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Preceding Day
Tuesday 15 July 2025
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  • Embracing Impermanence - A Raku Workshop

    Teacher: Sharon Paterson and Bernard Chatikobo
    Cost: 2 or 5 days accommodation + R300 surcharge
    Dates:

    sharon patersonbernard charikoboJoin Sharon for a unique and meditative ceramics/pottery workshop, where we will explore the ancient art of Raku, a traditional Japanese technique which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of Raku, from preparing and shaping the clay to glazing and firing, embracing the unpredictability of the firing process and the beauty of imperfection. Included will be an organic saggar firing where articipants will be shaping and burnishing their pots. These will be fired in a drum surrounded by organic materials. As these combustible materials burn, they produce a reduction atmosphere within the saggar which reacts with the clay. This method results in unique, subtle, unpredictable results. These are one of a kind pieces that showcase the beauty of chance and unpredictability in the firing process.

    Through this creative journey, we will cultivate mindfulness - letting go of expectation, and embracing the present moment. No prior ceramics experience is necessary – just an open heart and mind. We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you

    Bernard Chatikobo will be offering forest walks and introducing 'forest bathing' with traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. 

    View teacher details
    Sharon Paterson is a potter and stained glass artist. Currently, she teaches pottery at her studio in Ballito and has a retail shop in Salt Rock. The sea and life style influence her style of pottery. She produced a lot of wild life pottery and dinnerware  while living in Mpumalanga for thirty-four years. Recently, she and a friend collaborated online and started a website called Curiosity. Their slogan is “Ceramics for Change” and their ambition is to empower local artists and give them a place to work and platform from which to sell their art. 

    Bernard Chatikobo is a part-time ranger in the Hawaan Forest in Durban where he takes people on guided walks, introducing 'forest bathing' and traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. His passion is trees and birds. He will be leading the walks over this retreat where one can immerse oneself in nature and find inner serenity.