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Course: Ceramics
Most arts are purely decorative, but ceramic pieces have long been a useful part of everyday life -- earthenware bowls, vases, and cups date back to the Stone Age. Studying ceramics in college is one way of continuing in this long tradition.
As a ceramic artist, you’ll work in both two and three dimensions. You’ll use a wide range of techniques to shape clay into free-standing objects and you’ll work on their surfaces with paints and glazes.
Ceramics majors learn how to produce art from clay and related materials. They learn hand-built and wheel-thrown ceramics; experiment with molding, glazing, and trimming techniques; master kiln operation; and develop their own artistic style.
Did You Know?
The Egyptians were the earliest known users of the potter’s wheel.
Are You Ready To...?
- Add clay to your wardrobe
- Study hard in non-art courses
- Complete a senior project
- Find or pay for art supplies
- Share equipment and studio time with others
- Work independently
- Share helpful comments on the work of fellow majors
- Listen to and learn from criticism of your work
It Helps To Be...
A clay fanatic with an eye for the practical as well as the artistic. If you loved making mud pies, you’ll love ceramics.
College Checklist
- Do you need to prepare a portfolio to be accepted into the school or the major?
- Is ceramics a separate major or is it a concentration within the art major?
- Are the professors successful artists?
- Is there enough studio space and equipment for students to get their work done?
- What hours are studios open?
- What non-art course requirements will you have to fulfill?
- Are art galleries and museums on or near campus?
Did You Know?
For their part in keeping an ancient art alive, some Japanese ceramic artists are named Living National Treasures.
Course Spotlight
In a class on materials, you’ll pick up the practical knowledge you need to create your own ceramic art. You’ll learn how to prepare different types of clay for different purposes. You’ll discover the importance of testing materials and learn the right way to do it. You’ll also learn the proper operating procedures for both gas and electric kilns. And you’ll learn how to work with and color different ceramic surfaces.