2 artists living in one of the authentic  villages of the region La Axarquia in Andalusia run a workshop in Raku firing and the making of and working with paper clay.

The name paper clay is a little misleading as it is in fact a normal clay to which paper, (e.g. newspaper, egg carton containers) or other organic materials are added. The composition of the base clay is then greatly improved and more versatile. Paper clay is much lighter and also stronger than normal clay due to the added organic materials.

Raku is an ancient Japanese oven firing technique where the roots come from their religious tea ceremony (raku: tea cup). Due to the quick cooling process when the glazed work comes out of the Raku oven (1000°C) via the open air temperature to sawdust the typical raku craquelé is born. The ceramics made are first fired in a gas kiln (biscuit firing), then glazed and perhaps decorated with oxides or by adding wax after which the works have to dry thoroughly. On the last day the last firing according to the raku technique takes place. That is a real happening! During the  5 days workshop you will be  informed how to build your own raku oven. All the works made can be taken home after the workshop.