Art 480 CRN 11393
Syllabus
Copper Red Glaze Weekend Workshop
September 23, 24, 25, 2011
Credit: 1 hour
Michael Nowack, Instructor of Record
Curtis Dinwiddie, Claude W. Smith, III - working as Assistants
Office Message Phone: 538-6501
Catalog Description: Art 480. Intensive workshop of varying length with visiting professors or
specialized nature, including national/international travel study tours, to supplement the regular
curriculum.
Course Description: The students will bring bisque work to a weekend workshop and become
exposed to Michael Nowack, a Tucson potter, who specializes and has mastered the art of
working with the elusive copper red reduction glaze. Once pots are glazed the kiln will be
loaded and the firing begun. Michael will then demonstrate throwing skills and the firing
variations he uses to achieve the spectacular results of the copper reds.
Catalog pre-requisites: Clay I and Clay II or Clay I and currently in Clay II.
Text/ Resource Materials: None needed, but a list of future articles and books will be provided.
Course Objectives: The students will become exposed to the techniques of the master copper red
potter and the trials and errors of attaining success with the glaze and how to achieve the ideal
results using copper red glazes at cone 10 temperatures (2381° F). The focus will be on three
aspects: glaze testing, glaze application, and the firing process with a secondary interest on
throwing lids and making handles.
Course Objectives:
1. The student will observe Michael’s glazing demonstration and the “whys” of what he
does.
2. The students will put Michael’s demonstration to use with hands on glazing of their pots
prior to the pending firing.
3. The students will gain an understanding of the reduction/oxidation atmosphere and the
impact of the “secrets” of firing to attain the various copper red results and the use of an
oxygen probe.
4. Students will become more knowledgeable of the firing process and the location of pots
in the kiln during the firing and the atmospheric control.
5. Certainly a greater understanding of the philosophy behind the desire to create copper red
pots and the effective ways to achieve those dreams will be witnessed.
6. While the kiln is firing the potter will demonstrate various throwing skills, specifically
lidded forms and handles.
Instructional Goals and Expected Outcomes:
Students will bring pre-bisque pots to the workshop, observe a glazing demonstration,
glaze pots, load and fire the kiln loaded with copper red glazes, become exposed to the nuances
of the special copper red firing techniques and witness the results when the kiln is unloaded.
Evaluation: Grades will be based on the following: attendance and participation 100%
Workshop Schedule
Friday, 9/23
1:00 pm
Glazing Demo & Observation of Finished Pots
Students Glaze Their Pots
Load Kiln
Discussion of placement and Candle
Saturday, 9/24
9:00 am
Load Kiln (Depending upon the previous day)
Fire on up w/adjustments
Throwing Demonstrations
Sunday, 9/25
9:00 am
Finish the Firing
Discussion