ART06099 2019 Ceramics 2: Extruded Form and Raku Glazing

Throughout this module the student is encouraged to include and extend any processes and techniques already learned from their earlier module. As with all modules at this stage, the students will take their lead from their ongoing body of Fine Art research, which underpins all making enquiry.

Ceramics 2 contains two strands which will help advance the students’ aptitude with Clay.The first aspect is Extruded Form, whereby the student can extend and add to their hand-building clay techniques. Extrusions by their nature and process produce a more ‘machined’ form, providing a suitable contrast to earlier introductory hand-building techniques.Running in tandem to this is the second strand which is Raku, an introduction to a more specialized process in the field of glazing. This process is a low-fired glaze technique which actively engages the student in the post-firing process whereby one can directly manipulate the finished outcome. Historically heralding from the East, the process of Raku helps the student consider a wider cultural focus and to experience a deeper engagement whilst working with clay as a means of expression. The principal aim of this module is to witness greater dexterity in the construction of form, with better colour/surface resolution within their work.                                                                                                                                                                         

As with all modules, underpinning each discipline is the students’ continuous body of research from which the students take their lead informing all creative and technical processes. This body of research is a vitally important aspect, supporting all aspects of the decision making process, as it is continuously referenced throughout the semester. By now the students’ individual beliefs and opinions should be evident, visually articulating their ideas successfully via the medium of clay.

A global survey of 100 of today's most important clay and ceramic artists, chosen by leading art world professionals. Vitamin C celebrates the revival of clay as a material for contemporary visual artists, featuring a wide range of global talent as selected by the world's leading curators, critics, and art professionals. Clay and ceramics have in recent years been elevated from craft to high art material, with the resulting artworks being coveted by collectors and exhibited in museums around the world. Packed with illustrations, Vitamin C is a vibrant and incredibly timely survey - the first of its kind. Artists include: Caroline Achaintre, Ai Weiwei, Aaron Angell, Edmund de Waal, Theaster Gates, Marisa Merz, Ron Nagle, Gabriel Orozco, Grayson Perry, Sterling Ruby, Thomas Schtte, Richard Slee, Clare Twomey, Jesse Wine, and Betty Woodman. Nominators include: Pablo Leon de la Barra, Iwona Blazwick, Mary Ceruti, Dan Fox, Jens Hoffmann, Christine Macel, James Meyer, Jed Morse, Beatrix Ruf, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Nancy Spector, Sheena Wagstaff, and Jonathan Watkins.

This is an overview of the contemporary scene in ceramics, looking at the various areas which are rapidly expanding in exciting new ways.

Once upon a time pottery schools saw an increase in enrolments whenever the film Ghost aired on television. Today it is all year round. Not since the 1970s has there been this level of interest and appreciation for pottery and ceramics. The return to the handmade has been driven by our increasingly digital lives and there are now more makers, sellers and collectors than ever. There is also a new desire for unique objects made by hand and the imperfections associated with the marks of the maker. Pottery is the vehicle that most aptly captures this authenticity. From decorative pieces to the primarily functional to sculptural works pushing the boundaries of the medium, Clay surveys the richly creative output of over 50 studio potters from around the world. It is a celebration of a new generation of artisans working in clay, a snapshot not necessarily of what is happening at elite gallery level, but rather a behind-the-scenes look at the unique and eclectic offerings from small studios around the world.

A diverse range of essays, new discoveries and book reviews on the latest research of interest to ceramics scholars

ART_CERAMICS

This ground-breaking book looks at the use of ceramic art as a confrontational tool, where artist's work comments on social issues. It is essentially a massive overview of the ceramic scene from this perspective, showcasing typical pieces of work by ceramic artists alongside their statements explaining their approach. Essentially an art book, this is very much about how work is used to confront people with the truth and comment on social issues, and is divided up into relevant chapters: War and Politics, the Environment, Social and Human Condition, Gender Issues and Popular Culture. Artists include very well known established makers such as Grayson Perry, Robert Arneson, Richard Notkin, Howard Kottler etc. as well as introducing lesser known artists. This glamorous and cutting-edge book displays the work of 234 artists from 30 different countries, making it truly international.

An introduction to the extrusion techniques used in making pottery.

Ceramics, Art and Perception (online copy).

Ceramics International (online copy).

Ceramics Ireland.

Ceramics Review.

Ceramics Technical (online copy).

Visual Artists Ireland Newsletter.

www.pulsceramics.com

www.cpaceramics.com

www.ceramics.org.uk

www.fifav.fr

www.micice.es

www.kitsa.org

www.parcoursceramiquecarougeois.ch

www.triennale-spiez.ch

DVD's on the lives and works of relevant Artists.

Students are encouraged to seek Workplacement / Internships/ Scholarships or any work experience in the visual arts. This 'real life' engagement provides an invaluable context for their ongoing learning.