Deep Dive into Raku: Naked, Glazed & Copper Fuming
$560.00
Immerse yourself in the dramatic world of raku firing and explore the distinctive surfaces created through One-Step Naked Raku, Two-Step Naked Raku, White Crackle Raku and Copper Fuming.
Over two intensive days, ceramic artist Jacqui Sosnowski will guide participants through the complete raku process, from selecting suitable forms and preparing slips and glazes through to firing, reduction and finishing. A key feature of this workshop is the opportunity to revisit and refine your favourite technique, allowing you to move beyond experimentation to create resolved, intentional work.
| Date: | Sat 10 & Sun 11 October 2026 |
| Time: | 10am - 4pm each day |
| Teacher(s): | Jacqui Sosnowski |
| Location: | Workshop 1 and Outdoor Kiln Area. Canberra Potters, Canberra |
1 SPOTS LEFT
Description
Raku is one of the most exciting and immediate firing methods in ceramics, combining heat, smoke, reduction and rapid cooling to produce unpredictable surfaces and effects.
This immersive two-day workshop is designed for adventurous ceramicists who are ready to deepen their understanding of raku techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to identify the surfaces that most interest them and spend dedicated time refining those approaches.
Led by experienced ceramic artist Jacqui Sosnowski, the workshop combines demonstrations, discussion and hands-on firing sessions. Techniques explored will include:
- One-Step Naked Raku – smoky, crackled surfaces created through a sacrificial slip coating
- Two-Step Naked Raku – layered slip and glaze applications that produce a wider “net” and complex patterning and surface variation
- White Crackle Raku – classic crackled glaze surfaces enhanced through different application methods
- Copper Fuming – iridescent metallic effects created through copper-bearing glazes and carefully controlled reduction
Participants will learn about selecting appropriate forms for different raku techniques, preparing slips and glazes, kiln loading, firing temperatures, reduction methods and post-firing cleaning and finishing. Throughout the workshop, Jacqui will share examples from her own practice and discuss how different forms, glazes and reduction conditions influence the final result.
This workshop is ideal for intermediate and advanced ceramicists who have some experience working with clay and want to build a stronger, more specialised raku practice.
Throughout the Course You Will
- Explore four distinctive raku techniques in depth
- Learn how slips, glazes and reduction affect fired surfaces
- Select forms that best suit different raku outcomes
- Participate in kiln loading, firing and reduction processes
- Gain confidence handling hot work safely during raku firing
- Compare the visual qualities of naked, glazed and copper-fumed surfaces
- Revisit and refine your preferred technique to create more resolved pieces
- Develop practical strategies for continuing raku in your own practice
Course Structure
This immersive two-day workshop explores a spectrum of raku firing techniques, from dramatic crackle glazes and copper fuming to one-step and two-step naked raku processes. Through demonstrations, discussion and repeated firings, participants will investigate how slip, glaze, temperature, atmosphere and reduction interact to create a wide range of surface effects.
Suitable bisque-fired forms will be prepared for a variety of raku approaches, with opportunities to mix and apply slips, glaze work for raku firing and participate in the firing and reduction process. Technical discussion will cover kiln temperatures, reduction methods, surface cleaning, troubleshooting and finishing techniques.
A key feature of this workshop is the opportunity to move beyond initial experimentation and spend dedicated time refining the technique that most excites you. With Jacqui’s guidance, participants will repeat and adjust their chosen process, troubleshoot technical challenges in real time and work towards more intentional, resolved and technically refined outcomes.
The workshop concludes with a group review of results and discussion of strategies for incorporating raku processes into participants’ ongoing ceramic practice.
Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will have:
- Experienced several specialised raku firing techniques firsthand
- Produced a selection of test pieces and more resolved finished works
- Developed a stronger understanding of slips, glazes and reduction firing
- Gained practical knowledge of raku firing and finishing processes
- Identified the raku techniques that best suit your aesthetic interests
- Built confidence to continue exploring raku independently
What to Bring
- 10-15 suitable bisque-fired pots “Grapefruit size” MUST be made from a suitable white raku clay. (Important- if you plan to bisque your pieces in Canberra Potters kilns via weigh and pay services, please allow up to 4 weeks for pieces to go through).
- Notebook and pen for recording recipes and firing notes
- P2 dust mask
- Closed-in shoes
- Natural fibre clothing suitable for outdoor firing activities
- Lunch and refreshments each day (fridge and microwave available)
Jacqui Sosnowski Bio:
Jacqui is an accomplished ceramicist who is addicted to all things fiery – from wood fire to raku and obvara. Her large electric kiln is now only used to prepare her ceramics for their real baptism in the incandescence of flame. Both the subtle and dramatic surfaces conjured by the conflagration of “alternative firing” are of deep attraction to Jacqui as a ceramicist. To trace the path of the flame as it flows, roars and licks its way through the clay is more satisfying than the application of any glassy glaze. To see the effect of the blaze, to smell the combustion and to feel the heat are now all necessary ingredients. Jacqui has spent most of her pre-ceramic life teaching at High School and University. She now combines both her passions by giving workshops in the unpredictable world of alternative firing.
Instagram: @jacquisos
Facebook: Jacqui Sosnowski
Terms & Conditions
Refund Policy – Classes & Short Courses:
- Class fees will be refunded, less a 10% admin fee, if cancellation is notified more than 10 business days before the first class date.
- If less than 10 business days’ notice is given then a refund, less 10%, will only be given if the place can be taken by another student otherwise the full fee is forfeited.
- Please view your booking as a commitment to attend.
- Classes cannot be transferred from one term to another or one year to another.
- If a class is cancelled due to lack of enrolments, 100% of your class fee will be refunded.
- All changes to bookings and refunds incur a 10% administration fee.
- Canberra Potters will not issue refunds for missed classes or missed emails. Please ensure you have saved the following Canberra Potters emails to your contact list.
- Canberra Potters is a teaching facility and students attend our classes to learn about pottery. Imperfect, broken and cracked items are part of the learning process. We do not provide refunds for work that cracks or breaks while drying, during firing or in general class activities.
Booking Policy
- Canberra Potters does not offer make up classes.
- Payment in full is required as the time of booking to secure a place.
- CPS member discounts apply to course fees.
- All bookings are made by accessing our website
- All prices are subject to change.
- Classes are run subject to numbers.
- Once a class has commenced no refunds will be issued.
Member Discounts
- Member discounts must be applied at time of booking classes online. We are unable to apply member discounts retrospectively.
What to Bring
- 10-15 suitable bisque-fired pots “Grapefruit size” MUST be made from a suitable white raku clay. (Important- if you plan to bisque your pieces in Canberra Potters kilns via weigh and pay services, please allow up to 4 weeks for pieces to go through).
- Notebook and pen for recording recipes and firing notes
- P2 dust mask
- Closed-in shoes
- Natural fibre clothing suitable for outdoor firing activities
- Lunch and refreshments each day (fridge and microwave available)
