Clay at Redbarn

Pottery classes are for all levels of skills from complete beginners looking to try something new to experienced ceramic makers looking to further develop skills or ideas.

Classes will cover techniques such as hand building, throwing on the wheel, pinch pots, slab building and glazing. Classes will be available on a workshop basis or spread over a series of weeks.

During the retreats you will also learn a range of ceramic techniques and skills but with an emphasis on the process of working with clay within nature, a way to sooth a busy mind, body and soul.

Just like nature, clay is wholesome, grounding, and honest. When we touch clay, we are interacting with the earth, building a relationship with something that is millions of years old. Working with clay surrounded by the healing properties of Cavehill is a truly special experience. Retreats will be a full day or weekend event and can include time walking on Cavehill, meditation, yoga, intention setting and firepit chats.

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramic technique that embraces all the elements of earth, wind, water and fire in an exciting glaze ceremony.

A regular glaze firing can take up to 24 hours whereas, a raku firing can be completed within 1-2 hours.

Glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln while they are glowing red hot and are placed into a container of combustible materials. Each time a different reaction is created between the materials, reduced oxygen and the red hot clay, therefore the outcome cannot be fully controlled. There is no certainty as to how the pieces turn out and therefore encourages us to surrender to the process and enjoy the heat!