Experimental Firing with Jacqui Sosnowski
$560.00
Explore a range of exciting alternative firing techniques and discover how fire, smoke, slips and organic materials can transform ceramic surfaces.
Over two intensive days, ceramic artist Jacqui Sosnowski will guide participants through a selection of experimental firing processes including Obvara, One-Step Naked Raku, Two-Step Naked Raku, Sagger Firing and Glazed Raku. Through demonstrations, discussion and hands-on participation, you will learn how each technique creates distinctive surface effects while gaining practical experience in firing, reduction and post-firing finishing.
Suitable for adventurous ceramicists looking to expand their surface knowledge and firing repertoire.
| Date: | Sat 3 & Sun 4 October 2026 |
| Time: | 10am - 4pm each day |
| Teacher(s): | Jacqui Sosnowski |
| Location: | Workshop 1 and Outdoor Kiln Area. Canberra Potters, Canberra |
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Description
Alternative firing offers ceramic artists opportunities to move beyond conventional glaze surfaces and embrace the unpredictable beauty of flame, smoke, carbon and chemical reactions.
This immersive two-day workshop introduces participants to a range of exciting firing techniques that create dramatic and unique surface effects. Led by experienced ceramic artist Jacqui Sosnowski, the workshop combines demonstrations, discussion and practical firing sessions, allowing participants to experience several distinct approaches to alternative firing.
Techniques explored will include:
- Obvara firing, a traditional Baltic technique using a fermented flour-based solution to create rich organic markings
- One-Step Naked Raku, producing smoky, crackled surfaces through the use of a sacrificial slip coating
- Two-Step Naked Raku, using sacrificial slip and a light coating of glaze will allow for a “wider net” and different pattern and surface
- Sagger using ferric chloride and other materials to generate atmospheric surface effects
- Glazed Raku techniques using various application techniques of a simple white glaze to create dramatic crackle patterns and reduction effects
Participants will learn about kiln preparation, firing cycles, surface preparation, combustible materials, reduction processes and post-firing finishing techniques. Discussion will also cover the practical considerations of alternative firing, including suitable clay bodies, firing temperatures, safety requirements and methods for sealing and protecting finished work.
Throughout the workshop, Jacqui will share examples from her own practice, discuss the characteristics of each firing method and help participants evaluate the results achieved through each process.
This workshop is ideal for intermediate and advanced ceramicists who have some experience working with clay and wish to broaden their technical knowledge and surface treatment options.
Throughout the Course You Will:
- Explore five distinct alternative firing techniques
- Learn how slips, glazes and combustible materials influence fired surfaces
- Gain experience preparing work for alternative firing processes
- Participate in kiln loading, firing and reduction techniques where appropriate
- Develop an understanding of firing temperatures and process requirements
- Compare the unique aesthetic qualities of different firing methods
- Learn practical approaches to finishing and protecting alternative-fired work
- Build confidence in incorporating experimental firing into your own ceramic practice
COURSE STRUCTURE
This intensive two-day workshop explores a range of alternative firing techniques that create dramatic atmospheric surfaces through the interaction of heat, reduction and organic materials.
Participants will investigate Obvara, One-Step and Two-Step Naked Raku, sagger firing processes and white crackle glazed raku through demonstrations, hands-on firing sessions and technical discussion. Suitable bisque-fired forms will be prepared for a variety of firing approaches, with opportunities to apply slips and glazes, participate in kiln firings and experience different reduction methods.
Throughout the workshop, discussion will cover kiln atmosphere, firing temperatures, surface cleaning, troubleshooting and finishing techniques. Participants will compare the visual outcomes of different experimental firing processes and develop practical strategies for incorporating these techniques into their own ceramic practice.
The workshop concludes with a review of results and group discussion of technical outcomes and creative possibilities in experimental firing.
Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will have:
- Experienced a range of alternative firing processes firsthand
- Produced a selection of test pieces demonstrating different firing effects
- Developed an understanding of preparation, firing and reduction techniques
- Gained practical knowledge of surface finishing and sealing methods
- Expanded your technical vocabulary and firing repertoire
- Built confidence to continue exploring alternative firing in your own practice
What to Bring
- 12-15 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
- 12-15 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)
