The Magic and Chemistry of Luster Glazes with Lisa Zolandz
- Details
- Location
- Class Outline:
- About The Artist
- Policies
- Liability & Safety
Part science and part alchemy, in-glaze lusters are a special glaze containing metals (bismuth, silver) that develop fascinating iridescence when reduction fired. Learn how to make and fire in-glaze lusters at mid and high fire temperatures with Lisa Zolandz. Lisa’s process involves an initial firing of the in-glaze luster to cone 6 in an electric kiln, followed by a secondary alcohol-drip reduction. Participants will have the opportunity to work with luster glazes in a hands-on fashion and leave with an extensive knowledge of glaze chemistry.
700 Livernois St., Ferndale, MI, 48220
This is a two-day workshop meeting on:
- Saturday, August 15th, 2026: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, August 16th, 2026: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
In this two-day workshop, Lisa will discuss the chemistry of luster glazes, multiple methods of post-fire reduction, and how she approaches glaze testing and development. She will share her results from extensive testing and experimentation.
Lisa’s process involves an initial firing of the in-glaze luster to cone 6 in an electric kiln, followed by a secondary alcohol-drip reduction. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply luster glazes, load the reduction firing, and undoubtedly see how incredibly variable these glazes are.
Notes: The luster glaze is quite runny, so it is recommended that pieces be either fired on a riser and catch plate (as is done with crystalline glazes) or on a kiln-washed cookie with walls. Some of the glazes will contain silver nitrate, which stains - gloves will be provided, but attendees should wear clothing they do not mind getting stained.
Items to Bring
- your own bisqueware
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Max 8" height per piece
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7 pieces total
- Total combined volume of the pieces must not exceed a limit of 150 cubic inches, and this restriction applies to the entire batch as a whole - not to each individual piece. This includes the height of a riser/catcher/wadded on cookie.
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- use cone 5/6 clay; no black clay
- glaze catchers for your pieces
Lisa Zolandz is a full-time studio potter based in Manassas, VA. Coming to ceramics with a background in the sciences, she naturally found her passion in glaze chemistry. For the past decade, she has been working with crystalline glazes and, more recently, with iridescent in-glaze lusters. She exhibits at fine art festivals throughout the country and spends countless hours testing and developing glazes. Find more of Lisa's work here.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
Cancellations made 4 or more days before the start of the class will be refunded. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.
All students must agree to the following upon registering for a class or workshop at Still Life Studio:
Waivers and Safety for Ceramic Classes and Studio Use
- Students will follow all instructions by teacher
- Students will not load, unload or operate the kilns
- Long hair should be tied back
- Do not wear articles of clothing or jewelry that hang off the body.
- Closed footwear is required.
- Do not use any equipment without a staff member present.
- SLS will provide safety glasses or gloves upon request.
- All completed work must be picked up from Still Life Studio no later than 4 weeks after the student’s final class. Still Life Studio is not responsible for any work left longer than 4 weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up their work.
COVID-19 Liability Waiver
I acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and that the CDC and many other public health authorities still recommend practicing social distancing.
I acknowledge that Still Life Studio has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
I acknowledge that Still Life Studio can not guarantee that I will not become infected with the Coronavirus/Covid-19. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, studio staff, and other studio clients and their families.
I voluntarily seek services provided by Still Life Studio and acknowledge that I am increasing my risk to exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. I acknowledge that I must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while attending my class.
I agree to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to a SLS staff member upon arrival, or furnish a negative COVID-19 test result that was administered no more than seven days before my visit.
I attest that:
* I am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.
* I have not traveled internationally within the last 14 days.
* I do not believe I have been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
* I have not been diagnosed with Coronavirus/Covid-19 and not yet cleared as non contagious by state or local public health authorities.
* I am following all CDC recommended guidelines as much as possible and limiting my exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
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Liability Waiver
In connection with my involvement in ceramic classes at Still Life Studio, I hereby release Still Life Studio, its agents, representatives, successors, or assignees, Still Life Studio management and employees, from all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, demands, costs, and expenses which I am now or in the future have against them, arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in art classes, including enroute to or from the program or its related events. I understand that the waiver includes, but is not limited to, all injuries to me and or loss of injuries to any personal property. I also understand that this waiver includes, but is not limited to, any claims that are based on my alleged negligence or any other action or inaction of any of the above parties.
I also give Still Life Studio permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of myself and/or my work for the general promotion of Still Life Studio and its programs.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand the safety instructions and the liability waiver that have been outlined.
