Students explore these techniques through projects such as vessels forming, tile making and small-scale sculpture. Students are responsible for firing their own work and explore a low fire pallet, including pit, sagger, raku and oxidation firing. Clay Formulation Students enter into this course by first developing an empirical understanding of various clays and their physical characteristics, from the raw to fired state. The roles of different clay types in various clay bodies are explored through a series of tests, which explore shrinkage, density, porosity and thermal characteristics. Design for Clay Designs found in contemporary and historical clay objects are examined and students are challenged to introduce these design concepts into their work.
Emphasis is given to the relationship between form and surface treatment.
Concepts are explored and applied through projects in Handbuilding in Clay and reviewed through class discussions and critiques. Throwing This is an intensive course that focuses on the development of a strong understanding of the basics of wheel throwing. Upon this foundation students will further develop their throwing skills to gain a full understanding of cylindrical, spherical and open forms. Students work in mid-fire stoneware clay producing bowls, cups, jars, teapots, etc. Students fire their own work in both electric and gas kilns and may explore oxidation, reduction and soda firing.