Glaze With Abouzeid

Course Description: Glazing in Ceramics with Abouzeid

This three-session course with Abouzeid offers an in-depth introduction to the art and science of ceramic glazing. Designed for beginners as well as practicing artists, the course focuses on understanding how color, chemistry, and application techniques come together to transform ceramic surfaces.

Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing them to confidently approach glazing and develop their own visual language through experimentation and guided practice.

Session 1 — Introduction to Glaze Theory, Colors & Shades (3 hours)

The first session is dedicated to building a strong theoretical foundation in ceramic glazing while introducing participants to color-focused glaze testing. Participants will explore:

• The structure of a glaze: silica, fluxes, and alumina, and how they interact during firing

• The role of metal oxides and stains in producing color

• The difference between underglaze, glaze, and overglaze decoration

• How firing temperature and atmosphere influence final results

• Surface qualities such as gloss, matte, opacity, and transparency

Participants will also be introduced to:

• Common glaze application techniques such as dipping, pouring, brushing, and layering

• Proper handling and mixing of glazes

• Essential tools and studio practices for safe and effective glazing

• Basic glaze testing methods and sample preparation

During the practical portion of the session, participants will create a first batch of glaze tests focused on colors, tones, and shades. Through layering and variation in application thickness, participants will observe how different oxides, stains, and glaze combinations influence color response after firing.

Session 2 — Texture & Surface Quality Experimentation (3 hours)

In the second session, participants will review the initial glaze test results and continue developing their surfaces through texture- and surface-focused experimentation. This session focuses on:

• Evaluating the first firing results and understanding color behavior

• Exploring textures and surface qualities such as glossy, matte, opaque, transparent.

• Adjusting glaze layering, thickness, and application methods to influence surface effects

• Experimenting with movement, pooling, crackling, and variation in texture

• Developing more intentional and personalized ceramic surfaces

Participants will apply refined glaze combinations to a second round of test pieces or ceramic forms, focusing specifically on texture, depth, and surface quality enhancements.

Session 3 — Analysis, Troubleshooting & Results (2 hours)

In the final session, participants will return after firing to evaluate and reflect on their work. This session focuses on:

• Analyzing glaze outcomes including color shifts, texture, and surface quality

• Understanding why certain results occurred, both successful and unexpected

• Learning how to troubleshoot common glazing issues such as crawling, pinholes, or uneven surfaces

• Group discussion and feedback to deepen understanding and encourage future experimentation

Participants will leave with their finished ceramic pieces, along with practical insights that will support independent studio practice and continued exploration.

Outcome

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of glaze chemistry and coloring

• Be familiar with essential glazing techniques and tools

• Gain confidence in applying and experimenting with glazes

• Develop the ability to observe, analyze, and refine their results

• Build a stronger foundation for independent ceramic surface exploration