Greek Kiln depicted on an ancient Corinthian Pot

EARTH ▲ AIR ▲ FIRE ▲ WATER
The Racu Experience

This is alchemy.  We take slippery Earth and give it a shape and smooth it with Water,  The Air hardens it into a fragile thing , waiting. for the Fire.  Ah, the fire.  It has the power to turn the pudgy earth into shiny brittle Glass. ( There’s a fancy name for that, Vitrification, But it’s really magic)

However, letting a closed kiln take over some of these essential processes means we are missing out on a lot of the fun.  Most pottery is put into a kiln and only taken out once all the magic is done, But, Racu,, originally a Japanese technique connected with Zen Buddhism, strives for something much more spontaneous and unpredictable. Carefully watching thru a peephole, we wait until the pot is red-hot and the glaze has melted. Then we open the kiln quickly, interrupting the process, and take out the pots with tongs.  Immediately we plunge them into a container of combustible material such a sawdust, shredded newspaper, or leaves.  There is lots of smoke and fire and excitement.  And anticipation. Because the results are unpredictable. Snuffed in the organic stuff, lots is happening: the metal oxides in the glaze and the clay are fully or partly condensed and beautiful colors and patterns are developing. Once this is done, we get hands-on again, and plunge them into water. Amidst the  hissing noises and steam, more changes are happening as surfaces crackle.

            The entire process is exciting and spontaneous.  Intuition is equal to science.

The process itself is really in charge, and we are active bystanders.  The Fire, and Organic stuff, and Timing and Water  and access to Air all conspire to create coloration and patterns that are completely unique for each piece

            The workshop is open to complete beginners as well as more experienced potters.

Beginners will make simpler pieces the first few days, both wheel throwing and hand building techniques will be employed.  More seasoned ceramic artists will be challenged by some cutting edge state of the art techniques.  The final firing process is open to all as your teacher guides you through each step.

EARTH ▲ AIR ▲ FIRE ▲ WATER
The Place Experience

We have chosen a very special location for this workshop.  Somewhere close to the Earth, immersed in Water, Natural Fire.: OJO CALIENTE HOT SPRINGS

This is a place where there are 5 natural geothermal hot springs to soak in – the Fire deep in the earth comes close enough to the surface here to keep these natural springs hot and constantly flowing. We are lodged at a comfortable Inn complete with a full breakfast.  Class is in a light filled yurt next door.  After class each day, you can soak in the hot springs, or avail your selves of the many spa treatments available.  A mud wrap would be most appropriate, as would a hot-stone massage. or a seaweed facial !   There are also many nearby hikes and walks to ancient Anazazi ruins.

            Breakfast is included in your stay. The full service restaurant is open for your choice of lunch & Dinner, a la Carte. You may also wish to travel to Santa Fe one evening for a night on the town!

Class Location
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
http://www.ojocalientespa.com

The Iron Spring
Flowing from the earth at approximately 109 degrees, the iron water is said to be beneficial to the blood. The warm water bubbles up from the natural sandy floor, providing hot spots to discover in this outdoor pool. A Jicarilla Apache legend tells that the giant rock in the iron pool guards the place where the ancient people of the mesa once received food and water during times of famine.

S  C  H  E  D  U  L  E

Richard Hawley has been a professional potter since 1986 and has taught numerous workshops. He is known as an energetic and inspirational teacher.    The naked raku technique is an exciting and very performance oriented variation of raku .  A carbon imprint is rendered to the surface of bare clay, allowing the personality of the clay to be enhanced by the information of a glaze with out the presence of a glaze. http://www.crossgallery.com/

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Taos Art School
http://taosartschool.org | tas@laplaza.org