Exploring Glaze, Creativity, and Teaching with John Britt
“Glaze testing is endlessly engaging—there’s always more to discover.” – John Britt
At Tao of Clay, we are endlessly inspired by the members, artists, and collaborators who walk through our doors. Their creativity and dedication are a constant reminder to continue exploring and pushing our own craft. In speaking with ceramicist John Britt, this inspiration reaches a new level as we learn more about his technical mastery and the philosophy behind his work.
During our conversation, John shared insights on glaze testing, material exploration, sculptural projects, and teaching, offering the Tao of Clay community a rare glimpse into the mind of a glaze master.
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity
John Britt’s glaze-testing journey began in 1985, driven by dissatisfaction with available commercial glazes. After driving hours to attend a class led by Val Cushing at Alfred University, it was then that John knew this was more than a hobby. Through this pivotal class and years of experience, Britt developed the foundational knowledge in ceramic terminology and processes that helped him develop his personal approach to ceramics and a teaching philosophy centered on understanding, experimentation, and accessibility.
Britt is candid about his relationship with glazing. While traditional glazing can be difficult and prone to errors, John finds deep satisfaction in glaze testing. “Bad things can happen if the glaze is not good,” he explained, yet the process of experimentation keeps him engaged.
Unlike glazing, which emphasizes the final product, glaze testing allows for creativity and exploration. A key challenge John notes is the inconsistency caused by infrequent practice: glazes may thin over time, and adapting to thinner forms requires careful observation. He encourages ceramicists to treat glaze testing as a playful investigation, not just a step toward a finished piece, and to enjoy the process of discovery.
“Understanding ingredients in glazes is like understanding a recipe in cooking; you can create something entirely new once you know the basics.”
The Power of Making Your Own Glazes
Creating glazes at home offers both economic and creative advantages. John notes that a homemade glaze can cost as little as $5 per batch, compared with $40 for commercial options. More importantly, understanding the ingredients empowers artists to experiment and combine materials in ways that commercial glazes often limit. Glaze chemistry experimentation is key, and creativity thrives when you know your materials.
Mastery of glazes requires attention to both materials and firing cycles. Different clay bodies: porcelain, light stoneware, and dark stoneware interact uniquely with glazes, producing distinct results. Firing cycles, whether slow rising, slow cooling, or single firing, also influence the outcome. For John, observation and adaptation are central to understanding these variables.
Tao of Clay owner Josh Herman relates strongly to the emphasis on glaze experimentation that is central to Britt’s practice. Early in his career, Josh set out to develop his own volcanic glaze surfaces. Over more than 15 years of testing, he moved through many cycles of trial, error, and discovery, each one sharpening his understanding of materials. This long process led to a palette of unique textures and glazes that have become a signature of his work. Because glaze testing has been such a meaningful part of his own journey, Josh is especially excited to welcome John Britt to Tao of Clay.
Current Projects: Sculptural and Hag Glazes
The more we learn about John Britt, the more we understand the importance of continuing to experiment within one's own practice. John is currently exploring sculptural glazes that defy traditional rules, as well as “hagi glazes,” inspired by Japanese ceramics and natural phenomena like melting snow. The sculptural glazes emphasize the importance of working on actual pieces rather than just test tiles, embracing organic effects and unintentional results rather than chasing perfection. Allowing your materials to guide you. Imperfection can produce unique and beautiful textures.
See Some of John's Current Work Here
Favorite Glazes: The Allure of Oil Spots
John’s body of work reveals a profound connection not only to the chemistry of glazes but also to their expressive potential. Naturally, I was curious to learn which glazes are his favorites. Though John admits it’s impossible to choose just one, he holds a special fascination for oil spot glazes. Developed over the past 25 years, these are typically fired at cone 10–12 in gas oxidation and layered to produce dynamic bleeding and dripping effects. The resulting surfaces are strikingly organic evoking glaciers, frosted forests, and otherworldly relics. For those eager to experiment, layering and high-temperature firings can yield equally surprising and beautiful textures.
Get Inspired: Oil Spot Glazing
Safety First: Food-Safe Glazing
While glaze experimentation is undeniably fun, it’s essential to remember that working with ceramic chemistry can expose us to hazardous materials. Many of us create functional ware intended for everyday use, so John places a strong emphasis on food safety not only in his own practice but throughout his teaching. Though only lead and cadmium are legally regulated, John’s classes go further, covering material toxicity, kiln gases, dust exposure, and skin absorption, along with best practices to ensure safe, functional results. For those seeking extra assurance, laboratory testing is also available.
Teaching as Inspiration
Similar to our ethos at Tao of Clay, teaching is a source of creative energy for John. Meeting students, answering questions, and witnessing their excitement invigorates his own work. Developing his own glazes and experimenting with various sculptural glazes as well as reviving a wood kiln damaged by a hurricane, all stem from this dynamic interplay between teaching and personal practice. Sharing your process can inspire new ideas and deepen your understanding of your craft.
Take The John Britt Testing Glazes Course
Building Community Through Accessible Teaching
John’s courses are intentionally designed for all experience levels. Beyond technical instruction, his classes foster supportive communities where students share insights, collaborate, and grow together. John’s approach is invaluable, particularly for those eager to deepen their understanding of materials and techniques. His philosophy embodies a balance of precision and experimentation, tradition and innovation. His approach to teaching and making ceramics highlights the artistry and thoughtfulness behind every glaze and fired piece. For the Tao of Clay community, engaging with John’s work offers both practical mastery and inspiration for creative exploration.
Learning in a supportive community accelerates growth and encourages experimentation.
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