This course provides development of individual projects in handbuilt ceramics focusing on personal aesthetics through the understanding of professional procedure in ceramic art. Emphasis will be on the demonstration of two techniques–combined with but not limited to slab construction, extruder, pinch, and coil construction–to reflect a personal expression in clay sculpture. Introduction to non-traditional glazing techniques for sculpture. Explore the possibilities of various firing processes. Prerequisites: ART V50B. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.

This course is an introduction to the development of ceramic handbuilt forms with extensive clay constructive techniques, excluding the potter’s wheel. The course includes experimentation with basic techniques and decoration related to historical and contemporary ceramics aesthetic and culture survey. Evaluation and critique of historical examples of ceramics from various cultures, historical periods, and aesthetic sensibilities will be discussed during the lab and lecture hours. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.

This foundation course explores materials, concepts, techniques, and processes in ceramics, including basic design principles, creative development, hand-building, throwing, glaze techniques, firing, and ceramic terminology. Emphasis is placed on personal exploration within the context of historical and contemporary developments across cultures. Evaluation and critique of aesthetics and the creative development of clay objects, including historical examples of ceramics from various cultures, historical periods, and aesthetic sensibilities will be discussed during the lab and lecture hours. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of making, decorating, and firing. Field trips may be required. Formerly: ART 51A. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.