RAKU RUKUS III

Raku Rukus III Come make raku objects with Dean Howell and Thor Sigstedt
When? Starts Saturday April 9th at 10:00 am 2016 at Dean Howell Art Studio and then follow-up glazing and burning at Adventure Trails Ranch along the creek on April 16th.
$75 including materials!
...

Dean's Art Studio address: 1575 Center Court 87507
Dean's phone number: 466-2838 or Thor 466-4403 or facebook message works for Thor Sigstedt

RAKU RUKUS III

I.  BRIEF HISTORY OF RAKU

In the Japanese language, the word RAKU means “beautiful”, and has been used for        centuries to describe the ritual, the process, & the clay cups associated with the        Japanese, sake and tea-drinking ceremonies.  Contemporary artists and craftspeople all      over the world have adopted and adapted the process to their own cultures, and       personal methods of self expression.  The RAKU process of firing clay—by sudden         immersion/removal from red-hot firing chambers—offers beautiful visual effects on         glazes & clay objects…as well as providing unusual & stimulating, visual experiences        for the maker of the objects, and for all who witness the dynamic process!     

II.  RATIONALE

The RAKU process lends itself immediately to contemporary forms of expression, while maintaining its original capacity of representing ritual, and ethnic expression.  Given its adaptive nature & relatively low budget & overhead—as a three dimensional and sculptural experience—it has become a very popular choice of students of all ages & skill levels.  Though not yet a basic, required medium/process in most programs, it still has all the educational advantages for the developing art student or novice.   The process helps develop sensibilities in depth perception, skills in a plastic medium, vision & tolerance for the unknown, and opportunities to integrate “art & science”.  Educationally, RAKU has come to be synonymous with “successful experience”.

III.  RAKU RUKUS DESCRIPTION

This RUKUS provides a comprehensive study of the RAKU process for SCULPTURE—its tools, creative/technical processes, and materials.  Specifically, the participants learn: 1.) …the nature of RAKU clay bodies & glazes; 2.) …how to design & build RAKU kilns; 3.)  …how to create a rukus... SCULPTURAL OBJECTS for the RAKU process; 4.) …how to conduct a RAKU firing; 5.) …the safety & environmental concerns of the RAKU process; 6.)…most importantly…the “spontaneous & deliberate” character of  the RAKU RUKUS!!;

EVERYONE ENCOURAGED