Raw Ash Glazing & Single firing – 5-Day Workshop with Álvaro Villamañán 9 - 13 March 2027
9 — 13 March 2027 with Álvaro Villamañán
This five-day workshop explores the use of ash in ceramic glazing, investigating how ashes used dry, mixed with water or washed, can form the basis of a wide range of ceramic glazes or even create a glaze in their own right under the right firing conditions.
Context:
For centuries, wood ash has played an important role in ceramic traditions around the world. What began as a natural consequence of wood firing — ash settling on clay surfaces and melting under high temperatures — gradually became an intentional glazing technique. Potters discovered that the mineral composition of ash could create remarkable surfaces, with variations in colour, texture and depth.
Ash is a material shaped by transformation. Its composition depends on the wood, vegetation and conditions from which it originates, making every source unique. When introduced into ceramic glazing, these natural variations create an element of unpredictability, where chemistry, material and fire work together to produce distinctive results.
In his practice, Álvaro Villamañán explores this relationship between natural materials and the ceramic process. By experimenting with ash in different forms — raw, washed or mixed with water — he investigates its potential as both a glaze ingredient and a material in its own right.
Working with ash invites a deeper understanding of the relationship between nature, material and fire, embracing experimentation and the beauty of outcomes that cannot always be controlled.
Course Highlights:
tba
While the course follows a simple curriculum, each participant will also receive personalized guidance throughout the workshop. All levels are welcome from professionals to passionate hobbyists as we strive to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
This course is ideal both for participants that already have experience but wish to hone their skills and expand their perspectives of working with Ash and and a gas firing.
This class is all about skill development.
_________________
Detailed Schedule (may be rearranged due to schedule and time constraints)
Day 1 – Introduction & Throwing
An introduction to ash glazing and the principles of raw glazing, followed by throwing pieces off the hump.
Day 2 – Trimming & Preparation
Trimming and refining the forms, preparing ash and making wadding for the firing process.
__Day 3 – Glazing & Kiln Loading
Application of raw glazes, preparation of the pieces with wadding and loading the kiln.
__Day 4 – Single Firing
A dedicated day for the firing, allowing students to observe the process and explore the principles of single firing. Participation in the firing day is optional.
__Day 5 – Kiln Opening & Review
Unloading the kiln, examining the results and discussing the outcomes, with particular attention to the effects of ash, glaze development and firing conditions.
9 — 13 March 2027 with Álvaro Villamañán
This five-day workshop explores the use of ash in ceramic glazing, investigating how ashes used dry, mixed with water or washed, can form the basis of a wide range of ceramic glazes or even create a glaze in their own right under the right firing conditions.
Context:
For centuries, wood ash has played an important role in ceramic traditions around the world. What began as a natural consequence of wood firing — ash settling on clay surfaces and melting under high temperatures — gradually became an intentional glazing technique. Potters discovered that the mineral composition of ash could create remarkable surfaces, with variations in colour, texture and depth.
Ash is a material shaped by transformation. Its composition depends on the wood, vegetation and conditions from which it originates, making every source unique. When introduced into ceramic glazing, these natural variations create an element of unpredictability, where chemistry, material and fire work together to produce distinctive results.
In his practice, Álvaro Villamañán explores this relationship between natural materials and the ceramic process. By experimenting with ash in different forms — raw, washed or mixed with water — he investigates its potential as both a glaze ingredient and a material in its own right.
Working with ash invites a deeper understanding of the relationship between nature, material and fire, embracing experimentation and the beauty of outcomes that cannot always be controlled.
Course Highlights:
tba
While the course follows a simple curriculum, each participant will also receive personalized guidance throughout the workshop. All levels are welcome from professionals to passionate hobbyists as we strive to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
This course is ideal both for participants that already have experience but wish to hone their skills and expand their perspectives of working with Ash and and a gas firing.
This class is all about skill development.
_________________
Detailed Schedule (may be rearranged due to schedule and time constraints)
Day 1 – Introduction & Throwing
An introduction to ash glazing and the principles of raw glazing, followed by throwing pieces off the hump.
Day 2 – Trimming & Preparation
Trimming and refining the forms, preparing ash and making wadding for the firing process.
__Day 3 – Glazing & Kiln Loading
Application of raw glazes, preparation of the pieces with wadding and loading the kiln.
__Day 4 – Single Firing
A dedicated day for the firing, allowing students to observe the process and explore the principles of single firing. Participation in the firing day is optional.
__Day 5 – Kiln Opening & Review
Unloading the kiln, examining the results and discussing the outcomes, with particular attention to the effects of ash, glaze development and firing conditions.