Two Day Ceramic Masterclass with Susan O’Byrne

10am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday

Join ceramicist Susan O’Byrne for an inspiring two-day masterclass focused on her distinctive decorative techniques and creative processes. This hands-on workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Susan through extensive demonstrations and guided practice.

About Susan O’Byrne

Susan O’Byrne is an Irish ceramic artist based in Glasgow, Scotland, known internationally for her richly patterned, narrative ceramic animal sculptures that explore human sensitivity through metaphor and surface decoration. She studied at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating with First Class Honours and a postgraduate diploma in ceramics. Susan has received numerous awards, and her work is held in public and private collections across Europe and the United States. Her distinctive practice draws on historical craft traditions — including needlepoint and folk art — and incorporates intricate, collaged porcelain surfaces to bring her imaginative forms to life.

About the Workshop

This two-day workshop will feature a large amount of live demonstration, giving participants an abbreviated overview of all Susan’s working processes, with a primary focus on her decorating techniques.

As there is not enough time to create a piece from start to finish during the workshop, participants will:

Begin by practicing techniques on tiles.

Progress to working on a small cast form provided by Susan, such as bird forms or animal portrait heads.

Aim to complete one piece during the workshop. If needed, pieces can be taken home to finish and fire independently.

This structure allows participants to build confidence with the techniques while creating a meaningful finished piece or study to develop further.

Who Is This For?

This masterclass is suitable for Scottish Potters Association members who want to expand their decorative skills, learn new approaches to surface design, and gain insight into a professional ceramicist’s working methods.

Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.