GLAZE OF OUR LIVES:
Understanding Glazes for the Beginner
with Matthew Katz
October 12-25, 2025
Glaze of Our Lives is a comprehensive beginner study of ceramic glazes that helps people with little or no experience, learn about what glazes are and how they work.
In this 14 day in person workshop we will answer all of the questions you have and smash a lot of the ceramic myths you may have been told. We will take the mystery of materials, formulas and firings and translate them to change your studio forever!
The workshop will be led by Matthew Katz, who has worked as an Artist and Ceramic Engineer for 25 years. Matt is a co-founder of Ceramic Materials Workshop, an online teaching platform that teaches the ceramics community about glazes and clay. He uses his knowledge of art and engineering to make ceramic science understandable and accessible for people of all experience levels.
TUITION: USD $2200 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, catered lunches, welcome dinner, and excursions around the island. We will assist in making recommendations for bookings for nearby hotels, bungalows or home-stays in convenient proximity to Gaya studio (accommodation is not included in tuition).
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE - GLAZE OF OUR LIVES: Understanding Glazes for the Beginner
Glaze of Our Lives is a comprehensive beginner study of ceramic glazes that helps people with little or no experience, learn about what glazes are and how they work. In this 14 day in person workshop we will answer all of the questions you have and smash a lot of the ceramic myths you may have been told. We will take the mystery of materials, formulas and firings and translate them to change your studio forever!
The workshop will be led by Matthew Katz, who has worked as an Artist and Ceramic Engineer for 25 years. Matt is a co-founder of Ceramic Materials Workshop, an online teaching platform that teaches the ceramics community about glazes and clay. He uses his knowledge of art and engineering to make ceramic science understandable and accessible for people of all experience levels
Sunday, October 12:
6:00pm Welcome dinner at Moksa Restaurant. Getting to know each other over a delicious plant-based meal. Followed by a presentation by Matt about his work and career.
Monday, October 13:
Morning: Introduction and orientation to the studio and Glaze of Our Lives workshop. Matt will begin his series of glaze chemistry lectures. Lecture 1: Introduction to Glazes
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: Glaze testing begins. Matt will demonstrate how to mix glazes and apply them to test tiles. Firing will take place overnight.
Tuesday, October 14:
Tour at GAYA CAD
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 2: Geology
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight
Wednesday, October 15:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 3: Chemistry
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Thursday, October 16:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 4: Materials
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Friday, October 17:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 5: Seger and Stull
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Saturday, October 18:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 6: Temperature and Durability
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Sunday, October 19:
(Free day)
Monday, October 20:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 7: Boron
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Tuesday, October 21:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 8: Special Effects
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Wednesday, October 22:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 9: Glaze Flaws
12:30 Lunch family style
Afternoon: More glaze testing. Firing will take place overnight.
Thursday, October 23:
EXCURSION DAY - Participants will discover Balinese culture, Studio will be closed.
Friday, October 24:
Morning: Students will review fired glaze tests and Matt will continue his lecture series. Lecture 10: Color
12:30 Lunch family style
Last Review of glaze tests and wrap up of workshop.
Saturday, October 25:
Departure day