Raku Firing

Experience the excitement of raku firing! This firing technique, sometimes referred to as American Raku, was adapted from traditional Japanese raku firing, and is known for producing beautifully unpredictable results. Glazed pieces are quickly heated to approximately 1,850°F and then carefully removed from the kiln while still glowing red-hot. They are then placed into reduction bins where the intense heat ignites combustible materials such as paper, sawdust, or leaves. The bin is then covered, reducing the oxygen and creating dramatic surface effects.

Depending on the glazes used, the results can include shimmering iridescent colors, metallic copper finishes, and intricate crackle patterns. Each kiln load takes about 1.5 hours to complete, making it possible to fire two rounds during a single workshop. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the kiln to witness the powerful transformation of fire and clay into truly unique works of art.
Raku firing is an exciting, unpredictable, and immersive process that takes place outside the studio. Students should be prepared to spend time outdoors and will be working near fire and smoke, please dress accordingly. Finished work may be taken home at the end of the firing.

 

Please note: Art of Clay Studio Members do not receive a discount for community or private raku firings.

Raku Field Trips

The ART OF CLAY STUDIO offers fall and spring raku firing field trips for grades 9–12. Students will learn the history and science of raku and see how rapid heating and reduction produce unique and often dramatic surface effects. While the kiln is firing, students will enjoy a tour of Waterville Creates and will return to watch the dramatic final stage of the raku process.

Contact [email protected] or 207.830.2205 if you have questions.

Please read each of the following in its entirety.

Important Information

Plan 3–4 hours (weather dependent)

Deadline

  • Field trips must be booked with Waterville Creates at least a month ahead of time.

Suggested schedule

  • 9–10am; Welcome and introduction with Waterville Creates staff; unpack bisque-fired work, apply glazes, and load the kiln.
  • 10–11am; Start the raku kiln. While its firing, students take a guided tour of Waterville Creates.
  • 11–11:30am; Students return; pieces are transferred into reduction bins.
  • 11:30am–12pm; Lunch break while pieces cool.
  • 12–1pm; Clean fired work, review finished pieces, and pack up.

Note: If multiple kiln loads are expected, add approximately 1.5 hours per additional load

  • Field Trips can accommodate 5–15 students.
  • Bisque-fired pieces only.
  • Small to medium-sized pieces preferred (typically one piece per student).
  • Avoid wide, flat pieces and very small items (difficult to remove with tongs).
  • Avoid delicate adornments that could be damaged during reduction.
  • Keep work roughly uniform in size to maximize kiln capacity.
  • Pieces from reduction bins may have soot or charred debris.
  • Clean with mildly abrasive sponges and dish soap.
  • Students must have a signed guardian waiver before participating.
  • Closed-toe shoes required.
  • Tie back long hair.
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants made of non-synthetic fibers (cotton or wool).
  • Safety gloves will be provided if students assist with firing.
  • The reduction process is smoky. Expect clothing and hair to smell of smoke.
  • Students not dressed appropriately may observe from the upper loading-dock level near the kiln.
  • Waterville Creates does not provide lunch. Please plan accordingly.
  • Confirm date and weather (raku is outdoors).
  • Estimate kiln loads and adjust schedule if needed.
  • Pack bisque-fired work.
  • Remind students and chaperones of dress code, waivers, and safety rules.
  • Pack food, drinks.

Private Firings

Group Firings:
10am–3pm; $450, 10 participants max

Mid-range clay bodies work best for raku—lighter clays with a bit of grog are ideal. Earthenware is not recommended. Wheel-thrown or sculptural forms are encouraged; plates, wide bowls, and thin or fragile work is a little riskier to fire.

During this instructor-led workshop, participants will glaze and prepare their pieces using a wide selection of raku glazes. There will be time for 2 rounds of firings, ensuring everyone gets most of their work fired.
Please bring 2–4 bisque-fired pieces about the size of a coffee mug, or 1-2 medium-sized forms.

Once work is removed from the reduction bins, participants will have the opportunity to scrub and wash their work, revealing the beautiful, glazed surfaces left from the raku firing process.

Small Group Firings;
1–5 participants; total cost to be covered by group:

$100 for the first kiln load

$75 for additional firings

Please contact Clay Studio Coordinator, Jeffrey Lipton, for scheduling.

Please note: Raku-fired pieces are not food-safe or watertight