During the workshop, Ian introduced and talked about the different properties of the crackle and copper glazes, which Carl mixed himself, and he demonstrated techniques for applying glazes on pottery, such as “dip-n-pour” or “brush-on.” Students then had the opportunity to choose their glazes and coat their vases and sculptures, which were then placed into the propane kilns.
The anticipation grew as students waited for that final moment when the intense heat begins to melt the raku glazes. Finally, it was time to open the kiln and reveal the red hot pieces. Students wore heat-protecting gloves and were ready for the reduction process; using tongs, Carl and Ian moved the red hot pieces into aluminum cans—known as reduction chambers— while students quickly placed a lid and wet towel on top of the can.
Students then carried the reduction chambers over to the water station and, once there was no more smoking, they carefully lifted the lid and took out the pieces one-by-one; each piece was slowly submerged in water to cool down and to reveal the final glaze color. A couple of students explored a different approach and tried decorating their work, not with the fancy crackle and copper glazes, but with horse hair; the students carefully placed strands of real horse hair on the hot surface of their vases.
In the end, besides the fact that we had snowy weather the day before, it was a “beautiful day for Raku!”- Carl Mankert.