An Exploration of Glazing
Monday 4th November - Friday 8th November 2024
Summary
We are very excited to have Matthew Blakely return to the studio to deliver his ‘An Exploration of Glazing’ course in Autumn 2024. Matthew’s course will focus on ceramic glazing techniques and would be ideal for anyone who is interested in science behind glazes.
About the course
Students will learn how to test found materials for use in ceramic glazes. Materials will be available, but it would be fantastic if students could also bring some of their own found materials for use in ceramic glazes (details of the types of materials students can bring will be given in the run-up to the course).
The first day of the course will involve performing a series of glaze tests on your found materials; clay, ash and rocks. These will include melt tests, substitution tests and line-blends. All tests will be fired on the first evening.
The second day of course will then focus on understanding the ideas behind the previous day’s testing. Participants will learn about glaze technology in the morning. In the afternoon Matthew will give an introduction to geology, specifically focused for potters. The reasoning behind the tests will be explained. The day will be broken up into sessions, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
On day three of the course the kiln will be opened and the tests studied and analysed. Based on the initial results more complex testing with then be carried out, including biaxial blends, and these will be fired in the kiln.
The theory behind these tests will be explained on day four, along with practical information on how to collect and prepare your own materials. This will include a field trip to a location in Kent or East Sussex. Details of this will be confirmed at a later date.
On the final day glaze faults and remedies will be discussed. Participants are asked to bring in any pieces of their own that exhibit some sort of fault to see if we can work out the cause. The kiln will be unpacked and the results discussed.
In the afternoon future directions, inspired by the test results, will be planned and participants will be able to perform further tests that they can take and fire in their own kilns.
Each student will receive plenty of individual attention and Matthew will be available throughout the three days to give demonstrations, advice and guidance.
About Matthew
Matthew is a distinguished and internationally known potter. His wheel-thrown porcelain and stoneware is a rich interaction of clay and glaze. Blakely spent many years in Australia where he studied at the National Art School in Sydney (winning the State Medal in 1993), before returning to the UK in 2002, where he is now based in Cambridgeshire. Here he develops new combinations of clay and glaze, enjoying the dynamic depth of surface achieved in these fresh integrations. From his ethereal celadon to the geological depth of his slips, Blakely is a restless re-inventor of the ceramic surface.
THE SCHEDULE
Monday 4th November (arrive: 9am)
Welcome breakfast (9am - 10am) - an opportunity to meet Matthew Blakely and your fellow students. The session will run from 10am until 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
Tuesday 5th - Friday 8th November (arrive 9:30am)
The sessions will run from 9.30am each day and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm each, except for Friday when the studio will close at 4pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Cost
The cost for this five-day course is £800. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments and a superb two-course lunch every day. Also included is a Welcome breakfast which will be provided on the first day of the course.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a Guest Potter Course, please read our terms and conditions page here.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Monday 4th - Friday 8th November 2024
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Suitable for all abilities.
Cost: £800 (pay in full or in instalments)
“Matthew Blakely’s course, An Exploration of Glazing, was truly enlightening. I knew very little about glazes before attending Matthew’s course. Now I understand that glazing is not mystical, but an art form in itself, a delicate balancing act of ingredients in which the potter is the master ... it is not fate, and it can be controlled!!
The highlight was discovering how the weald clay we had dug on a day trip from the studio, was perfect for making glazes and even for throwing ... that’s got to be good for reducing our carbon footprint. ”
