The Magic and Chemistry of Luster Glazes with Lisa Zolandz

In this 2.5 day workshop, Lisa will discuss the chemistry of luster glazes, multiple methods of post fire reduction and how she approaches glaze testing and development. She will share her results from extensive testing and experimentation.

Lisa’s process involves an initial firing of the in-glaze luster to cone 6 in an electric kiln, followed by a secondary alcohol-drip reduction. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply luster glazes, load the reduction firing, and undoubtedly see how incredibly variable these glazes are.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

LOCATION: Lisa Orr's Pottery Studio in Northborough, MA

NOTES: The luster glaze is quite runny, so it is recommended that pieces are either fired on a riser and catch plate (like is done with crystalline glazes) or on a kiln washed cookie with walls. Some of the glazes will contain silver nitrate, which stains - gloves will be provided, but attendees should wear clothing they do not mind getting stained.

ITEMS TO BRING:

Participants should come prepared with their own small cone 6 bisqued pieces, size should be around ~ 4"x4" pieces and many tiles encouraged!
- Note: Max 6" height per piece / (8) pieces total
The studio will have some cookies/glaze catchers but available, but participants should come prepared with these for their individual pieces.
Note: Total combined volume of the pieces must not exceed a limit of 170 cubic inches (equivalent to 13″ × 13″ × 8″), this restriction applies to the entire batch as a whole - not to each individual piece. This includes the height of a riser/catcher/wadded on cookie.
No black clay

SCHEDULE:

Fri, Oct 16: 10am - 5pm / Glazing + lecture
Sat, Oct 17: 10am - 5pm / Alcohol reduction + lecture
Sun, Oct 18: 10am - 1pm / Kiln unload + finishing

PARTICIPANT COST:

$435 (includes glaze materials / wadding)

OPTIONAL LUNCH FOR PARTICIPANTS:
$40 Optional lunch on each day (3 meals) for an additional $40 (soup/sandwich/fruits/salads vegan, Vegan/Omnivore, Gluten-Free friendly)

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Lisa Zolandz is a full-time studio potter based in Manassas, VA. Coming to ceramics with a background in the sciences, she naturally found her passion in glaze chemistry. For the past decade she has been working with crystalline glazes and more recently with iridescent in-glaze lusters. She exhibits at fine art festivals throughout the country and spends countless hours testing and developing glazes. Find more of Lisa's work here.

POLICIES:

Cancellations made 7 or more days before the start of the class will be refunded. For cancellations made fewer than 7 full days, but more than 48 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 48 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.

This workshop is for adults. If you have a child under 18 interested in taking a class, please contact us before enrolling.

LIVESTREAM AND RECORDING OF ENTIRE WORKSHOP

LOCATION: Zoom link sent 24 hours prior to start of workshop. Times posted are in U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

NOTES:

All technical information will be delivered via email 24 hours prior to the workshop.
All virtual participants can view the livestream and interact via chat with the presenter.
All questions will be relayed for the presenter to answer on stream.
After the workshop each virtual participant will receive a download link for the entire workshop.
Virtual participants only have to view the workshop live if they wish to ask questions.

LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE:

(All times are in EST!)

Fri, Oct 16:

10-12 pm Intro + Glazing Demo

1-1:30 pm Kiln Loading

1:30-5 pm Luster and glaze chemistry lecture

Sat, Oct 17:

10-11 am Alcohol reduction demo

11-12 pm Address questions about electric kiln reduction

1-5 pm Lecture and test tiles analysis

Sun, Oct 18:

10 am Kiln unload + detaching pedestal + grinding and finishing demo

11-1 pm Analysis + Q&A

PARTICIPANT COST:

$375 includes access to stream and full recording

POLICIES:

No refunds will be available for the virtual workshop.