Ceramics

Coursework in the Ceramics Department exposes students to a wide variety of interests and practices, including experience in wheel throwing and hand-building techniques, and industrial processes such as slip casting and decal making, large-scale construction, and contemporary practices.  Students pursuing the emphasis enjoy exposure to the raw materials for clay formulation, glaze mixing, and kiln firing processes occur in all temperature ranges using both electric and natural gas kilns.  To help students place their work within the field of contemporary ceramics, projects explore historical and contemporary ceramic concerns through the study of museum collections, online media, and texts.  Students completing the program possess an understanding of the ceramics discipline, the development of a personal style and voice, and are confident in the presentation of their finished work.  

Outcomes:

Ceramics students will:

• Know and use basic tools, techniques, ceramics equipment, and processes sufficient to produce work from concept to finished object.
• Know basic technical procedures in the preparation of clay bodies, glazes, and the use of ceramics raw materials.
• Know basic industrial ceramics applications such as mold making and decal printing. 
• Understand the place of ceramics within the history of art, design, and culture.
• Know electric and gas kiln firing procedures including loading, firing, and unloading. 
• Experimental firing methods such as salt glaze, raku, and pit firing are demonstrated.

 All emphases provide the following outcomes:

• Understand basic design principles, particularly as related to their chosen emphasis.
• Understand the place in which the emphasis exists within the history of art, design, and culture.
• The ability to use materials, equipment, and library resources related to their study.
• The ability to work competently within the studio environment, with knowledge of practices to ensure their safety.
• The ability to demonstrate functional knowledge of basic business practices specific to their chosen emphasis.
• Completion of a final project that demonstrates facility in the emphasis

STUDENT WORKS

CERAMICS FACULTY

Ryan Takaba - Department Chair and Professor
Ryan holds an MFA in ceramics from Kent State University and a BFA from the University of Hawaii. He has taught at Kent State University, The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and Northwest Vista College.  Ryan's residencies include the European Ceramic Work Centre in the Netherlands and The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China. 

Blake Kennedy - Technician
Blake holds a BFA in ceramics and sculpture from Appalachian State University. Recent exhibitions include Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, OH; The Blowing Rock Museum of Art and History, Blowing Rock, NC; Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport, TX; and the Butler Art Center, Butler, PA. In addition to an active studio practice, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their four dogs, two cats, and five chickens.