30-2023- Alistair Danhieux – Naked Raku

July 23 – August 5 2023
Painting with smoke
Throwing and hand building techniques. Intermediate
30-2023- Alistair Danhieux – Naked Raku

Introduction

After two successful one- week courses, the 2023 edition of Alistair Danhieux Naked Raku course will be of two weeks. This will allow participants to more fully explore the large variety of possibilities, with the aim to gain experience of the technique such to be able to continue creating beautiful pieces independently.

Teaching Method

Through practical demonstrations and hands on work, we will go through all steps of creating with the Naked Raku technique, from construction to the final firing. Participants will make several simple test pieces and three more complex main pieces using their preferred making method of handbuilding or throwing. We will cover different methods of burnishing, preparation and application of decanted slip, preparation for the firing with different decoration techniques and finally, firing and post firing reduction. There will be experimentation at all stages, many firings and time for question and answer. All pieces made by the participants will be taken home at the end; however, the emphasis is on learning the technique rather than on production.

Materials

Materials used are a white grogged stoneware, slips and glaze specially prepared for Naked Raku. There will be Information and where to find these e materials.

Logistics

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.Participants should have some experience of working with clay and a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts in ceramics.

The Artist

Curtesy Lola Hakimian

Alistair Danhieux After completing his education in Britain, Alistair decided to travel, first in Europe then in India and West Africa. He finally settled in St Amand en Puisaye, in France in 2003 in order to start a new journey, this time in ceramics. He completed two long courses at the CNIFOP in St Amand, the most important Ceramic School in France, concentrating mainly on throwing. Then he continued his ceramics education exploring his own style, notably with the Naked Raku technique and in 2007 set out as a professional potter. Alistair exhibits his work at ceramics fairs and in galleries all over Europe. He is regularly teaching CNIFOP. www.alistairceramics.com www.facebook.com/alistairceramics www.instagram.com/alistairceramics

Artist:

Alistair Danhieux
Date:

July 23 – August 5 2023
Length of course

10 working days in the studio, 5 working days in the studio
Technique:

Raku
Level:

Some experience required
Cost:

EURO 2500
Deposit for booking:

EURO 600

THIS COURSE IS FULL

30-2023- Alistair Danhieux – Naked Raku
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair 5
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair 4
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair 3
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair 2
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair 1
LA MERIDIANA Danhieux Alistair

Payment and Refund Policy

A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.

Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded.  No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the EU consumer protection legislation.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.

Info

The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 230 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.

Safety

La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The building is sanitized and the daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.

Programme

Sunday  Arrival between 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Monday Introduction to the studio and studio rules

Start of making, either handbuilding or throwing. Demonstration of throwing and demonstration of the start of handbuilding a coiled vessel using a pinchpot.
Tuesday Making continues. When pieces are at the right consistency, trimming and burnishing can start.
Wed Making continues. Students will make 2 – 3 “nice pieces” and 5 – 6 test pieces that can be simple shapes. Alistair will make Test pieces also. Terra sigillata application to sufficiently burnished pieces. Some of the pieces will be prepared at the raw stage for “black on black firing”. Three intensities of black can be achieved depending on how the pieces are prepared at this stage.
Thurs Making continues. A first kiln can be packed with pieces that are ready and dry, for first bisq firing.
Friday Making continues. Preparation for the first Naked Raku firing starts. Demonstration of reserve application and dipping/pouring slip /glaze. The first firings will be basic Naked Raku with natural crackle effect. Different thicknesses of slip and glaze can be applied to see what effect this has.
Saturday Making continues. This will be the last day to start making new pieces. Raku firings experimenting with crackle effects.
Sunday Studio closed. Second bisq firing.
Monday Finish trimming and burnishing of the last pieces. Preparation of next firngs, experimenting with different slip and glaze recipes to see the different crackle effects.
Tuesday Preparation of next firings – scratching through glaze and slip in order to create design using the smoke. Third bisq firing.
Wed Preparation of firings – application of glaze splashes onto slip using different methods: slip trailer, brush, sponge, etc.
Thurs Black on black firings.
Friday Last Raku firings. Students will be free to experiment with firings of their choosing in the morning.  Students can apply wax on dry pieces in order to give a little extra protection and shine. In the afternoon we will tidy and clean the studio and discuss the different effects seen during the two weeks and try to answer any last questions.
Saturday Departure