The objective of this class is to help students learn the breadth of handbuilding techniques in the ceramic arts that have given rise to a vast history of ideas observed using hollow forms.

Unlike traditional sculptural techniques used in wood, stone and metal, ceramic forms have depended on the interior space, the void, to define both symbolic meaning and formal structure. This class will help students gain confidence in their capacity to build what they see in their mind’s eye. Projects will be conceptually geared around issues surrounding vessels, figures and abstract sculpture and will require personal investigation and resolution. Students will be involved in the development of presentations covering these issues from various historical perspectives. Students will be expected to participate in all aspects of the ceramic process that include, but are not limited to mixing their own clay, slip and glaze preparation, and the loading and firing of kilns. Some tools and books will be required to be purchased for this course.