Naked Raku Workshop
Dates: 2-7 May, 2025
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Facilitator/Artist: Rakhee Kane
Number of participants– 8
Fees:
INR 78500+18% Taxes /person
INR 144000+18% Taxes/ 2 people
Including- Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.
About the Workshop
Naked Raku is a specialized Raku firing technique that highlights the beauty of unglazed surfaces. This workshop is designed for participants with prior experience in clay work who are eager to explore this unique process. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, participants will learn how the outer glaze layer is removed post-firing, revealing striking textures and patterns.
In this immersive workshop, participants will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the Naked Raku technique.
- Receive hands-on support from an experienced ceramic artist.
- Take home their finished ceramic pieces.
Workshop Outline
1. Creating ceramic forms (pots or other pieces).
2. Bisque firing.
3. Exploring glazing techniques that enhance the raw beauty of clay.
4. Understanding the role of reduction atmospheres in firing and their impact on the final outcome.
5. Demonstrations, guided practice, and time for individual experimentation.
About the Artist
Rakhee Kane is an accomplished ceramic artist known for her innovative approaches to traditional techniques, particularly Raku firing. With years of experience in ceramics, she has developed a deep passion for Naked Raku, emphasizing texture and form in her work.
Rakhee studied painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara, and later earned a postgraduate diploma in Ceramics from the National Institute of Design (NID). Her early training was with Jyotsna Bhatt before she moved to Auroville, near Puducherry, where she apprenticed at the Golden Bridge Pottery under Ray Meeker and Deborah Smith.
She has been an artist-in-residence at the studios of renowned ceramicists, including Jane Perryman and Ruthanne Tudball in the UK. Additionally, she has participated in several international symposiums and workshops in the UK, China, and South Korea. Her work is part of prestigious art collections worldwide.
To learn more about Rakhee Kane’s work, visit: www.rakheekane.com.
Workshop Schedule:
2nd May – Check–in before 11AM, take your time to settle in, visit the studio, meet other people and attend your first clay session from 4 PM – 7 PM.
3, 4, 5, 6 – These days of the workshop include different sessions between 11AM-1:30PM and 3:30- 5:30PM, Between the breaks there will be city tour, hike, meditation and sound bath session.
7th May –The check–out is at 11 AM after breakfast.
How to Apply:
To apply to this course, write an email to manoj@dharamkotstudio.com
Attach – your CV/Resume/portfolio (ceramic/ Pottery)
Write – about yourself, your motivation to join this workshop, about prior experience with clay.
Your email will be reviewed and replied to within 3-5 days. There is no last date to join this course, admissions are on an availability basis.
Cancellation/rescheduling – The booking amount will be 30% of the total amount, which is non-refundable. However 50% of this amount can be used to take other programs such as retreats or other advanced workshops.
Stay:
The accommodation and studio lie amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road and just a 5-minute walk away from the village. We have single and double-occupancy rooms. We don’t put up strangers together- so you will either have the whole room or share it with someone you bring along.
All the rooms are with attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/Fan private balcony and modernist aesthetics. You will have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range from your room!
Laundry and taxi services are available at the property.
Meals:
An in–house cafeteria provides delicious and healthy vegetarian food. Vegan or gluten-free food is also available on request. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) are included in the price. Apart from our in–house cafe there are many other cafes to explore, just a 7-10 minutes walk away from the retreat centre.
Weather:
Mar– Jun: The summer season in the mountains can be an absolutely stunning time of year. With the snow melted away and the sun shining, the mountains come alive with an array of colours, scents, and sounds. The temperature during the day can range from pleasantly cool to warm, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The air is crisp and fresh, with a sweet scent of pine and other mountain flora.
Bring – Sunglasses, hiking shoes and light clothes with a light jacket for cooler evenings.
How to Reach:
By Air – Dharamshala airport (DHM) is the nearest airport which is around 20 km (50 minutes) from the studio, direct taxi (1500/-) to the studio will be available.
By Bus – Overnight journey from Delhi by AC semi-sleeper bus. These buses are comfortable and safe, you can book the on Redbus app. The nearest bus station is Dharamshala (8 km), and from the bus station, you can take a taxi (Rs. 600/-) to the studio.
By Train – Pathankot (85km) is the nearest railway station, from Pathankot you can take public transport to Dharamshala and then a taxi to the Studio. Or you can take a taxi from Pathankot to the studio.
AS SEEN ON:
FAQs:
Q- Do I need to bring anything with me for the Workshop?
A- No, all the materials, tools, apron, and hand towel will be provided. However, if you have an already bisque-fired piece (not more than 12 inches), you are welcome to bring it
Q- What are the other activities apart from the workshop.
A- Apart from the workshop, there are 4 other activities- yoga, meditation, nature walk and local sightseeing tour during the time period of 6 days.
Q- Will my pieces be fired and glazed after the workshop?
A- Pieces under 12 inches can be fired/glazed and shipped to your address after the workshop with extra charges. 800-1500/pc depending on the size within India, international shipping charges will be extra.
Q- Can a beginner join this workshop?
A- This workshop is only for the people who have some basic knowledge and experience of working with clay.
Q- Can I use the studio space for additional practice after the workshop or for an extra night’s stay?
A- Yes, you can come a day before the workshop starts or extend your stay for one more night. 3000/night extra charges will be applicable.