🔥 Obvara + Raku Horsehair & Feather + Glazed Raku
Two-Day Workshop
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 May | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days
Springwood, Blue Mountains
Get ready for a fast-paced, fire-filled weekend exploring two ancient and expressive ceramic firing techniques: Obvara Naked Raku and Raku . This immersive two-day workshop is perfect for adventurous potters, artists, and curious creatives — no prior Raku experience required.
Hosted in beautiful Springwood (Blue Mountains), this workshop is open to Deep Blue Ceramics members and includes all raku and obvara materials, firings, instruction — and a delicious shared lunch both days.
What is Raku?
Raku is one of the most exciting, hands-on ways to fire ceramics.
Unlike traditional firings, where pieces are slowly heated and cooled over many hours, Raku is fast, physical, and a little bit unpredictable. Pieces are removed from the kiln while still glowing hot, then placed into combustible materials like sawdust, paper, or leaves.
This sudden change creates dramatic surface effects, deep blacks, crackles, metallic flashes, and smoky markings that can’t be fully controlled or repeated.
That’s the beauty of Raku. It’s not about perfection. It’s about process, transformation, and letting go of control.
Glazed Raku
Glazed Raku is bold, expressive, and instantly rewarding.
Pieces are coated in specially formulated Raku glazes, fired, then placed into reduction. The combination of heat, oxygen, and smoke causes the glaze to react in beautiful and often surprising ways.
You might see:
- crackled glaze patterns
- metallic finishes
- flashes of copper, gold, and iridescence
It’s vibrant, high contrast, and incredibly satisfying to watch as the surface develops right in front of you.
Naked Raku
Naked Raku is quieter, more subtle, and often more surprising.
Instead of a glaze, a temporary slip is applied to the surface. As the piece is fired and reduced, this layer cracks and shifts, allowing smoke to reach the clay beneath. Once the slip is removed, what’s left behind are delicate, organic markings.
Expect:
- fine crackle lines
- smoky greys and soft blacks
- surfaces that feel almost like fabric or ink
Every piece is completely unique, with a softness and depth that reveals itself slowly.
Obvara
Obvara is fast, dramatic, and a little bit theatrical.
Hot pieces are removed from the kiln and dipped into a fermented mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and water. The reaction happens instantly, creating bold, organic patterns across the surface.
You’ll see:
- rich earthy tones
- flame-like markings
- textures that feel ancient and raw
It’s energetic, unpredictable, and always a bit of a spectacle.
Why people love Raku
Raku invites you to be part of the firing process itself.
You’re not just making the piece, you’re there for the transformation. You feel the heat, see the flames, and watch your work change in real time.
It’s:
- immersive
- creative
- a little bit unpredictable
- deeply rewarding
And no matter how much experience you have, there’s always an element of surprise.
Join us
If you’ve been curious about Raku, or you’re ready to try something completely different, this is a beautiful way to expand your practice.
Our Raku workshop on 30/31 May will guide you through glazed Raku, Naked Raku, and Obvara in a supportive, hands-on environment.
You’ll leave with pieces that are completely your own, and an experience you won’t forget.
🧑🏠Workshop Details:
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Date: 30-31 May 2026
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Location: Springwood, Blue Mountains
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Includes:
✔️ Instruction and firing materials
✔️ Obvara mix + takeaway info booklet
✔️ Catered lunch both days (please advise of dietary needs) -
What to bring:
🔸 10-20 bisque-fired Raku-friendly pieces (max ~15 x 10 cm)
🔸 Long cotton sleeves, enclosed shoes, and sense of adventure -
Skill level: All welcome – no Raku experience required
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Please note: Transport, accommodation and other meals are not included
Spaces are limited — email us to  ask any questions. We can help coordinate carpooling for those keen to share the drive!
Let’s play with fire. 🔥