Raku Firing & Glazing Pottery Workshops
Join us at Studio White & Gray to master the art of clay. From traditional hand-building to the dramatic Japanese Raku firing technique, our hands-on workshops guide you through the entire creative process.
The heart of our Raku workshop: pulling a glowing hot piece from the kiln. This is the most exciting moment, just before the piece is placed in combustible materials to create stunning, unpredictable patterns.
Our founder, Sandeep Manchekar, explains the philosophy of Raku, which means 'enjoyment'. This video gives you a preview of our Raku workshop, covering everything from hand-building to the final firing.
A participant in our Raku workshop, fully geared up, carefully removes a piece from the hot kiln with tongs. We ensure a safe and guided environment for everyone to experience this thrilling process.
A newspaper feature about our 'Clay with Fire' Raku workshop. We are proud to bring this ancient Japanese form of pottery to a wider audience in the city.
A masterclass on clay bodies and glazes in session. These focused workshops are for those who want to deepen their technical knowledge and understand the science behind the art.
Exploring the world of glazes with artist Prabhakar Kolte. This session was all about experimenting with different colors and application techniques to achieve unique surface finishes.
About Hands-On Workshops: Raku, Glazing & More
Raku isn't just a workshop; it's a sensory experience where you pull glowing, red-hot ceramic pieces straight from the kiln. Unlike standard studio sessions, this process relies on your timing and the immediate, unpredictable reaction of the glaze to the environment, making every finished piece a unique result of the elements.
Understanding Raku and Glaze Chemistry
At Studio White & Gray, we believe pottery is a form of 'riyaaz'—a continuous, disciplined practice. Our Raku workshops dive deep into this Japanese firing technique, where we move beyond standard studio methods. You will learn to handle clay pieces that are pulled directly from the kiln at temperatures near 1,000 degrees Celsius and placed into combustible materials. It is a thrilling, hands-on process that transforms simple clay into pieces with dramatic textures and metallic, crackled finishes.
Why Join Our Workshops?
Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technical skills, our sessions offer a rare look at the science behind the art. We move past basic tutorials to explain the chemistry of glazes, kiln management, and surface design. Our workshops include:
- Raku Techniques: Learn the full cycle of firing, from reduction to cooling, and see how fire, air, and water influence the final glaze pattern.
- Glaze Masterclasses: Deep dives into how different oxides and application methods change the finish of your work.
- Small Batch Focus: We keep our groups intimate to ensure every participant gets direct guidance from our senior mentors.
Located in Byculla
Our studio, situated in a historic mill compound in Byculla, offers a unique setting that feels worlds away from the city rush. It is a space designed for connection, where you can work alongside fellow ceramic enthusiasts, ask questions, and share tea while you learn. This is not just a class; it is an invitation to join a community where the focus is on personal growth through craft.
Studio White & Gray
Sandeep Manchekar brings decades of discipline to every session, treating pottery as 'riyaaz' rather than just a hobby. He created this space in Byculla to bridge the gap between technical craft and creative expression, ensuring you learn not just how to shape clay, but how to understand it.
Explore our full pottery experience
Find the workshop that fits your creative goals.
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