CERAMICS

Like architecture, ceramics is an interpretive form of art, which uses clay as a medium instead of steel and concrete. This course revolved around hand-built ceramics. Using basic hand-building techniques like coil and slab building and the pinch pot method, I was able to produce a variety of usable clay vessels and gain an appreciation for ceramic artists who forgo using potters-wheels and molds. In addition to learning about the techniques of forming clay, I became familiarized with several decoration techniques including sgraffito, burnishing, glazing, and slips. During the semester, I was exposed to a variety of firing methods including bisque, outdoor saggar, and outdoor wood firing.  I was also exposed to traditional and contemporary ceramics and a variety of ceramic artists. With my projects, I placed an importance on interpretation of the assignment and paying attention to form, content, and technique. I never created something just to create it; I had to conceptualize it.  Through my projects, I tried to exploit the notion of hand-built ceramics.  I wanted my projects to look imperfect, different and unique. Some of the projects I completed included an ancient form/contemporary content coil pot. A soft slab tea set, an outdoor-site specific installation piece, a multiples project, and an array of bowls and mugs.