CMW student Jason Vantomme will be presenting his research paper entitled "Genetic Algorithms: Problem-Solver & Creative Muse” at NCECA on Thursday, March 17th at 11:45am.
Using Glazy data published on Github by Derek Au, Jason built a system that, given a set of materials (like those ceramists have in their inventory), attempts to reproduce the basic chemistry of a target glaze.
He has found the system very useful in solving problems like reducing glaze complexity (i.e., reducing the numbers of materials) and learning what components of a glaze composition might do what (i.e., what makes an aventurine sparkle?).
It has also been very useful as a creative tool by generating completely new variations based on a given glaze chemistry.
Below are a couple of photos of Jason's fired test tiles produced during the development of this work. These examples show the creative part of this process — generating completely new glazes.
We hope that you get a chance to tune in to listen to Jason's presentation! He won't be able to attend NCECA in person this year, but he will be online to answer any questions afterward!
January: CMW Patreon Appreciation Month!
We just wrapped up our first CMW Patreon Appreciation Month!
The CMW team had great time sharing behind the scenes posts and playing patron CMW trivia! Six CMW trivia winners received CMW T's, enamel pins and one even received a $250 CMW gift certificate! Thanks for playing along everyone! We will do it again next year! If you want to learn more about benefits of becoming a Patreon member, click here!
CMW Course Of the Month:
Lectures Only Bundle
Are you interested in taking all 3 of CMW's Lectures Only courses?
We have bundled together the Lectures Only versions of our classic courses - Understanding Glazes, Advancing Glazes and Introduction to Clay Bodies - at an exceptional price with 12 months of access! Upgrades available. Learn more here!
For Flux Sake Podcast: Episode 12 Help! Why is my Colemanite Spitting???
There’s nothing like the disappointment of opening a kiln full of glazes that spit all over the shelves. Kathy, Rose and Matt talk about how you can fix that issue and they also answer a listener question about liner glazes. If you haven't gotten a chance to listen in yet, you can check it out here.
If you have a question that you would like the team to answer during one of our episodes, please submit a voice memo to: forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.
On the Road Again....
Matt will be travelling to Plinth Gallery in Denver, CO to teach our workshop "The Middle Glazes- Making Sense of Cone 6” on May 14-15th. More info here!
Behind the Scenes!
Even the youngest in the CMW family gets to help out! We are in the process of building our new YouTube set! Subscribe to our channel today here so that you receive notification when new content is available!
Take a few minutes out of your busy day and read all about what's CMW is up to this Fall!
CMW turns 5 this month!
If you didn't get a chance to celebrate with us during our live Facebook event you can still check it out here. We had a great tour of our new studio, Q&A with Matt and delicious cake!
January 2022 Classes!
Save your spot and sign up today!
CMW student Shay Cohen's work is highlighted in a recent issue of Bonsai Focus
(https://www.bonsaifocus.com).
Read the full article posted on our blog here.
CMW Workshop Of the Month:
The Middle Glazes
Do you work at a temperature less than cone 10? Have you always wished to unlock the secrets of mid-temperature glazes? Do you want to learn how to convert all those beautiful high temperature glazes down to mid-temperature?
The Middle Glazes is for you. Learn more here!
Thinkific is CMW's New Teaching Platform
CMW has officially moved all of our classes and workshops over to our new learning platform - Thinkific! As of November 1st, 2021, students will no longer be able to access classes via Ruzuku. All students should now have a profile and access to classes on Thinkific. Please reach out if you have any questions or problems accessing your classes. info@ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com
For Flux Sake Podcast!
Matt, Rose and Kathy have been busy recording new episodes of For Flux Sake! If you haven't gotten a chance to listen in yet, you can check it out here. Also if you have a question that you would like us to answer during one of our episodes, please submit a voice memo to: forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com.
Behind the Scenes!
Liddy loves to be the center of attention. It's tough to get anything done when she's around! Share your studio or office pets with us on our Instagram page!
Happy Summer! Hope it has been a great one so far!
Here at Ceramic Materials Workshop we have been busy teaching classes, building and moving into our new space, we recorded a podcast and are making big plans for the future!
That is the name of our new podcast. Our debut episode addresses - food safe glazes, kiln cooling and sourcing test glazes. Now available here or on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you find podcasts.
If you have a question that you would like us to answer during one of our episodes, please submit a voice memo to: forfluxsakepodcast@gmail.com
Sneak Peek!
Here is the start of our our new studio space! We are SO excited to get back to some normalcy while getting back to our research and testing!! Our new space will have some amazing equipment, plus so much space to put all those failed test tiles!!
Industry News:
One of our students, Brenna Dee McBroom has an article coming out in Sept/Oct 2021 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated called: Developing a Microcrystalline Glaze Palette
October 2021 Classes
are Filling Up Fast!
Don't miss out! Click button below to reserve your spot today!
As of April 2021, CMW officially moved all of our classes and workshops over to our new learning platform - Thinkific! We are no longer using Ruzuku. So if your on Ruzuku, we are in the process of moving you over, but don't worry we will let you know via a instruction email when we move you over. Reach out if you have any questions. info@ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com
Ceramic Materials Workshop is Growing!
Kyra (on right in photo) recently joined our team so that Matt and Rose can focus exclusively on helping you learn all that you can about glazes and clay! Feel free to reach out to Kyra anytime! She is ready to help! kyra@ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com
Save the Date
11/1/21: CMW is turning 5 this year and we are planning to celebrate! Stay turned for more details coming to your inbox soon!