This course is concurrent with Production Techniques in Clay. Students learn how to design a project with a specific technique in mind. Issues of time and material costing as well as practicality, marketing and their effect on the design process are explored. Glaze Formulation II Students further explore the relationship between glaze, form and fire. Special glaze effects and colorants are explored through series of tests such as tri-axial blends.
Students develop their own glaze testing methodology while pursuing their own glaze pallet.
Advanced students may pursue specific firing methods and temperature ranges of their choice. Within the final semester of the ceramics program each student will develop and undertake a mature, independent exploration of personal works in clay. A contract of study including a proposed area of exploration, such as tile design and production, soda fired pottery, slip casting, etc. is agreed upon by student and faculty. The student produces a time-line including methodology for production as well as testing of clays, glazes and firing. Students document all work completed and present works in progress through a minimum of two in studio peer reviews, in addition to mid-term and final reviews.