Glaze and Clay Body Chemistry
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30pm ET
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Matt Katz assisted by Casey Zeng
Course Description: Demystify glaze and clay body chemistry via online lectures and bi-weekly live discussion led by instructor Matt Katz of Ceramic Materials Workshop, and hands-on experimentation facilitated by Ceramics Program staff member Casey Zeng. This class will cover technical information about glaze and clay formation. Along with technical information, students will learn how to effectively
understand and work with their materials. Students will learn to use the Unity Molecular Formula of a glaze to substitute materials, how glaze temperature works, alter surface qualities, and prevent glazing defects. The class itself will be a combination of on-demand video lectures (watch at your own pace), live online discussions (every other week), and real-world experimentation. The information will be provided through on-line lectures that students can review outside of class. There will be live, on-line discussions with the instructor scheduled throughout. Knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel is highly recommended.
The class comes with access to our Materials Lab at the Ceramics Program for mixing tests for class. To follow Harvard safety protocols students will be able to sign-up for monitored Materials Lab Use and will have access to firing their tests. Test tiles will be provided.
Materials if you are mixing at the Ceramics Program:
32 oz. clear container with lid (available for purchase at Ceramics Program)
Scale
Mask N95 or the equivalent for particulates
Black Underglaze Pencil – Amaco or fine brush and black underglaze
Hand held immersion blender (suggested)
Test Tiles (available at Ceramics Program)
Clay and Material Purchases
This course fee covers instruction only. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own clay. Here is the list of available clays, tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You can also purchase the supplies at your local art supply store or online. If you would have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Glazing and Firing Services
- Registered students are welcome to drop off, fire and glaze your ceramic work through the Harvard Ceramics program. We charge 3 cents per cubic inch for all firings (bisque and glaze). We offer electric kiln (Cone 06 for bisque, 6 for glaze), high fire reduction and soda vapor firings (Cone 10). Specialty firing temperatures can be arranged. At the end of each session, you will be invoiced for the cost of your firings.
- You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery) but you will need to provide documentation of the clay body and firing range to fire it at the Ceramics Program.
Course Fees: Free for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $625 for Harvard Graduate Students, Harvard employees and Adult Community.
For questions regarding course content, policies or materials, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
Location: Zoom