Ceramic Arts (CERA)

This course explores a variety of ceramic processes, from hand buildings to basic use of the wheel. Focus of the course is on students’ ability to build technical skill and on aesthetic approaches to using ceramic materials.

This course is designed to present wheel throwing with a focus on vessel design. Students learn to make basic utilitarian, functional and sculptural vessels and use the wheel as a means of expression with clay.

This course is an exploration of the diversity of clay as an industrial material. Moldmaking and slip casting techniques are covered for the making of functional and nonfunctional ceramic objects. Historic, contemporary and industrial references are used to further the understanding of these techniques.

This course is an exploration of functional forms and surface design pertaining to ceramic tableware. Historical references are studied to further develop the production of functional tableware. Students apply casting and jiggering techniques to create forms; surface decoration techniques include under-glaze/over-glaze, luster, China paint and decal applications.

Through a variety of studio assignments and in-class exercises, this course covers how commercial ceramics surface designs are created, applied and used on mass produced utilitarian and sculptural objects. The ability to use decorating processes such as decals, wax resist, templates, silk screening and stenciling creates an understanding of common ceramics industry practices. Students build a range of technical skills and explore aesthetic approaches to ceramics surface design.

This course explores the diverse properties of clay as an architectural material. A broad range of techniques, processes and design principles are covered for the making and installation of architectural ceramics, including bricks and tiles for murals. Historical and contemporary issues related to ceramic usage in architectural contexts are addressed.

Students advance their wheel-throwing skills and techniques and investigate design concepts and surface treatments for functional and nonfunctional forms relative to contemporary wheel-throwing design issues as well as clay and glaze formulations.

This course allows students to further explore the diversity of clay as an industrial material. Moldmaking and slip casting techniques are covered at the intermediate level for both functional and nonfunctional ceramics production. Students study historical and contemporary applications, techniques and design issues involved in industrial ceramics production.

This course is designed to provide in-depth concentration on functional and nonfunctional ceramics projects. Historical and contemporary issues in ceramics are covered through lectures, slide presentations and critiques, and students are introduced to a wide variety of clay and glaze formulas. Formal and informal demonstrations are provided with each assignment. Students experiment with concepts and approaches to become familiar with kiln firing. Preliminary drawings, both small- and full-scale, are required.

After exploring the boundaries of clay at the intermediate levels, students in this course focus on developing a portfolio-quality body of ceramic work through diverse technical and aesthetic approaches. Additionally, students learn about the science of clay and glaze formulation explored through projects, in-class exercises and lab work.

Designed to explore the diverse properties of clay as an architectural material, this course presents a broad range of techniques, processes and design principles relating to the making and installation of architectural ceramics, including bricks and tiles for murals. Clay and glaze applications and formulations are covered. Historical and contemporary issues related to ceramic usage in architectural contexts are also addressed.

Designed for students who have limited ceramics experience, this course integrates a variety of ceramics processes, including hand building, moldmaking and use of the potters' wheel. Students become adept at applying a variety of techniques for clay forming and surface decoration. Historical and contemporary aesthetic issues in ceramic arts are also covered through lectures, presentations and critiques.