What is clay? How are pots or clay objects made? What is a glaze? What is a firing? What is a good pot? These questions are investigated, discussed and answered for students who pursue an emphasis in ceramics.
Demonstrations, short lectures, slides, videos, and assigned readings and writings help introduce each project. Student inquiries are informed by the history and traditions of ceramics as well as research into contemporary trends and discussions about aesthetics. Students process their clay, create sculptural as well as wheel thrown forms and glaze their work, while exploring a variety of possibilities for firing their pieces in low and high fire kilns.