Introduction to Glazing and Testing

Service Description

Friday mornings 10-1pm April 12th - May 3rd. Many potters and ceramicists find glazing the most frustrating and difficult part of the making process. This course across 4 weeks provides a comprehensive overview of glazing and testing for beginners. You'll gain an understanding of glaze materials, plus learn techniques for testing and firing glazes. At the end of the 4 weeks you will have created your own set of test tiles and learned methods of testing and recording. Week 1 - Practical - Making test tiles/forms in the studio. 2-3 hour class to make small simple forms and extrude T Test tiles. These will become the tests that they practice applying slips/stains/oxides and eventually glazes to in future weeks. GIving the students ownership of making their own tests allows for a more personal and hopefully enjoyable experience. Week 2 - Exploring slips, stains and oxides (when and how to apply them). Using the tests and forms prepared in week 1 to practice applying each of these. Pieces will then be fired and ready for the following week. Week 3 - Introduction to glaze recipes and raw materials (glaze components and their functions). - Strategies for testing materials and glazes (how to organise, structure and record test results). - Step by step guide to mixing your own glazes (delivered in part for Health and Safety reasons through a pre-recorded video of how to mix a glaze). Week 4 - Glazing, the use of cones in firings and examples of firing schedules. Dipping, pouring and brushing glaze, how to check and achieve the right consistency of a glaze. About the artist: Helen Noble is a ceramic artist and part-time lecturer in Ceramics at Belfast Metropolitan College. Having completed her MA in Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art, London in 2011, she has a particular interest in and experience of working with glaze and colour. Seeing colour and glaze as an integral and significant element in its own right, Helen believes there is immense value in taking the time to explore and experiment with glaze, instead of it being simply an afterthought at the end of the making process.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds can only issued up to 7 days before the course or class starts. After this period, if you cannot make the class your course fee will the retained. However you may transfer your space to another person but please let us know of the change.

Contact Details

• info@belfastceramicsstudio.com