Raku Firing with Amy Benzie & Kevin Andrew Morris from ACS Short Course
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
Participants are invited to bring their own bisque fired work to our Raku Art Weekender with Aberdeen Ceramics Studio. This workshop will take place outdoors where you will be introduced to the process of Raku; a Japanese style of pottery that involves low temperature earthenware firing combined with a rapid firing cycle.
Program Outline
This one-day workshop will take place outdoors and will be centred around the use of our own outdoor kiln. Provided is the opportunity to learn the process of Raku firing.
Raku is a low temperature earthenware firing and involves a rapid firing cycle. This is a direct process used to capture rapid results and ultimately brings the maker close in touch with fire and its effects on clay.
Guided by two of the team from Aberdeen Ceramics Studio, participants can glaze work together as a group prior to loading the kiln and firing their own work. A discussion around the process of firing will take place whilst observing your active outdoor firing.
Participants can then expect to see their own work being drawn from the red-hot kiln.
Whilst your work is still hot, you are invited to learn how pieces can be treated in a number of different ways, this can include plunging your work into sawdust (or other combustible material) or quenching your work directly into water.
Participants are required to bring their own bisque work ready to glaze and fire. It is essential that all work is bisque fired ahead of this workshop. This can involve work made during our previous Art Weekenders or can involve individuals own premade, bisque fired work. The process of raku firing will be repeated during the day enabling participants to fire one or two of their own pieces.
Participants are encouraged to bring more work than needed where possible with an estimated maximum of 25 litres of work each.
Disclaimer
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information.Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 10:00 - 16:00.
Participants are asked to prepare for an outdoor workshop.
Activity Summary
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Delivering this workshop are two of the team from Aberdeen Ceramics Studio.
Kevin Andrew Morris
Kevin Andrew Morris, referred to as a ‘Nomadic Ceramicist’ is motivated by an investigation of his own family heritage and material culture. His work engages with concepts of craft, material, and place. Based in Aberdeen, Morris exhibits work both nationally and internationally, working with a range of artists, institutions, and various public projects.
Amy Benzie
Amy Benzie is a ceramic maker and a creative facilitator living and working in Torry, Aberdeen. Benzie’s curiosity lies in the alchemy of glaze recipes and firing. The element of unpredictability that comes from investigating with her materials, and the exchanges between art and science greatly inform the otherworldly forms and textures of her work.
Aberdeen Ceramics Studio
Aberdeen Ceramics Studio is a team of six passionate ceramicists and potters who share a vision to make working with ceramics available to everyone in the North East of Scotland. The team is made up of Aimee Morris, AJ Simpson, Amy Benzie, Celda Tyndall, Kevin Andrew Morris and Matthew Wilcock.
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Robert Gordon University (RGU)
Overview:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates and strong focus on employability. RGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Library resources, IT helpdesk, and academic advising.Student Life:
Social and cultural activities, sports facilities, and student clubs.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.International Student Support:
Visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and dedicated support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student community. Students can enjoy:
Beautiful Campus:
The university boasts a modern campus with green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.Active Student Life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams cater to various interests.Aberdeen City:
The city of Aberdeen provides a rich cultural and social environment with numerous attractions and opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
RGU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Industry Connections:
RGU maintains close ties with industry, providing students with valuable real-world experience.Quality Teaching:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.Academic Programs:
RGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A diverse selection of undergraduate degrees across various disciplines.Postgraduate Courses:
A range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional development courses.Online Learning:
Flexible online learning options for students who prefer remote study.Other:
Research:
RGU conducts world-class research across eleven academic schools, contributing to economic, societal, and environmental impact.Business & Innovation:
The university actively supports industry, government, and non-profit organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.International Students:
RGU welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services to ensure a smooth transition.Alumni Network:
RGU graduates are part of a global alumni network of over 80,000 individuals.Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
The workshop is suitable for beginners and those with an interest in expanding their clay skills.
Participants are required to bring their own bisque work ready to glaze and fire one or two pieces. They are encouraged to bring more work than needed where possible, with an estimated maximum of 25 litres of work each.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
