Tile Making with Michael Jones

Tile Making Workshop

The upcoming workshop will be a hands-on experience . We will go through the process of making and drying the tile body with both earthenware and cone 6 clays.

We will also explore the Majolica process of glazing and decorating on premade and supplied bisque tiles.

About Michael Jones and his tile making background

In 1992 Michael decided to change direction in his pottery career and traveled to Italy.

He spent 3 months in Florence researching antique and handmade ceramic tiles. From there he travelled to USA and spent 3 months in Taos, New Mexico meeting tile artists and exploring the south west Pueblo Indian Pottery.

On his return to Australia, Michael moved to Melbourne and establish a handmade tile factory, that produced plain colour tiles by the meter and decorative frieze and spotter tiles.

The method that Michael chose to work in was Majolica. This method consists of a terracotta tile body with opaque white glaze and lots of coloured decoration. It was the method that Michael picked up in Italy and examples of this type of work can be seen all over Europe.

What to bring and what is included?

Materials and a glaze firing of your decorated bisque tiles are included in the workshop fee.

Participants are asked to bring a couple of paint brushes, preferably the Chinese calligraphy stye brush that are available online or from Picasso Ceramics or Pottery Supplies and a slip trailer if you have one.

The workshop includes morning and afternoon tea*. Lunch is not included (we have a fridge and microwave in the studio and there are take away restaurants at the nearby Benowa Gardens shopping centre).

Please arrive at 9:15am ready for a 9:30am start.

*As we are potters and not chefs, our events team can’t guarantee that the food provided for attendees with dietary preferences or medical allergies will fit your needs. We request, in these circumstances, that you please bring your own food.