Unearthing Alchemy: Ash, Rocks, and the Art of Natural Glazes with Matthew Blakely
In the heart of the Serra da Lousã mountains, where nature’s textures and colors are ever-present, we are once again honored to welcome the ceramic artist Matthew Blakely for a transformative workshop: "Rocks Making Glazes", returning this December to Cerdeira – Home for Creativity.
Matthew’s approach, deeply rooted in place-based ceramics, is nothing short of alchemy. He transforms local stones, clays, and even ash into unique, expressive glazes. His book, Rock Glazes Unearthed, has become a cornerstone for potters exploring the potential of raw, natural materials, and his teachings empower ceramicists to reconnect with geology, sustainability, and the deeply tactile process of glaze making.
The Chemistry of Ash
In a revelatory chapter from Rock Glazes Unearthed, Blakely turns his attention to wood and grass ash, which he describes not as rocks, but as equally essential components in the potter’s toolkit. These by-products of burning plant matter are rich in fluxing agents, especially calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and phosphates, and play a vital role in glaze chemistry.
“Ashes from different plants and different places are going to vary considerably… It is the actual physical results they produce in glazes that is important rather than their exact scientific analysis.”
– Matthew Blakely, Rock Glazes Unearthed, pp. 42–44
This philosophy, that experimentation and observation matter more than strict formulas, resonates deeply with our ethos at Cerdeira. Matthew reminds us that even the simplest materials carry geological complexity, history, and potential. A handful of ash, when understood, can become a powerful tool for glaze development, especially when paired with local rock powders.
Grounded in Place, Inspired by Practice
At Cerdeira, surrounded by the forest and stone paths of a mountain village, participants in the "Rocks Making Glazes" course will not only gather and process materials like feldspar, granite, and wood ash, but also learn the subtle techniques of testing and refinement that Blakely has cultivated over decades.
In his detailed comparison of hazel ash vs. kiln ash, Blakely shows how ash chemistry reflects the soil, species, and combustion conditions, offering invaluable insights into the nature of glazes that originate from lived environments, not labs.
Why This Workshop Matters
As ceramicists and creatives become increasingly conscious of sustainability, local sourcing, and authentic expression, this course is a rare chance to learn from a master who marries deep material knowledge with intuitive artistry. You'll leave with not only test tiles and recipes, but a renewed ability to see the world around you as a source of glaze potential.
Whether you’re a seasoned potter or just starting your journey, working alongside Matthew Blakely in the unique landscape of Cerdeira is a chance to go beyond surface beauty and into the heart of ceramic transformation.
Join us for our Rocks Making Glazes Course.
An immersive journey guided by Matthew Blakely at Cerdeira - Home for Creativity.