Raku Firing

Service Description

Raku is an ancient Eastern method of firing simple pottery. After the pottery has been bisque fired it is glazed with metallic or white crackle glazes. The glazed pottery is fired quickly outdoors. It is removed from the kiln with tongs while glowing a hot orange (at temperatures near 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) and placed in a container filled with combustibles and then closed. At this point a reduction occurs. The fire is seeking oxygen and thus turns the metallic glazes amazing unpredictable colors, while making the unglazed clay body turn black. Raku is literally "playing with fire", and it is very dangerous. The pottery is hotter than fire when it comes out of the kiln. Clothes can ignite, hair and skin can get severely burned or singed, and lungs and eyes can get irritated or permanently damaged from the smoke and glaze fumes. In addition, kiln techs are moving quickly carrying red hot pottery to individuals stations every time the raku kiln is opened, and this can lead to accidental injury, severe burns, tripping, falling, etc. Participant Responsibilities: I understand that it is my responsibility to: (1) Wear proper clothing i.e. long pants, long sleeved shirts, hair ties, and closed toed shoes; (2) listen carefully to the Instructor, and always be aware of my surroundings; (3) immediately cease participation if at any time I feel like you or I are in danger; (4) wear all safety gear supplied to me or alternatives approved by KJones Pottery LLC. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: As with any raku firing, you will potentially be exposed to extremely hot ware and kilns, fire and smoke from reduction chambers, as well as sharp edges from glazed pots. Any raku event could potentially result in serious injury including burns, smoke inhalation and cuts. KJones Pottery will supply you with the following PPE. • Nitrile Gloves • Safety Glasses • Fire/Heat Resistant Gloves WHAT TO BRING: For your safety around the kilns you MUST be dressed properly. • NIOSH N95 Particulate Respirators • Closed toed shoes, • Long sleeves & long pants (made of natural fibers) are a MUST!