Glaze Chemistry: The Magic Behind Your Pottery’s Shine

There’s something enchanting about opening the kiln after a glaze firing. It feels a bit like unwrapping a present — you never know exactly what you’ll find inside. Will that glossy blue run just right? Will the soft matte white be perfectly smooth? Or will you be surprised by something completely unexpected?

That surprise is part of the fun of ceramics — but it also comes down to glaze chemistry, the fascinating blend of science and art that determines how your piece looks and feels.

In our Glaze Chemistry 1-Day Intensive Workshop, we dive into this world of colour, texture, and transformation. But you don’t need a lab coat or a chemistry degree to understand the basics — just a curious mind and a love for clay.

What is Glaze, Really?

At its core, glaze is like liquid glass. It’s made up of minerals and raw materials that melt in the intense heat of the kiln, creating a beautiful, functional surface on your pottery.

Think of glaze as a recipe, much like baking bread:

  • Silica is your flour — the main ingredient that becomes the glassy surface.
  • Fluxes are like yeast — they help everything melt at the right temperature.
  • Stabilizers like alumina are your salt — they keep the glaze in place and add structure.
  • And then there’s the fun part: colourants, which act like spices, bringing depth and vibrancy.

The magic happens when heat transforms these raw ingredients into something entirely new.

The Science of Colour

Have you ever wondered why the same glaze can turn out glossy turquoise on one piece and soft green on another? The answer lies in chemistry and fire.

Different minerals — like copper, iron, cobalt, and titanium — interact with the heat of the kiln and with each other in fascinating ways.

  • A matte glaze has more structure, scattering light for a soft, velvety finish.
  • A glossy glaze is smooth and reflective, showing off bold, bright colours.
  • Semi-matte glazes live somewhere in between, giving you that perfect balance of sheen and softness.

Even subtle changes in temperature, clay body, or firing atmosphere can completely alter a glaze’s final appearance. That’s why glaze testing often feels like both a science experiment and a treasure hunt.

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

If you’ve ever had a glaze turn out streaky, runny, or just plain disappointing, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news? Every “mistake” is a clue.

By understanding the role each ingredient plays, you can start to troubleshoot your glazes:

  • Was there too much flux, making the glaze too runny?
  • Did the clay body absorb the colour differently than expected?
  • Could a simple substitution — like using a different feldspar — create a better result?

In our workshop, we explore these questions hands-on, so you leave with practical skills and the confidence to experiment on your own.

The Art of Experimentation

Glaze chemistry isn’t about memorizing formulas — it’s about curiosity and creativity.

When you mix and test your own glazes, you’re not just following a recipe — you’re creating a palette that reflects your style as an artist. Whether you dream of dreamy matte whites, moody deep blues, or playful speckled finishes, glaze chemistry gives you the tools to make it happen.

And that’s where the magic really lies: combining the precision of science with the heart of artistry.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you’ve ever been mystified (or frustrated!) by the unpredictability of glazes, our Glaze Chemistry 1-Day Intensive Workshop is for you.

Over five immersive hours, you’ll:

  • Learn how to understand glaze ingredients like a pro.
  • Experiment with colour and texture in real time.
  • Build the confidence to create and troubleshoot your own glaze recipes.

You’ll leave not just with new glaze samples, but with knowledge that transforms the way you see your pottery.

Glazing will always hold a touch of mystery — that’s part of its magic. But with a little understanding of the chemistry at play, you can open your kiln door with more excitement and fewer surprises.

So grab your notebook, your apron, and your sense of adventure. Let’s make some glaze magic together.

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Art therapist

Art Therapy in the Studio

Introducing Jocelyn

Healing the Heart and Soul Through Art Therapy

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to process life’s challenges. Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to express what we’re feeling deep inside. This is where art therapybecomes a profound and healing path — one that speaks directly to both the heart and soul.

At its core, art therapy isn’t about creating “perfect” works of art. It’s about expression without judgment — allowing paint, clay, stone, or even the simple act of drawing to become a bridge between the inner self and the outer world. Through the creative process, emotions that may feel tangled or unspoken can be explored and released in a safe, supportive environment.

Why Art Therapy Works

Art therapy taps into the language of the subconscious — a place where images, colors, and textures can express what words often cannot. Whether you are shaping clay on a pottery wheel, carving soapstone, or creating with traditional materials like paint and pastels, the act of making becomes a form of medicine.

Here’s how art therapy nurtures the heart and soul:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety by encouraging mindfulness and presence.
  • Promotes self-discovery, giving form to feelings that may be hard to name.
  • Fosters connection, whether in a group setting or through shared creative space.
  • Builds confidence as you create meaningful pieces that reflect your personal journey.
  • Offers emotional release, allowing healing to unfold naturally and gently.

Each step of the process — from your first mark on paper to the moment a finished piece emerges — is a reminder that transformation is possible, both in art and in life.

Art Therapy at eARTh Studios

At eARTh Studios, art therapy sessions are designed to provide a nurturing, welcoming space where individuals of all ages can explore, heal, and grow. Led by Jocelyn van Wynsberghe, a skilled and compassionate art therapist, sessions incorporate a variety of materials, including clay and soapstone, alongside traditional art techniques.

Whether you prefer private, one-on-one sessions or small group settings for children and youth, each experience is tailored to meet you exactly where you are. Jocelyn gently guides participants as they express themselves freely, fostering confidence and trust in their own creative process.

  • Private Sessions: $30 per session (materials included)
  • Group Sessions: $150 for six weeks (materials included)

A Journey Back to Yourself

Healing doesn’t always happen in words — sometimes it flows through color, shape, and form. Art therapy offers a quiet refuge where the heart can speak and the soul can be nourished.

Whether you are navigating life changes, seeking emotional balance, or simply longing to reconnect with your inner self, art therapy is a gentle yet powerful path toward wholeness.

Join us at eARTh Studios, and let creativity guide you home.

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Anthropotter Podcast | The Philosophy of Clay with Diane Walters

Welcome to the Anthropotter Podcast, where clay becomes conversation.

In this debut episode, studio founder Diane Walters shares a deeply personal and philosophical reflection on pottery — as both an art form and a practice of being human. Through stories, metaphors, and meditative insights, Diane explores how working with clay connects us to presence, process, and transformation.

Whether you’re a beginner, long-time potter, or simply clay-curious, this podcast invites you into a slower, more thoughtful rhythm — the one that lives at the wheel, in your hands, and in community.

Share your thoughts in the comments, what does clay mean to you?

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Athlete vs. Artist, A Happy Balance

By: Kate Lamothe

As both a varsity athlete and an artist, it is far too common to overlook the similarities between the two. In my world, volleyball is a cornerstone, an area in which I can excel and push myself physically every day. Not only does it reward me with tangible results, it also feeds my motivation, schedule, and gives me an outlet. When I faced an injury that removed me from practice and games for several months, I turned to art. Similarly, these characteristics are found through my journey with art. There are many misconceptions that you have to be naturally “talented” or “artistic” in order to be an artist, I have found that you simply need a good day and good inspiration.

Art has always been a huge part of my life. I have found that through my years, I have been able to teach myself and practice as an outlet for stress. It became a daily activity for me; sometimes to concentrate when doing another task, and other times working on a specific project that made hours upon hours fly by. Naturally, when I received a compliment, it was my instinct to point out, “well it’s not that good”, or, “well I messed up the nose so it’s not that good”. The meticulousness in art is something that I strive toward, because it makes me better and allows me to not settle for something that I know I can do better. I don’t view perfectionism as a negative thing, because in both art and volleyball, there is endless opportunity for growth, and countless things I can improve upon. I never want to be “perfect” because then there’s nothing to work toward.

In my first year of university (as a Psychology major), I took a drawing class, as it had always been a dream. The experience and long nights completing projects gave me a bigger insight on the importance of keeping art in my life. I love trying new things, like pottery and painting. My first experience with pottery involved a small quantity of clay, and an hour and a half in a small wheel room. There was something about your idea slowly forming that got me hooked. Opposed to many other artistic endeavors, making something 3D, being able to restart from the beginning if need be, and the feel of tactically forming something was such an awesome experience. Furthermore, I learned that pottery has been shown to have similar neurobiological results as physical exercise, which emphasizes the importance of art and/or athletics. According to an article by the International Association of Societies in Design Research, (2019), “Clay products are multi-dimensional objects that have the qualities of weight, depth, and texture which convey a sense of reality and substance.”

Volleyball is evidently more physical than art, and is a stricter time and focus outlet. While the discipline comes from you, like art, there are more constraints and rules that must be followed. When I was introduced to competitive volleyball at age 14, I was immediately captivated. It gave my slightly awkward, uncoordinated, and quiet self a way to express my inner competitor, make friends with like-minded individuals, and find a sport that I took to with ease.

Centering on the wheel brings you to the same experience… Always focused on the clay which can also be slightly awkward and uncoordinated, you can find balance, also called “finding your stillpoint” in ceramics; similar to getting to a certain level of focus in volleyball.

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Introducing Tory MacKay

Tory MacKay has been pursuing a pottery practice in the Kootenays since 2019. Combining training at local art school KSA and experience teaching beginner and intermediate wheel throwing in the Okanogan, she offers a well-rounded approach to her students. Since her first beginner wheel class in 2018, Tory has carried an unbridled enthusiasm for the craft of ceramics. Her personal practice is primarily centred on wheel-thrown functional objects, with a special attention to hand building and altered forms. Hard working and easy going; you can expect to gain new skills in a positive environment. A great source of inspiration for Tory’s artistic practice is the natural environment. When not in the studio, you will find her spending time outdoors. She hopes to inspire and guide new students as they embark on their unique journey with clay. 

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Master potter Carol Hutchinson of SweetMud Studios teaching at earth studios

Introducing Carol Hutchinson

 As a young child growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, I occupied myself painting and drawing, cutting and gluing, and my favourite, making things out of baking dough. It would be many years until I actually got my hands into real clay. I always knew I would go to art school, and attended Vancouver school of art, where I took drawing, painting, and sculpture. My second year of art school was in Graz, Austria, as their first foreign student…still no clay! For my 3rd. year, back in Vancouver, I finally got on the potters’ wheel and fell in love. I made good friends with the night guards and janitors, who let me stay in the studio as late as I wished. In my 4th year, I taught pottery all over the lower mainland, and then full time at a private pottery school on 4th ave., and at Langara college. I also ran classes from my studio in White Rock and Chilliwack. When I moved to Nelson to ski and raise my two young sons, I taught pottery to Japanese students at Canadian international college, until they closed. 

I love clay and making pots, and have become known as the “piggy lady” and that’s o.k. 

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Summer Art Vacations and Birthday Parties

As of June 18th we are doing art-cation privet sessions only for the summer. eARTh Studios Gallery Suite offers art-cation vacation sessions in the summer! Choose between stone carving or wheel throwing 10 discounts for 5!

$65/hr (2hr Min) Per person. Diane will trim and glaze your work as part of the package for pick up 2/3 weeks later.

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DEWalters pottery

Artisans at Work

We have NEWS! eARTh Studios and D.E.Walters (Diane) are now members of the International Artisans at Work Network which hosts hundreds of Artisan destinations in an effort to promote artisan products with educational tours designed to gift an Experience of the art and craft of products sold.

Diane hosted her public launch Friday, April 22nd from 4-8 p.m. She held live demos, wheels to try out, her new film playing, and ALL of her experiments and ‘Seconds’ for sale! Purchasers got to enter into a draw for a private Masterclass session (worth $120.00) or a small bowl from her Emergence line.

bilingual signage for glazing in the studio
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Finding calm at earth studios

Introducing Sierra Kelly

Sierra discovered her passion for working with clay in 2007, and it has been a significant part of her life ever since. In grade 10, she began creating at eARTh studios, and from there, she went on to complete a two-year ceramics program at local school Kootenay School of Arts. During that time, Sierra served as the studio assistant at eARTh Studios and worked closely with Diane Walters to teach beginner classes and manage open studios. Years later, her love for pottery extends beyond creating; she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others and inspiring them to pursue their own creative endeavours.

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finding local clay

New FILM! Dying into Becoming

“Dying into Becoming: How a Potter Mirrors Earth’s Evolution is a collaborative project between Diane Walters (life-long potter artist and teacher) eARTh Studios and local film-maker and Emmy Award winning editor Nancy Rosenblum. To reach Nancy email evarita@mac.com This film explores how a potter recreates and mimics earth’s evolution through change in relationship to our mountainous and fluvial landscape.”

 

visit https://earthstudiosonline.com/ to learn more about me and and my Studio and work!

 

Subscribe to my email newsletter to stay up to date on events, classes and offerings at https://earthstudiosonline.com/ or directly at http://eepurl.com/hEEY19

 

 

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