Ceramics At CIA we build on the age-old medium of ceramic art by teaching both the science and the art of its two major traditions: works of sculpture and works of utility. We expose students to the rich history of the medium while exploring clay’s contemporary potential as a vehicle for the expression of ideas.
As a student in CIA’s Ceramics major you will create in nearly every aspect of ceramic work. Your coursework will include handbuilding and work on the pottery wheel, glaze making, glazing techniques, and loading and firing gas and electric kilns. Explore ceramic materials in two and three dimensions through the use of mold work and multiples in sculpture, studio pottery, and ceramic design. Expand your creativity as you develop fabrication techniques including press molding, drain casting, solid casting, casting body formulation, slip preparation and use, glazing, and surfacing. Our Ceramics faculty run an interactive open studio environment that encourages collaboration and communication between students, peers, and instructors. You’ll share responsibilities for firing, glaze making, and studio upkeep. Once you join us, you’ll also participate in group reviews and learn of exhibition opportunities and how to collaborate with your fellow students.
48 cia.edu/admissions
Core Studio courses in this major present you with an opportunity to work closely with faculty in Glass, Jewelry + Metals, and Enamel. These crossdisciplinary courses offer an environment of diverse skill building, experimentation, and discovery. You’ll work in a completely renovated, sky-lit ceramics studio space with floor-to-ceiling windows, well-lit individual studio spaces, large common workspaces, and glazing areas. We are one of the few Ceramics departments in the U.S. to have a digitally controlled gas kiln by Blaauw—fully automated and capable of any firing cycle, oxidation, or reduction. There are specialized spaces for clay making, glaze making and testing, plaster working, and a large kiln room complete with three large gas kilns, eight electric kilns, and a raku kiln. Students fire work from six inches to five feet in height.