Raku Sundays - August

Raku Sundays at Common Clay

2nd, 9th, 23rd & 30th August 2026

Experience the excitement of Raku — a fast-paced, expressive ceramic firing technique rooted in Japanese tradition. This process involves removing glowing hot pots from the kiln and placing them into combustible materials, creating rich, smoky surfaces and beautifully unpredictable results.

These sessions are led by artist Katalina Caliendo, who will guide you through both making and firing processes, introducing a range of alternative and experimental firing approaches alongside traditional Raku.

This includes demonstrations and opportunities to explore Obvara firing and the use of a variety of combustible materials including horsehair and feathers, alongside a selection of Raku glazes designed to create bold and dynamic surface effects.

This August, the programme is split across making and firing sessions:

Sunday 2nd August – Making Session
11am - 1.30pm
This session is dedicated to creating work for Raku firing. You’ll be guided through making simple, effective forms in clay that respond well to the Raku process. Your pieces will be dried and bisque fired by the studio, ready for firing in a later session.

Sundays 9th, 23rd & 30th August – Raku Firing Sessions
10am - 4pm
These sessions focus on glazing and firing. You’ll be guided through the full Raku process, from surface decoration through to firing in our outdoor kiln. Your tutor will share techniques to help you achieve striking results, while also encouraging experimentation and chance — a key part of Raku and related alternative firing methods.

You can bring your own bisque-fired pots, use pieces made during the August 1 session, or purchase bisque ware from the studio. With small group sizes (maximum 6 participants), there is plenty of opportunity for individual guidance throughout the day.

We aim to fire as much work as possible, but please allow for up to four pieces per person during firing sessions.

What’s included:
All materials, a range of Raku glazes, combustables, firing, tools, apron, gloves, and refreshments (tea & coffee) & a simple vegetarian lunch.

Key information:
Outdoor firing (weather dependent)
Maximum pot size: 20 x 20 x 20 cm
Suitable for all levels

Terms and Conditions 2026
- Full payment is required to secure a place in any class or workshop.
- Cancellations made more than 7 days before the class are eligible for a full refund or credit.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before the class are non-refundable.
- Missed classes are not refundable or transferable.
- In the rare event that we cancel a class, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.