Work from Ceramics 1, 2, and 3
Faculty: Janet Neuwalder and Patty Keller
The virtual nature of teaching ceramics on Zoom posed many challenges for both students and faculty this academic year. Something is lost when communicating and demonstrating the expressive possibilities of clay on screen and to the OWL camera. The 3-D, tactile, and responsive to nature of clay usually is something experienced personally and shared as a group, through touch and sight, in the class room. This promotes direct learning-knowing and builds community. Students learn to "listen" to the clay, observing how hands, tools, and subtelty of touch and pressure transform the clay. The in-between stages of this living material are awkward, messy, undefined and difficult to witness. It is hard not to judge the work prematurely and remain present and hopeful. There is no "undo" button. Eventually, with a little patience, an open mind, dialogue with the clay, classmates and the instructor, students find their way and complete pieces.
The process: forming, drying, bisque firing- 1828 F, glaze firing 2180 F
Clay is plastic, maleable and durable while it is ,"alive" and very fragile and brittle when it dries. The projects are packed with care and practically swaddled like a newborn and travel to CLU for firing and glazing. Some pieces chip or break. Plan B and C are explored to salvage what is left and some pieces are simply slaked and recycled into new clay. Students learn to "trust in the process" and value a learning experience, and hope for a piece that pleases and satisfies.