1. Raku firing is scary – our clay pieces are heated to past red hot in a gas kiln, then they’re precariously plucked out with a pair of tongs and dropped in a bin of sawdust (which immediately bursts into flames) – but it is exhilarating too. The resulting work is shiny, metallic and gorgeously unpredictable.
1b. We kneel in a row, letting horse hair dance across the dangerously hot surfaces. I flick a pinch of sugar over my bull too – its bubbles and burns the clay a deep matte black.
1c. Because of all the fire and death heat machines, we have to wear heavy gloves and sturdy boots. The only strong boots I have are my winter snow boots: when we’re done, I take them off and stand on the cold tile floor. Bliss.
1d. I put aside what needs to be done to have an hour or so on the wheel. I make a cylinder and some bowls – not great works but nice to know that I haven’t forgot everything over the last fortnight.
2. The contrast between the spicy marinade and the cold meat.
3. I’m tired and I go to bed.
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