Ceramics

Statement    Degree/Courses    Student Works

The Ceramics Department at SHSU prioritizes interdisciplinarity and places a strong emphasis on contemporary issues in the art world in relationship to clay as a sculptural medium. Limitations are not placed on the concepts, materials and processes used within traditional definitions or assumptions about the nature of ceramics, rather students are encouraged to actively reflect the increasingly open and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary practice in art. Through in class lectures, assigned projects, readings and individual and collaborative creative research students will explore how ceramic materials and processes are used in the creation of art works to construct content and meaning.

In beginning level courses students are introduced to the fundamental techniques used to form clay; pinching, slab construction and coil building and the fundamental methods of concept development.  Students are introduced to low temperature surface treatments, non-fired surface treatments and kiln firing methods.  Students become familiar with artists in history and as well as contemporary artists who use clay as a sculptural form of expression and start to understand where they fit into this continuum.

Advanced courses continue to build a vocabulary of technical skills with an emphasis on individual creative research and concept development. Students are introduced to mold making and slip casting as tools for creative expression and continue to build on their knowledge of surface treatments and firing methods. The composition of each course is designed to help students articulate themselves within the rapidly transforming and expanding field of contemporary art practice.