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- Master Workshop: Obvara - Alternative Firing & Raku
Master Workshop: Obvara - Alternative Firing & Raku
Indian River Clay is pleased to invite you to the next in our series of Master Workshops: “Obvara - Alternative Firing and Raku Clay with master ceramics artist Anne Gordon-Vega.
Obvara is a technique that has been attributed to Eastern Europeans from the Middle Ages. Women made their own dishes and because they had no access to chemicals or money for glazes to seal their work, they developed this technique to seal their low fired pottery. Today, the Obvara technique is aesthetic, and is not recommended for utilitarian use. Raku clay is formed into desired shapes and then fired in the low fire Raku kiln. Upon removal from the kiln, the piece is immersed into a bucket of Obvara yeast liquid then water. Smooth and textured surfaces both produce interesting results.
This is a two-part class.
Sunday - June 30 (1-4 PM) The studio will be open for participants to get ideas and create up to 3 pieces for the Obvara firing. Pieces cannot exceed 7 inches in any direction and cannot have small attachments. Although this session is monitored, participants are expected to have the skills necessary to produce their own thrown or hand built pieces. Raku clay must be used and purchased from the studio at $7.50 per 5lbs.
Saturday -July 13 (9 AM to completion) Under the direction of Anne, participants will fire their pieces in a Raku kiln, pull them from the kiln and finish the pieces themselves. Studio assistants will be there to help. You will sign up for a firing time slot when you come to the studio June 30, but you are welcome to stay all day.
Pre-Registration is required.
Instructor: Anne Gordon-Vega
Skill level: This workshop is for those interested in creating 1-3 clay pieces then, exploring an alternative firing method. Some previous experience working with clay is necessary; experience with alternative firings is not required. [email IRC if you have questions?]
Cost: $125 for both sessions
Materials Fee: $7.50 per 5 lb. bag of raku clay (to be paid to IRC at the first session)
Class Dates: Sunday, June 30 from 1 to 4 PM & Saturday, July 13 starting at 9 AM
Materials To Bring: Basic pottery tools provided on June 30. Bring your favorites if you have them.
Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962