Alternative Firing – Obvara, Horsehair and Feather Firing Workshop

Prepare yourself for a sensory adventure like no other

Obvara Firing
Originating in 12th-century Eastern Europe,
Obvara is a dramatic Raku-style process where
red-hot pottery is plunged into a fermented
flour brew and then rapidly cooled in water.
The result? Wild, organic surface patterns that
feel raw, earthy, and alive. It’s unpredictable,
exciting - and seriously fun.

Horsehair & Feather Firing
Next, we’ll dive into a contemporary Raku twist:
applying horsehair and feathers to hot ceramic
surfaces. As they burn on contact, they leave behind
striking carbon trails - dark, wispy patterns against
the pale clay body. No glaze, just fire and form
at their most expressive. Perfect for the impatient potter!

How many pots can I fire?

We will be attempting to have 4 firings, you may bring 4- 6 small pots to try different applications.

Pots should be smallish (maximum 10cm circumference) bisque-fired raku clay pot or sculpture. Make certain any additions to the pot are securely attached. Avoid tall thin necks. Pots must be bisque fired to maximum 1000C and made out of suitably grogged raku clay (Keanes White Raku or Clayworks LGH are great). No need to terra sig - either very textured or smooth surface is best. Small decorative holes work great!

Pots for horsehair and feather raku should be very smooth or lightly burnished.

What to bring to the workshop

Your bisque pots! Along with any feathers, horsehair, sugar, honey etc that you might like to apply ( there will be some available)