Instructor: Ryder Gordon
Monday - Wednesday, Friday
June 16 - 18, 20
9am - 2pm
4 sessions

Learn about the traditional Japanese firing technique called raku as interpreted by modern ceramic artists! In raku, the pieces are removed from the kiln at peak temperature rather than allowed to cool slowly. The ceramic artist can take advantage of this brief period when the piece is superheated - common practice include smoking the work in a post-firing reduction chamber to promote crackle effects, local glaze reduction, and blackening of unglazed surfaces. While the process does not produce functional, food-safe pottery, the low temperature, volatility, and spontaneous nature create unique and stunning results.

In this workshop, students will participate in two days of creating works on the potter’s wheel (Monday, Tuesday) and two days of raku firing (Wednesday, Friday). Thursday of this week is Juneteenth, so we won’t meet (that day will be used to bisque fire our thrown pieces). It is recommended that each participant bring 5-10 6x6 inch pieces (already bisqued) for our first firing day on Wednesday. Any type of clay is acceptable. You may substitute a larger piece in the place of multiple smaller ones (max 1 foot tall). On Friday we will raku a selection of the works we have thrown earlier in the week.

Ryder grew up in the Boston area, where he was introduced to the potter’s wheel at a young age. He graduated with a degree in art education and ceramics from UMass Dartmouth. He has studied wood, gas, and soda firing with Chris Gustin and Chris Smith, as well as raku with Stephen Branfman. Ryder has instructed and assisted at The Potter’s Shop and School in Needham, Peter’s Valley School of Craft, and Castle Hill Center for the Arts. Ryder’s work is defined by pushing the limits of what can be accomplished both on and off the potter’s wheel. He creates functional pottery with shapes that bulge, grow, and swirl as well as more decorative coil-built vessels. Ryder uses glaze and atmospheric firing to highlight his complex forms, creating dynamic surfaces.