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I taught a glazemaking workshop in my studio.

9/4/2015

11 Comments

 
I'm not going to pretend that I don't miss teaching. I miss the regular contact with other potters, and I miss the process of teaching. However, in the time since I gave up my teaching gig, my studio schedule has evolved in ways that make teaching a weekly class or two even less realistic. But why should that stop me? I am looking for other ways to include teaching in my business plan, that make sense for me time-wise. Using my own studio as a classroom has always been a possibility, because it means I can control the time requirements.

Some of my former students had asked me to teach them about glazemaking. I see this as a common issue for potters who have come up through a community studio program. Glazemaking is not taught in these studios. For good reason, the results could be disastrous. But when someone becomes interested in establishing their own studio at home, they find that glazemaking is an intimidating hurdle. 

This summer, I developed a glazemaking workshop designed for this type of potter. The workshop covered all the basics: how to buy and store the raw materials, how to mix small test batches, how to mix full-size buckets, and how to develop new recipes. The workshop met for three Saturdays in June. Then I held another session on three Saturdays in August, because there was more interest in the class than I expected. 

Everyone learned a quick method for making proper test tiles. 
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They each picked a glaze recipe to start with, then they made two test-size variations of the same recipe. 
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The batches were sieved ...
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... then poured into a six-step line blend. The test tiles were numbered and dipped into all six samples.
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It was a lot of work!
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And here are the fired results. As you can see, everyone did a very detailed and thorough job of measuring and mixing.
Picture

A simple line blend is the basic building block for developing new recipes. With this experience, these students can continue to test new recipe ideas on their own. They spent a lot of time analyzing and discussing each other's test tiles, from which they gained a lot of materials knowledge. How does this oxide/opacifier/flux affect the result? They have a lot of exploration ahead of them, but they know how to find information about raw materials, and how to test their ideas. Plus, you can't learn how to do a line blend without becoming comfortable with measuring and sieving glazes, so they can start working with known recipes right away. 

To potters in the Washington, DC area: If you are interested in taking this glazemaking workshop, leave a comment here to express your interest. Or use the Contact Form on this website. If there is enough interest, I will hold the workshop again in the spring of 2016.

To potters everywhere: I am also planning to develop a series of wheel-throwing instructional videos. I have lots of great projects that I taught to my students over the years, that I'd like to share with the world in video format. I think this is another gaping need in adult pottery education ... the number of student throwers who want some expert instruction, but don't have access to it. I think I can fill this need. If you think you'd be interested in these, leave a comment here, or use the Contact Form to let me know.
11 Comments
Linda Starr link
9/4/2015 02:49:44 pm

wish I was closer, workshop looks super

Reply
Tricia Zeitler link
9/4/2015 04:29:28 pm

Rhee, I am interested in both ideas. I am a hobby potter trying to squeeze studio work in around my job. It's hard to find both professional instruction where I live and a time slot that fits with my crazy 50hr/wk schedule. I've found videos to be tremendously helpful but also workshops where I can get feedback. Love the idea, hope I can take advantage of both if you decide to move ahead with them.

Reply
Sharon
9/7/2015 06:14:51 am

Hi Rhee, I am local and would be interested in a glaze workshop. I've occasionally mixed glazes, but have never developed my own....i participate in a community studio. Thanks!

Reply
Mea
9/7/2015 08:37:37 am

Thanks for the feedback so far!

pssst to Tricia and Sharon ... my first name is Mea, my last name is Rhee. But don't worry, I know my name is unusual!

Reply
Nela link
9/8/2015 07:02:26 am

Hi Mea, I stumbled upon your blog long time ago (don't remember when) and really liked it! Specially this post that brings me back to the time I took some glaze mixing class (1990's +/-). A must read for the serious potter.I really like your method! Thanks so much for sharing!

Reply
Kathy
12/4/2015 07:42:13 pm

I would love the video idea. Just took my first class this year and have watched a lot of videos on YouTube.

Reply
Lorraine Aldridge Ey
3/13/2016 07:53:43 pm

I am very interested in a glaze making workshop. I hope you are still considering having one.

Reply
Liz Rodriguez link
4/7/2016 06:48:25 am

I'd be interested in learning about the glaze workshops and pottery videos.

Reply
Sandra Guillermety
4/29/2016 12:49:05 pm

I like both ideas, love the workshop and the videos. Please let me know !

Reply
Ben
7/15/2016 04:38:08 am

Hi Mea. Thanks for sharing such practical information in the blog. It's a real help. I'd be interested in the videos (and a glaze workshop if I was in the right country!).

Reply
Cynthia Bivens
1/29/2017 05:46:06 am

Hi Mea, I am so thankful to have found your blog, please let me know if you offer any workshops - video or would you consider a live virtual class time? Just a thought for those of us who are a few states away, but love your work, your teaching and willingness to share it all is truly a gift. Thanks ahead!

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    Mea Rhee (mee-uh ree),
    ​the potter behind
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