Studio Art

Students Michelle Handlin, 07’, Larissa Davisson, ’06, and Andrew Wyman, ’06, in the glazing area of the UMM Ceramics Studio.

Ceramics

The UMM Ceramics Studio offers rigorous instruction in both low-fire and high-fire ceramic techniques, with an emphasis on functional pottery that simultaneously respects tradition and asserts its relevance in the twenty-first century. Safe ways to use ceramic materials is a high teaching priority. Beginning coursework stresses proficiency in all basic handbuilding and throwing techniques, along with a working knowledge of clay types and clay bodies, basic glaze chemistry, and kiln design and firing theory.

Students in advanced courses are expected to work toward higher standards of technique and personal aesthetic expression. The focus in advanced coursework varies each semester, and includes topics such as dinnerware, cylinder-based pots, non-glaze decorative techniques, and tilemaking. Students typically work with high-fire stoneware or porcelain, although earthenware clay and glazes are available if it fits the focus of the class. Students are encouraged to process and/or reuse recycled or locally gathered materials (clay, fuel, glaze and kilnbuilding material, etc.) whenever possible. For all ceramics students, a familiarity with and understanding of art history in general, and ceramic art history in particular, is strongly recommended.

The UMM Ceramics Studio features:
Ample workspace with canvas-covered tables and dampbox, glazing table, and shelving
for greenware, bisqueware, and glazeware
Numerous cone 10 slips and glazes, including ash glazes and local slip glazes
A variety of press and hump molds made from plaster or bisqueware
Brent slabroller and wall-mounted extruder
Glaze spraybooth
7 potter’s wheels, including both kick and electric wheels by Lockerbie, Brent, and Creative Industries
10 cubic foot Skutt electric kiln
24 cubic foot updraft Alpine gas-fired kiln
An  outdoor firing area features a 75 cubic foot single-chamber woodkiln (fired annually or biannually), along with facilities for alternative firing methods, such as sawdust firing

Ceramics can be selected to fulfill either your major or minor media requirements in
the major. Students need to request permission for this option from the Studio Art Coordinator before starting their junior year. See major requirements for more details.

Nic Buer, ‘06
Thrown Bottle
8” H x 4” W
Stoneware with Shino Glaze and Iron Oxide

Emily Lyman, ‘06
Tessellated Tile Table
48” W x 24” D x 36” H
Stained Earthenware Tiles, Grout, Aspen

Jeremy Lindorff-Trnka, ‘07
Large Lidded Jar
19” H x 8” W
Coiled and Slab-built Stoneware with Slip, Woodfired