Introduces creative clay work, starting with foundational hand-building
techniques and advancing to the potter’s wheel, concluding with an independent
project using these skills. Covers glazing and firing methods and introduces
basic clay and glaze chemistry, bringing real-life technical context to the development of
aesthetic sensitivity. Recommended for the general student interested in
exploring new skills or hobbies, child care, nursing and art students.
This course is designed to help you cultivate skills in ceramics, as a life skill and tool for
experiencing the world.
This course is also an exercise in time management and attention to detail- both important skills in any field. To be successful in this class you will need to be in class to work and keep track of processes, such as finishing, drying, and trimming, outside of class. Projects within ceramics, including basic hand-building and wheel throwing, as well as studio skills such as mixing clay and observing kiln firings, will give you access to the skills and practices necessary to master ceramics. You will gain experience with the skills and needed craftsmanship to: a) have a successful ceramics experience, and: b) use clay as an expressive art form. We will hone these skills with hands-on studio work, aesthetic and theoretic conversation, and written essays. We will focus on the creative, functional, and life-enriching aspects of clay, and assorted technical information.