"Raku"(pronounced Lackoo) for the uninitiated, is a Japanese word for Fun; and in pottery terms it is a process of painting a pot with glaze, and then putting it into a kiln which is already heated to 1000'C. The pots are then in left for about 30 minutes, while the glazes melt. While the pots are still glowing red hot, they are taken out and buried in saw dust to produce metalic lustres and crackle glazes.

 right: Jenny transfering a small pot into the saw-dust.

After making sure that everyone is very well aware of all the health and safety risks, issues, and the strict procedures which have to be observed, the fun begins.

left : Bruno removing a large (1000'C) pot from the kiln.

These pictures are from the first Raku Saturday we held at our studio. A fabulous bunch of people came and all contributed to a very special day.

As well as the pottery, we had a bonfire-bar-b-que; I remember that, Bruno (in true French style) provide fabulously prepared skewers, Wendy produced wicked chocolate constructions, Emy contributed  a lovely Greek salad.

 We had people from France, America, England, Wales, Ireland and Hungary, which added to the atmosphere.

Carol and me lifting the lid off the kiln for the first batch of pots.

right:                            Wendy just going for it, painting a bowl with glazes and oxides.

below; Geoff heading for some serious lustre and Rachel getting stripy.

If you've ever held a "Slinky" spring in your teeth and tapped it, you'll know what's going on in Rachel's head. If you haven't, then, you really should!... Nothing to do with ceramics, but lots to do with fun. 

We worked on until 10pm. In the dark Raku becomes quite spectacular.

left: Emy moving a bowl.

The second Raku Saturday was a very different group of people, and therefore a very different day, but just as much fun.

Elsa (right) glazed and fired beads; but also was persuaded to get out her violin and improvised beautifully, as I cranked out a version of Dylan's "Down in That Easy Chair". 

Left: Bob and Gay demonstrating control and teamwork skills on the bar-b-que.

It's all about keeping things under control !

Some of the end results.

We also took our Raku kilns to Rhos-y-Gilwen; a beautiful and rather genteel venue, which is worth checking out for a range of cultural events.

Most of the day we were too busy to take photographs, which was a pity. On a day like this safety concerns mean that the public have to watch the kiln work from a safe distance.

Another lovely and very memorable Raku (fun) day.