Ceramics 1-2

This introductory course focuses on the skills and knowledge that students need to create ceramic sculpture and pottery. Students will become familiar with the entire ceramic process from making clay to firing and glazing their work as well as the geology and chemistry of clay and glazes. Several important hand-building techniques will be taught including pinch building, coil building, slab building, and a brief introduction to wheel thrown pottery. Students will also become familiar with the elements and principles of art, as well as the work of some important ceramists and other modern sculptors. 

Ceramics 3-4

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 1-2 and/or recommendation of instructor Ceramics 3 will focus heavily on advanced hand building and wheel throwing. Students will work with different clays and decorative methods. Clear use of the elements and principles of design will be stressed. Historical uses of clay and ceramics will be incorporated with all projects. Critiques will be used to evaluate student work and that of others. Ceramics 4 is an in-depth three-dimensional design study. Sculptural forms and advanced independent projects in sculpture, throwing, and hand building will be assigned. A high level of the use of the elements and principles of design will be stressed. Historical uses of clay and ceramics will be incorporated with all projects. Critiques will be used to evaluate student work and that of others.

Ceramics 5-6 (H) 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 3-4 and/or recommendation of the instructor In Ceramics 5-6 students will continue to expand on their knowledge of ceramic and glaze chemistry while continuing to refine their hand built and wheel thrown techniques. Students will study and research important technical and artistic developments in the history of Ceramics and its uses worldwide as well the work of important contemporary Ceramic artists.

Ceramics 7-8 (H)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 5-6 and/or recommendation of the instructor in Ceramics 7-8.

Students will have the opportunity to pursue and refine their artistic voice using the ceramic medium and the continued study of important historic and contemporary Ceramic artist. It is expected that students will demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency and knowledge. Students will create a body of exhibition quality.