Taking place over 2 Saturdays from 10.00am – 4.30pm
The next course is: Saturday 20th January & 3rd Feburary 2024
Raku week 1 – Roop will introduce you to the Japanese RAKU process and philosophy, showing examples of traditional and contemporary Raku and the techniques involved in making and decoration for this process. These will include hand building with molds, slabs, coils and pinch pots. The potter’s wheel will be available also so you can try your hand at this. On the first day we will focus on making forms ready to be RAKU fired on the following workshop day.
We will also test out and experience an initial firing using pots pre-prepared by Roop to gain some experience of the firing process in advance of the second week.
Raku week 2 – In week 2 we will focus on the decorative processes used to achieve the distinctive fired results of Raku.
We will explore the firing and localised reduction processes during the day. By the end of the classes you will have made and decorated at least three items which will be fired and available to pick up after the course has finished. This course is aimed at beginners but all are welcome no matter your experience of ceramics is.
The aim of the classes is to learn new skills in a relaxing, informal, well-equipped studio with friends or new people. Unleash some creative energy and get hands on with the clay.
What to bring
Just yourself, clothes that you don’t mind getting messy in. Sensible shoes or boots (no open-toed sandals please) are a very good idea and rings, nice watches and jewellery have been known to get covered or lost in the clay, so you might want to leave them at home.
What is included in the price
6 or 10 2 ½ hour sessions of tuition on a Wednesday evening. All tools, materials and firings included with the aim that you will be able to complete at least three pieces of work during the course. Students are welcome to bring their own ideas to the course and ambition is welcomed, though there may be a further materials and firing charge, depending on scale.
Refreshments: Plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits, cake will be readily available!
About Roop & Al
Roop has been a practising potter since 2001 having graduated from the Ceramics Degree and Postgraduate Diploma at Edinburgh College of Art. He has extensive teaching experience, including visiting lecturing at what is now UCA Farnham and Plymouth University, the Dartmoor Arts Summer School, and since 2009, at Exeter College and School of Art. He has a Certificate in Education from Plymouth University.
He has been working with his partner Alice as RAMP (Roop and Al Make Pots) since 2001. Alice’s predominant role has been in developing the characteristic RAMP style of surface decoration. Together Roop & Al have exhibited widely at craft fairs and exhibitions across the UK. They are members of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and the CPA (Craftsmen Potters Association of Great Britain).
How to Book
Spaces are limited on the course and so please book early to avoid disapointment. Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis on the basis of payment.
To book a place, please go to the shop section of this site and find the course booking tab. Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions before you book and pay for the course.