Ceramics

The Ceramics program provides a broad base of ceramic knowledge which includes ceramic history, aesthetic vocabulary and critical writing. From the Introductory level to Portfolio, clay is used as a material for the exploration of skills and design concepts while students build on studio etiquette and preparing for the demands of deadlines, contests and exhibitions. The focus of ceramics I is handbuilding skills and the origins of clay and ceramics. Students will utilize the coil, slab and pinch methods and develop a foundation for wheel thrown pottery as well as ceramic sculpture.

Ceramics II is dedicated to the world of the potter and sculptural ceramicists that use the wheel as the main tool for creating structures. Students will investigate further on the differences between fine art vs. craft and the differences between the functional and non-functional. Students will also become familiar with firing methods and glaze materials.

Ceramics III combines the skills learned from Ceramics I and II to create more complicated pottery and sculptural pieces. Students will further their knowledge of glaze materials, firing techniques, and alternative tools Projects designed in this class will be more researched based and focus more on layers of meaning and communicating.