 Glazing pre bisqued pieces.

2nd Day: Rakuing 9:30 to 3:30. firing your pieces. 

Once registered you will need a copy of this reciept to show to the monitor you have registered for the class. Then you can buy your 1/2 bag of  WSO clay from the studio to work on your pieces independently.

Cost: $ 126.00 plus GST 6.30 = 132.30

 Clay sold seperately at the studio.   1/2 a bag of WSO raku clay $33.90 for 1/2 a bag plus GST (1.70)=35.60

Email Linda if class is full to be added to her wait list. linda.helms@hotmail.ca