Judy McKenzie – Nerikomi Masterclass

Your Course

Join renowned ceramicist Judy Mckenzie for an immersive four-day masterclass at The Waldron, where you’ll delve into the world of Nerikomi.

Judy McKenzie is a contemporary ceramic artist best known for her distinctive Nerikomi  work, combining intricate pattern, colour, and hand-built form. Her practice explores the relationship between geometry, repetition, and the quiet unpredictability of working with coloured clay.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese Nerikomi traditions as well as textiles, architecture, and natural pattern formations, Judy creates carefully constructed porcelain surfaces in which pattern is embedded within the clay body itself rather than applied as decoration. Through processes of layering, slicing, compressing, and rebuilding coloured porcelain, she produces vessels and sculptural forms with richly detailed surfaces and subtle tonal variation.

In this masterclass, Judy will guide you through her unique process, which balances meticulous technique with spontaneous application. You’ll explore the elemental unpredictability inherent in working with clay, particularly the random shifts and reactions that occur during pattern creation.

Course Overview

This practical studio course explores the Japanese-inspired technique of Nerikomi  the process of building pattern directly into coloured clay bodies. Through demonstration, experimentation, and supported making sessions, students learn how to prepare coloured porcelain, create layered and gradient patterns, and transform patterned slabs into finished ceramic forms.

The programme encourages both technical understanding and creative exploration, allowing participants to develop their own visual language through colour, rhythm, and form.

Day 1 — Introduction to Nerikomi & Colouring Clay

The first day introduces students to the foundations of Nerikomi ceramics and the distinctive qualities of working with porcelain. The course begins with an overview of historical and contemporary Nerikomi practice, including discussion of pattern, colour relationships, and surface design within Judy’s work.

Students are introduced to porcelain preparation and learn how to measure and incorporate ceramic stains to produce an even and workable coloured clay body. Demonstrations cover clay conditioning, colour mixing, stain percentages, and techniques for achieving consistent tones.

Throughout the day participants create a personal palette of coloured porcelain samples and begin experimenting with simple marbling, layering, and tonal variation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the behaviour of coloured clay and preparing material for more complex pattern development.

Day 2  Pattern Development 

Day two focuses on developing pattern structures and learning how colour transitions can be controlled within the clay body.

Through a series of demonstrations, students explore layering, compressing, slicing, and reassembling clay to create striped, geometric, and organic patterns. Techniques for blending colour gradients and constructing simple patterned canes are introduced alongside methods for maintaining clean edges and strong pattern definition.

Participants spend the day building individual patterned clay blocks and testing pattern reveals through slicing and refinement. The workshop encourages experimentation while developing an understanding of rhythm, repetition, and composition within Nerikomi surfaces.

Individual guidance is provided throughout the day to help students refine techniques and troubleshoot common issues such as distortion, cracking, and uneven compression.

Day 3  Constructing Forms with Patterned Slabs

The third day moves from surface development into three-dimensional form-making.

Students learn how to roll and compress patterned slabs while preserving the integrity of the design. Demonstrations introduce a range of hand-building techniques suitable for Nerikomi porcelain, including slab-built vessels, bowls, and simple constructed forms.

Using their own patterned clay, participants begin constructing final ceramic pieces. Attention is given to scale, proportion, joining methods, and the relationship between pattern placement and form.

The day also addresses the technical challenges of working with coloured porcelain, including moisture control, compression, drying techniques, and strategies for reducing cracking or separation during construction.

Day 4  Finishing, Refinement & Future Development

The final day is dedicated to refining and completing ceramic work while preparing pieces for firing.

Students continue developing and finishing their forms, focusing on surface refinement, edge cleaning, and final adjustments.

Additional finishing methods such as sanding and polishing porcelain surfaces are introduced to show how surface quality can enhance the depth and precision of pattern.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will:

• Understand the principles and history of Nerikomi ceramics
• Learn techniques for colouring porcelain using ceramic stains
• Create gradients, marbled effects, and repeat patterns
• Develop confidence in slab preparation and cane-building methods
• Construct hand-built forms using patterned clay
• Understand drying, finishing, and firing considerations for coloured porcelain
• Produce a series of experimental samples and resolved ceramic pieces

This masterclass is designed for ceramic enthusiasts of all levels who are eager to expand their skills and explore new creative avenues. By the end of the four days, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the interplay between technique and intuition, as well as your own handcrafted pieces that reflect the unique processes you’ve learned.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalised instruction.

Key Information

• Suitable for: Beginnger to Advanced
• Timings: 4-Day masterclass from 10am – 4.30pm
• Catering: A light lunch and refreshments will be provided each day.  Please specify any dietary requirements at time of booking.
• Venue: The Waldron Gallery & Studio, TN21 0RA