At last, I've tried raku.
No, it's not an exotic raw fish dish or a method of alternative healing (tho' I've noticed DH referring to our new works of art as reiki) - it's a way of glazing and finishing ceramic work. Once we had finished painting the blanks provided the actual glazing part took place in a gas-powered kiln and then bins of shredded paper to finish off. V dramatic!
The wee guy picked a rather splendid fish and went for a much more mundane but functionally useful pot "for putting things in" (and hopefully keeping me more organised in an aesthetically pleasing way). Both came out looking amazing.
... and now I find that the arts centre has an open clay studio including occasional raku firings ....
