Ceramics

BFA Ceramics

The ceramics facilities provide EKU students with opportunities to explore various ways of working with clay. The offerings open with a core course in basic hand building techniques.

Subsequent courses, for BFA candidates in Ceramics and other advanced students, progress through throwing techniques and glaze formulations, surface applications and decoration, problems relating to large scale work, and experimental techniques and/or research in glazing and firing. After three courses in the sequence, students enter the advanced section of the curriculum, where they are allowed to work more independently and one-on-one with the instructor. Specialized courses, for example in kiln design and construction, are also occasionally offered to advanced students.

In the large ceramics studio there is ample space for instruction, both wheel and hand throwing, and rack storage of student work. Equipment here includes 10-12 electric potter's wheels, three slab rollers, and two clay extruders. Clay and glazes are stored and mixed mechanically in rooms immediately adjacent to the studio. Also connected to the main ceramics studio is the area chair's private work space, a generous work space for BFA candidates, and a drying/kiln room with six electric kilns (ranging in capacity from one to twenty cubic feet), and two large alpine gas kilns. In an outdoor firing facility accessible through the sculpture area, there are hand built kilns for primitive firings and other smoke-related techniques, a gas-fired salt kiln, a raku kiln, and additional space for experimental kiln building.

As part of the Art Department at Eastern, the Ceramics program emphasizes the importance of the study of clay as a medium of artistic expression as well as craft. Attention is paid to its rich history, as well as to the means by which artists can draw from that experience to find personal expression in their chosen area. Ceramics students should be challenged by a range of past and present techniques and theories, as they determine how best to define their own positions within the contemporary landscape of ideas. To these ends, the Ceramics program is committed to bringing in visiting artists and adjunct faculty on a regular basis, for as little as a few days or for as much as a term, to work with students on a firsthand basis. Guest artists thus far have included practitioners and educators with national reputations, reflecting a variety of ideologies and techniques.

The overall objective is to provide each student with a strong undergraduate foundation in claywork that will allow them several options upon graduation: admission to graduate school, establishment of a private studio, work in a public art center, or teaching.

Courses and Descriptions

ART 270 - Ceramics I
Formerly ART 202. Introductory experiences with ceramic handbuilding and decorating techniques and materials. Emphasis placed upon the application of clay to design problems involving aesthetic value and procedure in the making of cermaic objects.

ART 371 - Ceramics II
Introduction into the wheel forming process with clay. Basic formulation of clay and glazes.

ART 372 - Ceramics III
An exploration into the fundamental structural problems of sculptural ceramic forms. Research into various decorating techniques utilizing clay and glaze.

ART 376 - Ceramics for Non-Majors
Closed to Art majors. An introduction to the craft and art of Ceramics for non-art majors, providing fundamental experiences with materials, handbuilding, decorating techniques, and firing directed toward both aesthetic and functional problem-solving in the making of ceramic objects. Credit earned may eventually be applied to a major in Art with approval of the Department.

ART 472 - Ceramics IV
Formerly ART 459. An exploration into an independent and personal way of working with clay. Various kiln building and firing techniques will be explored.

ART 473 - Ceramics V
Formerly ART 469. Continued independent work in clay as defined and directed through individual projects.

ART 474 - BFA Ceramics
Formerly ART 470. Final exit course in BFA ceramics area with emphasis on professional development. Course includes preparation for senior show, writing of senior thesis, and portfolio assembly.

ART 870 - Ceramics
Formerly ART 829. Prerequisite: Six hours of work in ceramics or consent of instructor.

Samples of Work