Scratching the Surface with Lesley McInally

There’s a very specific moment in the studio where everything is going great… until it isn’t. You’ve made the form. You’ve trimmed it just right. You step back, feeling quietly pleased with yourself. And then comes the question: okay… now what?

Surface can feel like that. Equal parts possibility and mild existential crisis. That’s exactly why we’re so excited to be hosting Scratching the Surface with Lesley McInally this October. Because if you’ve ever stared at a perfectly nice pot and thought, “I don’t want to ruin this,” you’re not alone and also, you’re exactly who this workshop is for.

Over two full days, Lesley is guiding us through a mix of techniques that are as playful as they are practical. Think slip-making and colour, intuitive mark making (yes, including making your own brushes, which is always a bit of a game changer), mono printing, underglaze transfers, clay chalks, screen printing… the whole layered, slightly messy, very satisfying spectrum.

And the thing about Lesley is, she doesn’t just show you how to do something. She shows you how to make decisions. Timing, materials, what happens when you push something too far (and when that’s actually a good thing). It’s less “follow these steps” and more “here’s how you find your way.” You’ll leave with a stack of test tiles, a head full of ideas, and probably a slightly different relationship to your work.

Also worth mentioning: this is not a precious environment. You are absolutely allowed (encouraged, even) to take risks, make weird marks, and discover that your “mistakes” are actually the most interesting part. We’re hosting this at our Dupont studio October 3–4, 9AM – 4PM both days. It’s a small group (24 people), so there’s lots of space for actual feedback and conversation. 

Bring one small leather-hard piece you’re willing to experiment on. We’ll take care of the rest. And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to loosen up your surfaces a bit… this is probably it.

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These workshops are presented in partnership with Fusion Clay & Glass, a not-for-profit acting as a vital voice for the clay and glass community across Ontario. Their work supports connection, continuing education, and the ongoing development of thoughtful, high-quality craft. 

A big thank you as well to Pottery Supply House for supplying the clay used in these workshops, free of charge. Their support plays a crucial role in helping us keep these programs accessible to a wider community of makers.