Raku Workshop: Fire, Smoke & Magic

Date & Time
Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: TurnStudio, Arroyo Grande, CA

Instructor: Kenny Sing

Experience Level: Some pottery experience required

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Overview

Step into the dramatic and fast-paced world of Raku firing.

Set in the quiet landscape of Arroyo Grande, this two-day workshop offers a fully immersive experience in one of ceramics’ most dynamic firing techniques. Participants will glaze pre-made bisque pieces and take part in the full Raku process—from kiln to reduction.

Under the guidance of Kenny Sing, you’ll remove red-hot work directly from the kiln and place it into combustible materials, creating rich smoke patterns, crackled surfaces, and metallic finishes. Each piece emerges completely unique—shaped by fire, air, and chance.

This workshop is ideal for potters looking to explore surface, process, and unpredictability in a hands-on, high-energy environment.

What to Expect

• Fire 8–10 pieces (up to 6” in any direction)

• Hands-on participation in every stage of the Raku process

• Access to a curated selection of Raku glazes

• Exploration of horsehair and alternative firing techniques

• A small group setting focused on experimentation and process

Workshop Schedule

Day One — Saturday (10 AM – 3 PM)

• Welcome + introductions

• Glazing demonstrations and preparation

• First kiln loads and initial firings

• Afternoon Raku firings

Day Two — Sunday (10 AM – 3 PM)

• Continued firings and experimentation

• Technique refinement

• Horsehair / specialty firings

• Final pieces + wrap-up

Lunch is included both days.
(We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs, though not all restrictions can be guaranteed.)

Don’t Have Work to Fire? Don’t have a studio to make your pieces?

If you don’t have access to a studio or need time to create pieces, we recommend pairing this workshop with our Raku Vessel Lab.

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Raku Vessel Lab (Optional Add-On)

Dates: Thursdays 6:30-9pm, Sept 17 and Sept 24th

Location
Dusted and Blue

A focused, two-week studio course dedicated entirely to creating work for the Raku firing.

This structured making experience is designed to ensure all work is completed within the designated class timeframe in preparation for the upcoming retreat. Day One is exclusively dedicated to wheel throwing, where students will create all forms intended for firing. Day Two is solely focused on trimming, refining, and finishing those pieces—no new work should be started after the first session.

Demonstrations will support the process, including forms such as round vessels and tall cylinders, with instructor guidance available throughout.

Handbuilders are welcome and must also complete all handbuilding by the end of day two.

All pieces must be fully completed by the end of Day Two to allow adequate drying time for bisque firing before the Raku retreat on October 10 & 11.

Ideal for students looking to create a cohesive body of work with clear structure, accountability, and purposeful studio time.

Includes:

• 2 class sessions with instructor

• 12 lb bag of B-Mix clay

• Bisque firing

• Access to terra sigillata for horsehair raku firing

While not required, this lab is the best way to prepare work specifically suited for Raku firing.

This option is ideal for students who want dedicated studio time to develop forms specifically suited for Raku, meet fellow participants ahead of the retreat, and move through the full experience together—from forming to firing.

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Additional Information

Offsite Retreat Details
This workshop takes place in Arroyo Grande. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations.

Important Notes

• Workshop includes firing of 8–10 pieces (max 6”)

• You may bring extra bisque pieces in case time allows for additional firings

• Please review our workshop policies prior to booking

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What is Raku Firing?

Raku is a traditional Japanese firing technique where pieces are removed from the kiln at high temperature and placed into combustible materials. This rapid cooling process creates unpredictable surface effects—crackling, carbon trapping, and metallic finishes.

The result is expressive, atmospheric work where no two pieces are alike.