Making & Using Underglazes with Marc Sauvage

Join glazing expert Marc Sauvage to learn the process of mixing your own underglazes and the art of applying them to ceramic surfaces.

In this two-part workshop, students will experiment with base underglaze recipes using stain additions to create a range of smooth, brushable, and vibrant underglaze colours.

Part one, short lecture content will discuss a variety of underglaze bases recipes, mixing and using brushing mediums and some basic chemistry used to identify types of stains. Additionally, as a part of the making process, students will learn how to mix base colours to create a range of secondary and tertiary decorating pigments, as well as create colour test tiles for later use as a fired record.

Part two of the workshop will cover an extensive range of surface techniques suitable for underglaze decoration. This will involve both demonstration and hands-on participation and, at the conclusion, students will take home a series of tiles and small forms as examples of the techniques they have completed. Some of the techniques demonstrated include brushwork & one-stroke, stencils, cold and crayon wax resist, sgraffito, inlay, texture wash, sponging, tissue transfers (commercial & DIY), trailing: dots and lines, shellac & varnish etching, masking tape resist, and spattering.

The workshop will be over two days:

• DAY 1: 8 June, 9:30am to 4pm; AND
• DAY 2: 22 June, 9:30am to 4pm.

Participants will need to bring:

ON DAY ONE – 8 JUNE:

• One dry greenware white clay tile (preferred clay either earthenware, mid-fire, or stoneware) approximate dimensions 15 x 15 cms/ 5-10mm thick. At least one surface needs to be smooth.
• Pen/pencil and paper for note-taking
• A variety of small brushes for decorations including a Hake brush
• Lunch (morning tea and afternoon tea provided).

ON DAY TWO – 22 JUNE:

• 10 to 12 small dry greenware white clay tiles. Dimensions should be 10-15cm square and 5-10mm thick. At least one surface needs to be smooth.
• A few small dry greenware pieces to decorate on day two (I will demo and explain on Day One)
• Four small plastic containers (such as yoghurt pots) for mixing colours
• Pen/pencil and paper/sketchbook for note-taking
• A variety of small brushes for decorations including a Hake brush.
• Some sgraffito/carving tools if they have them. (I will bring spares)
• A two-litre ice cream container (or similar) for water
• Lunch (morning tea and afternoon tea provided).

Tickets are $450 for CAQ members and $495 for non-CAQ members. Members – please log in before booking to secure your place at the discounted member rate! Not a member? Join here

About Marc Sauvage

After completing a Diploma in Advanced Ceramics Marc taught ceramics at Southbank TAFE. With an ongoing passion for ceramic chemistry Marc developed and manufactured his own commercial range of underglazes, Deco Colours, while also running workshops and continuing his own thriving ceramics practice. A qualified teacher, Marc taught visual art and ceramics at high school for 15 years, inspiring students to switch onto clay.