On 6 April 2025, Terrarium will host a raku workshop organised in collaboration with Ar.Vi.Ma., the Civic Art School of Pavia. An immersive experience in fast firing techniques led by ceramist Giorgio Azzaretti.

‘Painting with Smoke – Raku and Surroundings’ explores the unpredictability of raku, an ancient Japanese technique that celebrates imperfection and surprise, offering participants a unique journey into the art of ceramics.

Terrarium as a space for experimentation

The choice of Terrarium as the venue for the firing phase highlights its role as a place of artistic and cultural gathering. Here, the raku fire took shape in a natural environment, amplifying the sensory experience of the participants. “Painting with Smoke” confirms Terrarium’s commitment to promoting practical workshops that democratise ceramic art, making it accessible and surprising.

Giorgio Azzaretti, master of raku

A lecturer at Ar.Vi.Ma. and contemporary ceramist, Azzaretti combines Japanese tradition with innovative research. His works explore abstraction and matter, making him the ideal guide for this workshop, which blends ancient craftsmanship with modern sensibility.

Open to all levels of experience

The workshop is designed for beginners and experienced potters alike, emphasising active experimentation without any pretensions of technical perfection. Participants manipulated clay, applied glazes and witnessed the magic of smoke “painting” surfaces, taking home highly personalised pieces.