Ceramics
At the heart of UArts' Ceramics program is thinking through making. If you are passionate about working with your hands and engaging with material to create something meaningful, the study of ceramics at UArts is just right for you. As you learn the technical aspects of ceramics, you'll also learn how to process the ideas and concepts associated with the art—a unique balance of analyzing and creating.
Having experienced all aspects of making, from initial design to the final finished piece, the University of the Arts' Craft graduates are flexible and well-prepared to become independent studio artists, or to find positions in related fields in design, business and industry, or go on to pursue advanced degrees.
Student Experience /
Having experienced all aspects of making, from initial design to the final finished piece, graduates of the University of the Arts' Craft programs are flexible and well-prepared to become independent studio artists; find positions in related fields in design, business and industry; or pursue advanced degrees.
Rick LeCarpentier / BFA '13
John Souter: artist-in-residence at the prestigious Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center
Alumni
BFA '12
While he was a senior at UArts, John Souter BFA ’12 awarded a prestigious $15,000 Windgate Fellowship to research the color of stained glass windows at Sainte Chapelle Chapel in Paris and at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France.
His work is represented by the Snyderman-Works Gallery in Philadelphia, where he had his first solo exhibition shortly after he graduated.
For a young artist, John Souter’s creative development has had a remarkable trajectory.
- Snyderman-Works Gallery
John has been an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark and at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado. His work ranges from ceramics to painting, drawing, collage and mixed media sculpture.
The objects he creates are in private collections across the U.S. and he has been featured in stories in American Craft, Ceramic Review and Ceramics Monthly.
Tatiana Mickley / BFA '17
Linn Gustavsson Mardestam / BFA '18
Luke Desmone / BFA '17
Click the images below to read more.
Patrick Coughlin
Ceramics
International teaching artist
Jim Makins
Ceramics
Influential ceramics artist with studios in the US and Japan
Jason Lee Starin
Ceramics
Sci-fi influenced ceramic artist, shop supervisor
Sample Courses in the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Ceramics
First Year
Drawing: Objects & Space
Drawing: Natural Forms & The Human Figure
Image/Time
Color
Object/Environment
Found & Fabricated
Second Year
3D Computer Modeling
Studio Practice
Discipline Fundamentals
Handbuilding Exploration Projects
Throwing Exploration Projects
Throwing Exploration Studio
Third Year
Junior Projects/Discourse
Ceramics Junior Studio I
Ceramics Junior Studio II
Ceramics Junior Projects
Fourth Year
Ceramics Senior Thesis I
Ceramics Senior Thesis II
Ceramics Senior Studio
Craft Senior Projects
About the Curriculum
At the heart of the curriculum of the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Ceramics is the notion of thinking through making. Ceramics students are passionate about working with their hands and about discussing the ideas and concepts underlying their art. Ceramics students learn to express themselves through material and process. A student who pursues Craft and Material Studies will work closely with an advisor to determine the curricular path that best matches their artistic goals.
Students who complete the Craft + Material Studies Major with a concentration in Ceramics will:
- Demonstrate independent, creative problem solving and original thinking. They exhibit a distinct and personal approach to art making.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and historical precedents. They have an appreciation for experimentation/innovation as well as for the traditions of making as applied to contemporary craft practice.
- Acquire and demonstrate the professional skills needed to be successful as artists, entrepreneurs, designers for industry and productive citizens.
- Be able to talk and write about art (including their own work) critically, intelligently and with considerable insight.
- Acquire the level of technical skill required for them to reach their career goals. They establish a work practice appropriate to their ideas and demonstrate a deep familiarity with materials and processes.
To earn the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Crafts + Material Studies, with a concentration in Ceramics, students will complete a total of 126 credits as follows:
- 40.5 credits in the Fine Arts Major
- 18 credits in College of Art, Media & Design Core Studies
- 6 credits in School of Art Core
- 4.5 credits in Creative Practices and Collaborative Studio
- 12 credits in Art History
- 30 credits in the Liberal Arts
- 15 credits in Free Electives
Ceramics can also be studied as an emphasis in the Fine Arts Program.
Click the images below to read more.
Luke Desmone
BFA '17
Ceramics
Award-winning ceramic artist who has been published both locally and internationally
John Souter
BFA '12
Ceramics
Has been an artist-in-residence in Denmark and at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado
April Ilawan
BFA '17
Ceramics
Japanese- and Scandinavian-inspired ceramic artist
UArts Hosts Premier Craft Symposium
UArts was pleased to be hosting CraftNOW's annual symposium, Making a Difference. Students and faculty benefited from panels and discussions with some of the biggest names in craft. Roberto Lugo was the keynote speaker presenting Pottery Saved My Life.
Get Started
Start your application
Begin your application today. Our admissions team will help you throughout the process.
See UArts for yourself
The best way to get to know UArts is by visiting our campus in person. Come see a show, visit a gallery, and get to know the neighborhood.
Not sure where to start?
We're glad you want to learn more. Our admissions team is happy to send additional information about our school.