Workshop requirements

This page lists some basic requirements for conducting a raku workshop. To book a workshop and discuss the details contact me: info@judithroberts.com.au.

Materials and equipment needs:

Judith will supply:

• 2 x converted rubbish bin kilns
• 2 x raku burners
• 2 x 9kg LP gas bottles
• Tongs
• Heat shielding gloves
• 4 x reduction Bins
• 2 x masks
• Wood shavings
• 10 x buckets of prepared glazes for use on the day which may include, clear crackle, shiny copper lustre, copper matt, blue blush, blue beyond, blue black lustre, plus low fire red,lime green, orange, and yellow
• Preparations for Naked raku effects where needed
• 10 x slip trailers to assist glaze application
• Bisque fired samples available for purchase on the day as spares in case of shortages
• Detailed workshop notes
• Material Safety Data Sheets for some of the materials used in the glazes
• An image presentation containing selected images of my work and the work of other artists working with raku processes

Participating group to arrange:

• Bisqued pots suitable for the Raku*
• All work should be free standing, no wide bowls, tiles, or plate forms. Pieces
• Area suitable for Raku firing,
• 1 x Table suitable for glazing near the Raku area (laminex type if possible for easy clean-up)
• 2 x 20 litre buckets (if possible) 3-4 smaller ones OK, for water
• Latex type disposable rubber gloves. Allow for at least 2 pairs, per participant
• 6 x heavy duty ('Scotch' type) green kitchen pot scourers
• Sponges for clean-up and for cleaning the bases of pots
• Easy access to running water or a hose close to the desired firing area
• Newspaper for shredding

*White raku clay or white raku paper clay is preferred. Remember to keep the pots smallish ( or narrow and tall rather than wide) so a maximum number can be fired on the day! It is possible to achieve 5 - 7 firing cycles, resulting in 80+ pieces being completed on a workshop day.

Participants are reminded to wear suitable close fitting clothes and covered shoes for safety on the day.

In all weather, sunglasses provide protection from radiant heat when looking into the kiln.

Rain showers on the day are no real impediment to Raku firing but we all may need to shelter from the rain somehow.