Ceramic Art

This course offers a preliminary approach to ceramics for students not enrolled in the BFA program. Students are introduced to fundamental methods of making, decorating, and firing. Additional work outside of class required.

This course covers an extensive range of hand built construction processes. Fundamental concepts in ceramics such as timing; gravity and weight are explored in assignments. Students are introduced to historic and contemporary models to understand the possibilities offered by ceramic materials and tools. Processes such as glaze mixing and kiln firing are explored. High level performance in this course, as determined by the faculty, is required to advance into junior ceramic courses.

This course focuses on understanding mold-making processes and the development of castable forms. Students use clay, plaster, wood, Masonite, and paper as source materials for mold fabrication.

In this course, the potter's wheel is used as the forming process for making vessels expressive of the visual, tactile, and intellectual possibilities available through the medium. Provided is a direct experience with process and materials that teach necessary skills and techniques to enable students to correlate the hand and eye with the mind. The objective of the course is to develop excellence in ceramic process and concept, along with competence in material and equipment. Historical and contemporary references are also explored High level performance in this course, as determined by the faculty, is required to advance into junior ceramic courses.

This fall semester course emphasizes the rigorous development of conceptual skills with the goal of developing an individual approach to a full integration of ideas, material and process. Students are encouraged to experiment with different strategies including installation work, mixed-media projects, and a variety of traditional ceramic techniques. Construction and firing techniques are explored as well.

This spring semester course continues to emphasize the rigorous development of conceptual skills with the goal of developing an individual approach to a full integration of ideas, material and process. Students are encouraged to experiment with different strategies including installation work, mixed-media projects, and a variety of traditional ceramic techniques. Students are expected to generate more independent research and develop proficiency firing kilns. Completion of ART 301 not required to take this course.

Ceramic tile is a potent form of artistic inquiry that offers students an alternative approach to clay not covered in traditional pottery or sculpture courses. The course challenges assumptions about tile, presenting ideas of space, shape modulation, movement, repetition, density, image, color and texture. Students will address problems involved in planning, fabricating, and installing large projects.

This course introduces a range of approach to the body and figuration with clay and ceramic technologies. Students will explore sculptural methods based in observation; engage anatomical studies of skeletal and muscular systems through models and drawing; animating gesture in space with material; installation and collaboration. Students are encouraged to pursue topics and research pertinent to them and their understanding of their own bodies, identities and positions in culture.

Through an exploration of pottery form, this fall semester course addresses artistic inquiry, studio practice, and the genre of functional ceramics. Issues relative to ceramic history, contemporary material culture, and craft theory are part of the dialogue. Primarily wheel based, these classes may also include casting and hand building systems. An ART 203 instructor recommendation and ART 305 instructor permission are required.

Through an exploration of pottery form, this spring semester course continues to address artistic inquiry, studio practice, and the genre of functional ceramics. Issues relative to ceramic history, contemporary material culture, and craft theory are part of the dialogue. Primarily wheel based, these classes may also include casting and hand building systems. Students are expected to generate more independent research and develop proficiency firing kilns. An ART 203 or ART 305 instructor recommendation and ART 306 instructor permission are required. Completion of ART 305 not required.

The production process is a central determining factor in the identity of any object. Use, feel, size, density, form, texture and color are all directly influenced by the process' characteristics. In this course we modify, adapt and combine methods of production as a way of defining and influencing the object made. The use of molds and creating series of work are central to the course. Both sculptural and utilitarian modes of thinking are welcome.

This course introduces plaster mold-making and slip-casting as generative processes for form-finding, structuring and making. Students will gain firsthand experience at each stage of the process, beginning with the creation of original models and moving through both foundational and advanced methods of mold-making to develop ceramic casts. Alongside building practical knowledge on the materials and techniques involved, the course addresses how the process can apply to contexts such as design production, studio pottery, and sculptural practices. Students will also broadly engage with mold-making and casting itself as a field of conceptual and methodological exploration.

The mold forming process is a methodology employed in ceramics to investigate the definitions, concepts, and applications of a system. A sculptural and/or utilitarian approach will be determined by the instructor.

In this course we address perceptions of the vessel and its potential as a utilitarian, sculptural and/or conceptual object. Historical and contemporary contexts constitute premise for inquiry.

This summer course offers 4-weeks of comprehensive ceramic art experience. Students can enroll in the 4-week open studio intensive or two consecutive 2-week sessions. Students work independently with faculty oversight and guidance from Graduate Teaching Assistants. Individual work space is provided with wheels, tables and other basic equipment. Personal Development is emphasized. (This course may be taken twice for credit.)

This course covers the fundamentals of body and glaze development focusing on ceramic raw materials and their role in forming and firing for functional ware and sculpture bodies. Glaze formulations are also discussed, including glaze chemistry, texture, and causes of common defects.

Student generated projects in clay and glaze research. This is a discussion driven course with emphasis on developing a process of inquiry and the presentation of results.

This course will introduce CAD software and related applications for design and fabrication in multiple materials. Fluidity between digital technologies and existing studio techniques will be stressed. This elective course can benefit students at all levels.

This course compliments ART 387-Intro to 3D modeling and Rapid Prototyping, allowing the student to acquire a practical application for 3D modeling through use of CAD (SolidWorks, Rhino), CAM (Delcam for SolidWorks, RhinoCam and Mastercam), and reverse engineering software (Rapidworks, Scanstudio). Students learn technical competency in contemporary technology for 3D fabrication. May be repeated one time for credit up to a total of 4 credit hours.

Project or media based independent study with a faculty member in the ceramic art division. This course can only be used for elective credit; it does not replace sophomore, junior or senior studio requirements. Approved Plan of Study required.

The focus of this lab/lecture course is the operation, maintenance and design of ceramic art based kilns. Discourses include: kiln theory, combustion, fuels, refractory materials, basic electrical theory and construction. Students design their own kiln using blueprints, calculations for heat input and a material source list.