Look at what our students are doing!
AE 303a Ceramics I
"In AE 303a students explored the basic ceramic forming techniques used in both hand building and wheel work through hands-on practice, group critique and visual research in their sketchbook", explains ceramic instructor Caren Willms.
"For inspiration students explored aspects of seed pod forms in nature using the pinched pot technique, sketches and research from actual seed pods, and nature walks for inspiration. Students also created a slab box/ container form based on a children's story or parable. Special attention was paid to the connection of the lid to the box form and story.
Students work out multiple ideas and problem solve technical aspects of design through in-depth visual research, small clay renditions of their ideas as well as glaze testing. Through their research students combine new technical and design knowledge with their interests from both outside the university and in some cases collaborating interest and knowledge from their current course of study in other departments on campus.
At first, students most often describe the rigour and time commitment required for this ceramics studio course as a challenge. One of my favourite times of the term is towards the end of term when the skills and the ideas have a chance to develop and come together. Students see the evolution of their studio practice and the new "mental muscles" they've developed. Each term I witness smiles and moments of pride as new works come out of the kilns that reveal the evidence of all their hard work and successes of the term. This group of students has formed a friendly sense of community and willingness to take risks, try new techniques."
Interested in taking an Art Education course as an elective? Explore Art Education courses in the UVic Calendar.