Ceramics
Curriculum Guide
- 2019-20 Ceramics Checksheet; Sample 4-Year Plan
- Course Descriptions
- For curriculum guides previous to 2019-20, please email your academic advisor or visit the main art office.
Faculty
- Jessika Edgar MFA, Cranbrook, Assistant Professor and Area Coordinaror in Ceramics
Program description:
Advocates a diversity of technical and aesthetic approaches within the context of contemporary ceramics. The program and course of instruction emphasizes craftsmanship, a strong work ethic, artistic research and critical thinking. Graduate students are directed toward a vibrant exploration of individualism, studio involvement and are encouraged to explore both historical and contemporary ideas in all media.
What will I study?
- To train students to express themselves in clay media with emphasis on three-dimensional forms.
- To be able to conceptualize ideas and emotions and translate these into finished objects.
- To approach clay media as traditional art form as well as a vehicle for contemporary artistic expression.
- To acquire skills necessary for the effective use of basic tools and techniques.
- To understand and manipulate clays, glazes, and firing techniques.
- To develop knowledge of the history of the clay medium and its importance in the history of art.
- To become familiar with the fundamentals of professional studio management and business approaches and issues.
- To be aware of essential skills and attitudes necessary for admission to graduate programs in clay ceramics, including portfolio and resume development techniques.
What makes this program unique?
- Main Studio – (1500 sq. ft.)
- Foundation and Introductory Courses
- 12 electric potters wheels
- Brent slab roller
- Bailey extruder
- Glaze Area – (250 sq. ft.)M
- Paache walk-in spray booth
- Alpine formulating tables
- Clay Mixing Area – (150 sq. ft.)
- Soldner Pro. Mixer
- Dough Mixer
- Kiln Room – (300 sq. ft.)
- 3 – 7 cu.ft. Evenheat kilns
- 1 – 14 cu.ft. Evenheat oval kiln
- 1 – 3 cu.ft. test kiln
- 1 – 24 cu.ft. Bailey front loading electric kiln
- Adjunct Studio – (1400 sq. ft.)
- Semi-private individual studios for ceramics majors and graduate students.
- Randall, Bailey and Soldner potters wheels.
- Various work tables and storage areas.
- Window Gallery
- Foundry Annex Studio – (1500 sq. ft.)
- Serving graduate students and undergraduate majors utilizing gas reduction and Raku firing processes.
- 3 potters wheels
- Various work tables
- Glazing area
- 50 cu.ft. Gas reduction kiln
- Several Raku kilns and pit firing area
What can you do with a degree in Ceramics?
Ceramics majors working in related professions include: Instructor, Potter, Ceramic Studio Technician, Glazing Specialist, Tiles, Production Manager, Slip Caster, Mold Maker, Firing Manager, Ceramic Engineer, Studio Associate. For more careers in this field, speak to your academic advisor or the Ceramics area coordinator.