Four Techniques - Glazing? Glazing! with Nicole Wu

This hands-on workshop introduces potters to the foundations of glazing and colour development, including how different glazes, oxides, stains, decals, and slips interact with various clay bodies. Participants will explore essential glaze application techniques such as dipping, pouring, brushing, spraying, wax-resist, layering, and decal usage. I will also mention how firing types—electric oxidation, gas reduction, raku, pit firing, and saggar—affect glaze colour, texture, and melt behaviour.

Safety procedures around handling chemicals, glaze dust, tongs, and kiln-loaded ware will be emphasised throughout the session.

The workshop includes demonstrations, guided practice on one of your own bisque piece, and personalised feedback to help you glaze with confidence and achieve consistent, predictable results

Course content:

1. Understanding glaze materials, colourants, and how firing atmospheres affect results.

2. Learn essential glaze application techniques and decorative methods.

3. Apply safe glazing practices while glazing your own bisque piece with guidance.

Participants are asked to bring:

• One or more bisque-fired pieces

• Apron, a sponge, a bucket or a recycled cup/bowl for holding water.

• Brushes and your own favorite glazes.

• Something to take notes on.

(Please don’t worry if you don’t have any of the above ... I will have some brushes and bisque-ready plates for your practice in class and some bisques (vases and mugs) if you want purchase onsite)

About your tutor:

Nicole Wu is a ceramics artist specialising in Blue & White porcelain painting and underglaze decoration. Her practice is grounded in traditional Chinese Blue & White techniques, with a strong emphasis on brush control, cobalt behaviour, and glazing development. She received her foundational training at the Canterbury Potters Association under the guidance of three instructors and two highly respected ceramicists, gaining a solid grounding in studio practice and glaze preparation.