Alternative Firing Methods · Raku Firing

Medium

Participate in a Raku firing

This is firing as performance. Hot kiln, tongs, fire, smoke. It happens fast.

The process (for at least two pieces)

  1. Load glazed pieces into the hot Raku kiln
  2. Watch through the peep hole: you're looking for the glaze to go shiny and molten
  3. When ready (15–30 minutes), open the kiln and grab the piece with long tongs
  4. Transfer immediately to the reduction chamber (metal bin with newspaper/sawdust)
  5. Place combustible material on and around the piece
  6. Cover with a lid, starving the fire of oxygen to create reduction
  7. Wait 10–15 minutes
  8. Remove and quench in water (for crackle) or let air-cool (for different effects)

Safety reminders

  • Everything is 900°C+: respect that
  • Move deliberately, not frantically
  • Have a clear path from kiln to reduction chamber to water bucket
  • Never reach into a reduction chamber with bare hands

What you're learning

Speed, decisiveness, and trust in the process. Raku teaches you to let go of control.