Pottery: The Alchemy of Glaze (Ella Baker)

Every glaze has a story. Beneath every glossy finish, crystal bloom, or rich celadon lies a remarkable combination of minerals, chemistry, and fire. Together, we’ll explore how simple minerals become glass, why glazes melt and flow, what creates color and texture, and how heat transforms everything. Along the way, we’ll discover the roles of silica, alumina, fluxes, metal oxides, underglazes, and other surface materials that bring ceramic work to life.

Whether you’re just beginning your ceramics journey or looking to deepen your understanding, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the science behind the magic—and the confidence to approach glazing with curiosity instead of mystery.