Fire Away!

The transformation of fired clay will be the focus of this experience. Raku firing methods will be the primary firing and glazing method of the course. Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique where ceramic works are placed in a kiln, heated to 1800 degrees Farenheit, and then pulled, while glowing hot, from the kiln and placed immediately in combustibles to bring out the luster and beauty of the glazes.




Professor Chris Longwell teaches various courses in art and art history. Chris is also the director of the George Waters Gallery at Elmira College. His ceramic works are exhibited nationally at venues such as the Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA, the M.T. Burton Gallery, Surf City, NJ, and Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL . His work has been published in numerous books (Lark Books; 500 Cups; 500 Pitchers; 500 Tea Pots) and magazines (Ceramics Monthly, Ceramics: Art and Perception). A recent one-man exhibition was installed in the gallery at Clayscapes, Syracuse, NY.