Today Lewie and I spent a hot and fiery day at the Workhouse. Outings have been pretty much nonexistent, so today was such a treat! It was Lewie's first raku fire experience, and I am so happy we shared the day together.
Summer is melting away and soon he will be heading off to college (fingers crossed that Covid does not impede his next chapter too much)
There were five artists and the instructor in the workshop today. I appreciated the small number. Everyone wore masks for the entirety of the workshop and was very respectful of the distance between each other. The temperature outside was a hearty 98 degrees...that paired with the smoke and fire made for a hot day. I will say, the heat didn't even bother me, I was just so excited to be out and making art with others. The physicality of a raku fire is what I enjoy the most, of course the end results are beautiful, but there is something really awesome about being a part the collective kinetic experience of moving the pots through the glazing process with all the combustibles and spritzes. 
It feels so good to be tired from delightful conversations with new friends, making art, and the ritual of the raku fire process. As I sit here tonight looking at the photos and the finished raku pieces reflecting on the the day I can still smell the smoke in my hair! I will sleep so good tonight.
