Ceramics Studio
Katie Renkie '08 and Maria Quintana '09
Ceramics is an ancient craft with origins that coincide with the development of agriculture during the Neolithic era (c. 6000 – 3500 BC). Clay is also an extremely versatile medium used by contemporary sculptors and potters to produce some of the most interesting and important artwork of our own time. It is hard to imagine any kind of image that has not been made from clay.
Work in this course is centered around direct forming processes with emphasis on handbuilding techniques and an introduction to work on the potter's wheel. Uses of slips, glazes, and other methods of surface enrichment are explored. And students begin to learn to fire the various kilns in the studio.
Slide presentations and outside reading help students to develop an awareness of things that have been done with clay – from ancient times to the present. And when possible, the class will venture out or invite guest artists to come to Alma in order to see work in clay being done by other artists.
4 Credits. AH – 1. Taught in Winter Term.