John Britt: A journey of never-ending discovery
This November, world-renowned ceramicist and glaze specialist John Britt is bringing his signature curiosity, warmth, and technical expertise to a special glaze workshop in Barcelona hosted by the Corrie Bain International Ceramics School. Ahead of his visit, we caught up with John to talk about his personal journey with ceramics – from a chance class in Ohio to decades of glaze exploration, teaching, and global connection.
“I was just trying to figure things out.”
John’s journey into ceramics began not in a prestigious art school, but in a university campus ministry job in Dayton, Ohio, where he stumbled upon a free wheel-throwing class. It quickly turned into much more than a hobby.
“I enrolled in independent study and helped run the studio – firing kilns, mixing glazes, everything,” he says. “It was a great way to get started with all the technical side of things.”
That early hands-on immersion laid the foundation for a lifelong fascination with glaze chemistry – a fascination that started with a red glaze that mysteriously turned green in the kiln. “I was perplexed,” he explains. “Why would a red glaze turn green? So I tried to figure out how to make it turn the color it was supposed to. I was just determined to gain a little bit of control over the process.”
His early years were marked by self-teaching, trial and error, and pure determination. Without formal training in ceramics (John studied philosophy and photography), he carved out his own education; taking workshops, reading glaze books, and eventually spending a transformative summer at Alfred University, where daily glaze lectures opened new doors.
The puzzle and the poetry of glaze
What keeps John in the studio, and in the classroom, decades later? “Glaze is just so full of possibility,” he says. “There are so many variables – mixing, application, firing, clay body – and when you solve one puzzle, it opens up another.”
That sense of ongoing discovery is central to both his artistic and teaching practice. “The fun part of ceramics is working on a project, trying to achieve something – but then several unexpected things pop up and that becomes another avenue of discovery,” says John. His rhythm of working, discovering, fine tuning and then documenting his process has led to several books, articles and videos “to show other people,” John explains, “so we don’t all have to start at the beginning.”
Right now John is working on a series of glazes called Hagi, which are technically flawed, as they crawl a lot. Done with intention, the flaws become unique features. “In Japan, they describe it as ‘snow melting on the ground,’” he explains. “That transforms your understanding of the flaw, making it beautiful.”
A global perspective and a generous spirit
Over the years, John has become a go-to resource for potters around the world, not just for his best-selling books and articles, but for his openness and generosity. “Because I didn’t have a network of people to tell me how things were done or give me recipes, I now do that for others who are curious about glazes and just need a few answers,” he says. “And they share back with me – it’s a great relationship.”
That reciprocal energy is part of what draws him back to workshops, year after year. “Potters are just my people,” he smiles. “I love the energy when potters are sharing ideas and getting excited. I enjoy workshops with students of all levels.”
John’s international teaching travels have also added richness to his perspective. “It’s fascinating to see how other countries approach ceramics. The internet has made it all more connected, but being in a place with other potters, talking, making, sharing… that’s where real inspiration happens.”
What to expect from John’s glaze workshop in Barcelona
The upcoming glaze workshop in Barcelona promises to be a hands-on, high-energy three days of glaze testing, learning, and idea-sharing.
John will guide participants through making a colour blend with thirty test tiles. Expect to mix, fire, analyse, and discuss. But also expect laughter, stories, and the kind of inspiration that stays with you long after the kiln cools.
“I like helping people unlock something — that ‘aha’ moment,” he says. “If I can give someone even a few tools to feel more confident and curious about glazes, then it’s been a good day.”
A few final reflections
After 40 years in clay, what does success mean for John now?
“I’ve realised the value of imperfection,” he says, “and that goes along with everything including glazes. When I open the kiln, I just need one or two things in there to be successful and then I’m happy.”
And advice for younger potters still finding their voice?
“Don’t worry about having just one voice,” he says. “I work in many styles — someone once walked into my studio and asked if it was a group show! But my unifying thread is glaze, and my love of a variety of glazes.”
Join John Britt in Barcelona in November 2025
Ready to dive deeper into glaze chemistry and hands-on experimentation with one of the field’s most respected teachers? Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from John Britt in our glaze workshop in Barcelona this November.
Dates: 24-26th November 2025
Location: Corrie Bain International Ceramics School, Barcelona
Spaces are limited — book early to secure your spot!