In this glazing workshop, students will explore a sense of place and narrative by painting an elaborate ceramic plate commemorating a specific place that has inspired and transformed them. Students will use the low-fire technique of maiolica glaze to paint on commercial 12-inch bisque plates. The process will begin with image selections and simple border pattern design strategies that complement and frame the compositions.
After tracing the outlines of their chosen image with “Graffito” underglaze transfer paper, students will work with a large palette of maiolica stain colorants, underglazes, and, finally, a clear glaze to reveal all of the layers applied. This process can be liberating for the student who may have been hesitant in depicting a landscape image in such detail, and will encourage confidence in painting narrative images and design motifs in future works.
Bisque tiles, bisque plates, and underglazes and stains for this class are provided.