Department of Art - University of Oregon

Ceramics

UO Ceramics

“The true method of knowledge is experiment.”
William Blake

The ceramics area is driven by an investigative synthesis of material, methods, and theories associated with ceramics and contemporary art practices. This is anchored by curriculum, facilities, and personnel that nourish a depth of inquiry, access, and individuation. Sculptors, potters, installation artists, and interdisciplinary innovators work side by side in a nurturing non-hierarchical environment. Rich in investigation, experimentation, and creative avidity, the ceramics area emphasizes technical and formal proficiency, historic and theoretical literacy, and openness to mining parallel practices and the world at large.

The ceramics studio is located on the Northsite - a complex of art studios and classrooms scattered among trees along the Willamette river bike path and the flowering, fruiting patchwork of the Urban Farm. The ceramics area is a thriving community of about 100, serving students at the undergraduate, BFA, and graduate levels. Classes are held in the main studios. BFA students share a space, and graduate students work in shared and private studios. The ceramics area is unique in its focus on community and a shared regard for the individuality of the creative process.

Undergraduate Study

The ceramics area offers a broad-based, technically comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in ceramics. Students begin with fabrication and surface tools, alternative methods, and industrial processes. The intermediate level is an examination of firing theory and glaze calculation, critical approaches to art practice, the history of ceramic art, and contemporary trends and development in the art field at large. Advanced level courses are often built around themes and challenges, drawing on all methodologies to advance the vision of the student.

http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/undergrad

BFA

The BFA program is an immersion year. Candidates are expected to have a strong degree of technical proficiency as well as art and ceramics literacy, the same proficiency as U of O ceramics undergraduates have at degree completion. After being accepted into the program, students use the summer months prior to their start date to develop questions and ideas that serve as the foundation for an intensive year-long investigation broken up into three terms. The fall is dedicated to research, development, and fabrication, the winter term is devoted to processing and fabrication, and the spring focuses on fine-tuning and final exhibition preparation. At the end of each term students meet with area faculty and one invited department faculty member for a progress evaluation. In addition to a final exhibition, students submit an exit package that includes a portfolio, artist statement, resume, and self-evaluation.

Program requirements include 3 terms of advanced firing/firing mentor, 3 Art History courses, 6 credits 409 BFA Terminal Creative Project, a final exhibition, and exit package.

http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/undergrad

Graduate Study

The graduate program takes place within the larger context of the Art Department as well as within the ceramics community. Ceramics grads are encouraged to work with faculty outside the area, and engage in critical inquiry about their work and the work of others. Developing fluency in critical discourse, analysis, and writing are important parts of graduate life.

The MFA in ceramics is a 3-year period of intensive concentration. Emphasis is given to developing a course of study tailored to the needs of the individual student, while encouraging exploration and risk-taking. The context of the University affords a rich environment for investigation and discourse, which encourages thoughtful and reflective art practice.

MFA candidates are required to have the same level of proficiency in ceramic techniques, history, firing theory/practice, and glaze chemistry as U of O BFAs do. The program supports a thorough conversance with the processes and principles that are fundamental to the discipline, as well as an informed awareness of issues and practices within the larger art community. Visual literacy, a willingness to engage in critical discourse, and fervent art practice are expected.

The ceramics studio houses up to 4 MFA candidates in semi-private studio spaces situated around the main shop. MFA candidates configure their spaces according to their needs. Tables, some shelving, and furniture are provided. Wheels and other equipment are furnished by the student as needed. MFA candidates have access to the full assortment of equipment in the ceramics studio, as well as an array of department facilities ranging from wood and metal, to printing and computer aided milling.

Admission is competitive, with one to three vacancies being available in any given year. Notifications are usually sent out by March 15. A list of alternates is kept and notified - students have often been admitted from that list.

http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/grad

Visiting Artist

The Visiting Artist program is supported by the Department of Art and the Robert James Ceramics Endowment. Visiting artists work in a variety of ways and often come as the result of collaborations with other areas. Recent artists include Del Harrow, John Byrd, Paul Mathieu, Marek Cecula, Cynthia Bringle, Paulus Behrensohn, David Shaner, Don Reitz, Mary Barragan, Lana Wilson, Doug Jeck, and Mark Chatterley.

http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/visitingartists

Facilities

The ceramics facility supports a wide range of processes and techniques. It is designed and equipped to afford unfettered access and breadth where no one process takes precedence over another. Having the ability to use technologies that are thousands of years old are as important as those that are still being developed. Safety, technical breadth and effectiveness, and environmental consciousness are the chief principals that govern area equipment and practices.

UO Ceramics

wheels

2 electric Lockerbies
3 kick Lockerbies
3 other kicks
4 Soldners
2 Brents
1 Creative Industry
1 electric treadle
2 treadle wheels

gas kilns

8 cu ft Alpine
8 cu ft Denver
30 cu ft Olsen
6 cu ft Rocket
35 cu ft salt, 60 cu ft

sculpture kiln

1 cu ft test
2 cu ft low salt

electric kilns

4 cu ft Crucible
6 cu ft Olympic
4 cu ft Cress
4 cu ft Skutt octagonal

raku kilns

5 cu ft cable-lift fiber
2.5 cu ft portable trashcan

wood kilns

200 cu ft Anagama

clay-mixing

soldner clay mixer
dough mixe
pug-mill

miscellaneous equipment: Brent slab roller,
extruder, spray booth, bench grinder, cement mixer,
forklift, blunger, tile cutter, welder, ball mill



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This is anchored by curriculum, facilities, and personnel that nourish a depth of inquiry, access, and individuation. Sculptors, potters, installation artists, and interdisciplinary innovators work side by side in a nurturing non-hierarchical environment. Rich in investigation, experimentation, and creative avidity, the ceramics area emphasizes technical and formal proficiency, historic and theoretical literacy, and openness to mining parallel practices and the world at large. The ceramics studio is located on the Northsite - a complex of art studios and classrooms scattered among trees along the Willamette river bike path and the flowering, fruiting patchwork of the Urban Farm. The ceramics area is a thriving community of about 100, serving students at the undergraduate, BFA, and graduate levels. Classes are held in the main studios. BFA students share a space, and graduate students work in shared and private studios. The ceramics area is unique in its focus on community and a shared regard for the individuality of the creative process. Undergraduate Study The ceramics area offers a broad-based, technically comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in ceramics. Students begin with fabrication and surface tools, alternative methods, and industrial processes. The intermediate level is an examination of firing theory and glaze calculation, critical approaches to art practice, the history of ceramic art, and contemporary trends and development in the art field at large. Advanced level courses are often built around themes and challenges, drawing on all methodologies to advance the vision of the student. http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/undergrad BFA The BFA program is an immersion year. Candidates are expected to have a strong degree of technical proficiency as well as art and ceramics literacy, the same proficiency as U of O ceramics undergraduates have at degree completion. After being accepted into the program, students use the summer months prior to their start date to develop questions and ideas that serve as the foundation for an intensive year-long investigation broken up into three terms. The fall is dedicated to research, development, and fabrication, the winter term is devoted to processing and fabrication, and the spring focuses on fine-tuning and final exhibition preparation. At the end of each term students meet with area faculty and one invited department faculty member for a progress evaluation. In addition to a final exhibition, students submit an exit package that includes a portfolio, artist statement, resume, and self-evaluation. Program requirements include 3 terms of advanced firing/firing mentor, 3 Art History courses, 6 credits 409 BFA Terminal Creative Project, a final exhibition, and exit package. http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/undergrad Graduate Study The graduate program takes place within the larger context of the Art Department as well as within the ceramics community. Ceramics grads are encouraged to work with faculty outside the area, and engage in critical inquiry about their work and the work of others. Developing fluency in critical discourse, analysis, and writing are important parts of graduate life. The MFA in ceramics is a 3-year period of intensive concentration. Emphasis is given to developing a course of study tailored to the needs of the individual student, while encouraging exploration and risk-taking. The context of the University affords a rich environment for investigation and discourse, which encourages thoughtful and reflective art practice. MFA candidates are required to have the same level of proficiency in ceramic techniques, history, firing theory/practice, and glaze chemistry as U of O BFAs do. The program supports a thorough conversance with the processes and principles that are fundamental to the discipline, as well as an informed awareness of issues and practices within the larger art community. Visual literacy, a willingness to engage in critical discourse, and fervent art practice are expected. The ceramics studio houses up to 4 MFA candidates in semi-private studio spaces situated around the main shop. MFA candidates configure their spaces according to their needs. Tables, some shelving, and furniture are provided. Wheels and other equipment are furnished by the student as needed. MFA candidates have access to the full assortment of equipment in the ceramics studio, as well as an array of department facilities ranging from wood and metal, to printing and computer aided milling. Admission is competitive, with one to three vacancies being available in any given year. Notifications are usually sent out by March 15. A list of alternates is kept and notified - students have often been admitted from that list. http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/grad Visiting Artist The Visiting Artist program is supported by the Department of Art and the Robert James Ceramics Endowment. Visiting artists work in a variety of ways and often come as the result of collaborations with other areas. Recent artists include Del Harrow, John Byrd, Paul Mathieu, Marek Cecula, Cynthia Bringle, Paulus Behrensohn, David Shaner, Don Reitz, Mary Barragan, Lana Wilson, Doug Jeck, and Mark Chatterley. http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/visitingartists Facilities The ceramics facility supports a wide range of processes and techniques. It is designed and equipped to afford unfettered access and breadth where no one process takes precedence over another. Having the ability to use technologies that are thousands of years old are as important as those that are still being developed. Safety, technical breadth and effectiveness, and environmental consciousness are the chief principals that govern area equipment and practices. wheels 2 electric Lockerbies 3 kick Lockerbies 3 other kicks 4 Soldners 2 Brents 1 Creative Industry 1 electric treadle 2 treadle wheels gas kilns 8 cu ft Alpine 8 cu ft Denver 30 cu ft Olsen 6 cu ft Rocket 35 cu ft salt, 60 cu ft sculpture kiln 1 cu ft test 2 cu ft low salt electric kilns 4 cu ft Crucible 6 cu ft Olympic 4 cu ft Cress 4 cu ft Skutt octagonal raku kilns 5 cu ft cable-lift fiber 2.5 cu ft portable trashcan wood kilns 200 cu ft Anagama clay-mixing soldner clay mixer dough mixe pug-mill miscellaneous equipment: Brent slab roller, extruder, spray booth, bench grinder, cement mixer, forklift, blunger, tile cutter, welder, ball mill