Raku Ceramics: The Art of Fire

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Dennis Ott Alt. Firing 6.2023(1)
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Description

Special Topics: Raku Ceramics: The Art of Fire with Ben Roti

Fridays |  Mar 7-Apr 11 | 9 am-12 pm  |  6 Instructor-Led Class Sessions + 6 Open Studio Practice Sessions

Immerse yourself in the dynamic and exhilarating world of Raku firing! This course offers a hands-on introduction to the thrilling, unpredictable art of Raku—a firing process that reveals vibrant, unique glaze effects and textures. Each week, you’ll participate in a new Raku firing session, coupled with discussions on the clays, glazes, and forms best suited to bring out the beauty of Raku.

 

What You’ll Experience:

Hands-On Raku Firing: Engage in the Raku process, from glaze application to firing, and witness the distinctive transformations that Raku creates.

In-Depth Exploration: Learn about the clays, glazes, and forms that work best in Raku, with discussions on the tradition and techniques of this unique firing method.

Safety and Technique: Due to the intense nature of Raku, students will work closely with open flames. For safety, please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and natural fiber clothing.

 

Class Highlights:

Intermediate Level: For students who have completed a beginner ceramics course and wish to expand their firing skills.

Unique Creative Expression: Discover the expressive potential of Raku, and create pieces with stunning, one-of-a-kind glaze effects.

Prerequisite: Completion of a beginner-level ceramics course.

 

Included Materials: Tuition includes your first 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and one open studio session per week.

Pottery Tools: Optional 9-piece tool kits are available in the studio for $15, though purchase is not required for the class.

 

Suggested introduction class:

Ben Roti

Ben Roti

Ben Roti is a ceramic artist originally from Spirit Lake, IA. He attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, from 2006 to 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics. During college, Ben’s ceramic work concentrated on the elements of world conflict culminating in his BFA show, “The Cost of War.” After finishing his BFA, Ben accepted a position as a studio assistant to ceramic artist, Don Reitz in Clarkdale, Arizona. Over several years (2010-2014), Ben had the opportunity to work with Don Reitz in the studio, assist with workshops in Montana and Florida, and was instrumental in the installations of gallery shows in Chicago, Denver, and Kansas City. At the Reitz Ranch, Ben furthered his knowledge in atmospheric firing with wood and salt types as well as a soda kiln in St. Petersburg, FL. He also was a part of constructing and repairing kilns. Since leaving the Reitz Ranch, Ben has returned to creating functional works using low-fire earthenware clay and has begun to develop a new body of work. Using reductive techniques, through sandblasting, Ben is able to build variations and create layers, which are inspired by the results that are commonly seen in atmospheric firing.

Ben currently resides in Camp Verde, Arizona, with his two sons.

First bag of clay included.  Additional bags of clay may be purchased during class for $45 per bag which includes glazing & firing fees.  Enrolled students may also participate in one open studio practice session per week.

Pottery Tools – There are 9-piece tool kits available for purchase in the Ceramics Studio for $15 per kit. Purchase of the tool kit is not required to take the class.

Cancellation Policy

Registration

  • Each student must enroll individually.
  • Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
  • Students may register online or by calling the Sedona Arts Center’s Office at 928-282-3809, ext 1.
  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours, 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Fri.

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

  • Students must cancel or transfer at least 7 days prior to the first day of class.
  • If a student cancels or transfers before the 7-day cut-off, a 15% fee will be applied.
  • If a student cancels within 7 days prior to class, there are no refunds.
  • If Sedona Arts Center cancels the class for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Important Message

The Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless the Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

~SB

Ben is brilliant. He is sincere, knowledgeable, and helpful

~PK

Ben is very knowledgeable and provides through instructions. I appreciate his attention to detail and effort to help each student. Looking forward to taking another class with him.

~MH

Very knowledgeable about processes

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