Glaze Intensive Workshop with Paul Wisotzky

Registration for this workshop is limited to those who are enrolled in a Fall 2024 course at the Ceramics Program, Office to the Arts at Harvard.

This four-hour workshop will provide an overview of basic glazing and decorating techniques for all levels. Consider this part introduction, part refresher, part crash course in glazing, decorating and surface for both potters and sculptors. The session covers how to prepare your work for glazing and explores the primary ways to apply glaze.  In addition, we’ll demystify some of the common problems that can occur when glazing and decorating so that you can prevent them in the future. Considerations related to atmosphere, use and functionality will be discussed. Basic decorating methods using slips, underglazes and wax resist will be demonstrated. This includes the use of different tools and techniques including brush work, slip trailing, and stamping to create decorative surfaces, patterns and designs. The concepts and skills presented in the workshop are applicable to most firing ranges, clay types and kiln atmospheres. 

Materials:

• 2-3 pieces of bisqueware (participants are responsible for bringing their own bisqueware for the workshop)
• Variety of brushes
• Sponge
• Apron

Workshop Fee: $100.00 for those enrolled in the Fall 2024 term; FREE for Harvard Undergraduates

Registration will open on Wednesday, September 4 at 10:00am. A link to register for this workshop will be sent by email to those enrolled in a Fall 2024 course.

Artist Biography: Paul Wisotzky is a studio potter and educator from Truro, Massachusetts. He makes functional pottery from porcelain and stoneware and fires his work in soda and reduction atmospheres at his studio Blueberry Lane Pottery. Paul teaches at the Harvard University Ceramics Program and Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. As an Open Studio Resident at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Paul developed a process of digitally designing and fabricating sponge stamps using graphic design software and a laser cutter. This process was featured in Ceramics Monthly Magazine and in an instructional video available now through the Ceramic Arts Network and CLAYflicks. Paul uses stamps to decorate his pottery as well as teach others how to use them in his workshops and classes. He is a founder and co-producer of SodaPosium- a national educational gathering and celebration of soda firing.