Courses

This studio art class focuses on the continually evolving cultural significance of ceramic objects, ranging from historical artifacts, to limited production artworks, to mass produced commercial items. Course content explores the ways that various cultural influences, production methods and marketing strategies affect the way we perceive the value and meaning of the things around us. Students will use information from readings and discussions to consider issues such as originality, authorship, production, consumption, and recontextualization. Additionally, students will lead an in-class demonstration on a material or technique they have mastered and generate a written artist statement that outlines their conceptual and technical approach to their research. Demonstrations will include mold making, slip casting, ceramic decals, repetition in service of refinement, and wheel and handbuilding techniques. Students will advance their personal art practice by identifying relevant questions, exploring methods of inquiry, engaging audiences, refining concepts and techniques, and applying critical thinking to individual and group work. Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics and any 200-level studio art course or consent of instructor.