RAKU PUNK
1001 Pots is a vibrant, open space, conceived to enrich the ceramics community and the broader public. By welcoming ceramicists whose practice stands out for its inventiveness and its exploration of forms, materials, and firing techniques, 1001 Pots creates a space dedicated to encounter, discovery, and artistic dialogue.
In 2026, 1001 Pots is proud to welcome an exceptional duo for a month-long residency in July: Jean-François Bourlard and Valérie Blaize. Two artists with complementary visions, united by a radical practice and boundless curiosity, who will offer an exhibition, artist talks, masterclasses, and a unique performance centred on the theme of Raku Punk.
This residency is organized in collaboration with the Rozynski Art Center, which will host the artists in June, with support from the CALQ.
Jean-François Bourlard
Jean-François Bourlard has been a ceramic artist for over twenty years. His deeply experimental practice centres on the research of materials and firing techniques.
He works with the forces and movements that heat generates (in suspension, in rotation, in layering) to produce vessels, sculptures, installations, and performances charged with raw, unexpected energy.
In 2012, he received the Prix « L'Œuvre » from the Fondation d'Ateliers Art de France for his monumental installation Raku Punk ou la cuisine du Potier.
Valérie Blaize
Valérie Blaize has been a ceramic artist for over fifteen years. Her practice, centred on decoration and storytelling, has progressively expanded to include drawing, performance, and immersive installation. Ceramics remains the primary medium of her work: each piece of porcelain or stoneware becomes the support for a singular composition, akin to a collage, where repurposed words and images meet the glazed surface.
Her work — prolific and always in motion — reflects a relentless curiosity and a rare ability to continually push the boundaries of her research into new territory.
Exhibition in Espace K
Espace K, the former studio of 101 Pots founder Kinya Ishikawa, is hosting an exhibition that traces the artists’ careers and highlights two projects: 1400° and Raku Punk.
CREATIVE ENCOUNTERS AND WORKSHOPS
Jean-François and Valérie will be working in residence throughout the month of July. Their studio in the garden will be open to the public on Thursdays, offering a rare opportunity to watch the artists at work, talk with them, and gain an insider’s perspective on their creative processes.
A meet-and-greet with the artists is also scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m. This is a chance to discuss their careers, their artistic and personal choices, and the collaborations and experiences that fuel their creative journeys. And to learn a little more about the mysterious concept of Raku Punk!
Each artist will also offer a creative workshop exploring a specific aspect of their artistic practice:
Ceramic Image Transfer Workshop with Valérie Blaize (2 or 3 days)
July 27, 28, and 29
Explore decorative techniques, particularly image transfer on ceramics, to enrich the composition of designs on clay. The workshop will take place at the Atelier de l’Île. For professional ceramicists, ceramics students, or experienced amateurs wishing to explore image transfer
Experimental Firing Workshop with Jean François Bourlard
July 31, August 1, and August 2
Workshop dedicated to experimental firing techniques developed by the artist. Over the course of three days, participants will build a temporary dedicated kiln on site and take part in the various stages of firing, including high-temperature rotations, adding materials during firing, and working with molten materials (clay, engobe, and glaze). For professional ceramicists, ceramics students, or experienced amateurs wishing to explore experimental firing methods.
Raku Punk Performance
The highlight of the residency will be an exceptional public performance: Raku Punk, on Tuesday, July 21st at 9 PM.
Raku Punk was born from Jean-François Bourlard's desire to push ceramics beyond convention: pulling pieces from the kiln at 1,000°C, plunging them into baths of glaze and slip, pouring molten glaze onto a spinning piece, cracking eggs filled with glaze, lifting incandescent matter. All of this in public, with raw and primal energy.
After the initial firing, pieces are stacked wildly in the kiln. At 1,000°C, they are torn from the glowing mass, producing crackles, peeling layers, and trails of glaze. The results: rough, ridge-crested pieces born of processes as iconoclastic as they are spectacular.
Valérie Blaize brings her theatrical sensibility to the performance: the narrative arc, protective garments treated as costumes, the staging of characters who are simultaneously sublime in their relationship with fire and utterly ordinary in their gestures: cooking, serving, eating.
A performance open to all, part spectacle, part ritual. Free admission with reservation.
