Workshop
In the workshop,
Dimitra Safiolea,
is inspired and creates alongside her partner Vangelis Magkopoulos.
MOULDING CLAY
CONSTRUCTION OF WORK BY HAND
ARTWORK IN POTTER’S WHEEL
GLAZING OF ARTWORKS
FIRING WITH THE RAKU TECHNIQUE
A few words about the Raku technique.
An old Japanese technique, used to satisfy the needs of the tea ritual. By improvising, the host and the guests moulded and fired vessels of their own thanksgiving ritual, celebrating their connection and communication. We experience the same feelings today upon touching a Raku item.
They are fired with open firing in temperatures of up to 1000°C. The clay remains porous and open, ready to receive the magical penetration of the smoke during the reduction process.
The decoration
The decoration is done with white or coloured glazes with metal oxide, while the presence of silver nitrate is both characteristic and necessary. The irregular, uncontrollable metallic iridescence is a distinctive feature of the Raku technique.
The Raku technique is used today to express contemporary needs and applications, providing the possibility to create micro-sculptures, wall ceramic art, open forms, and large surfaces.
