Areas of Study:
Clay
The ceramics curriculum encompasses many aspects of the medium from the creation of unique clay vessels that satisfy both aesthetic and functional needs, to the construction of larger scale sculptural forms and the speculative, expansive, unnamed form.
Ceramic classes emphasize clay as an expressive medium
while offering a concise three-dimensional art experience. Traditional
and contemporary methods of construction, manipulation, and imagery are
explored, with an emphasis on seeking the integration of form, design,
color and concept. The history of the ceramic arts is seen as a rich
resource from which the student can test precedents and expand their
own aesthetic vocabulary.
Students are introduced to numerous forming methods such as coil and slab construction, throwing, clay figure modeling, bas relief and tile making design, mold making and slip casting, as well as a wide range of glazing and kiln firing techniques. There are usually three classes in the Clay studio per semester which gives each student adequate space to work and store their three dimensional projects. The clay program has a total of 100 - 110 students per year.
Clay students are excelling all across the metroplex and beyond and are still active in their studios. Sharon Campbell, B.F.A. in [Clay] and returning student was in her second professional gallery exhibition this year at The Upstairs Gallery in Arlington. Chris Cunningham, B.F.A. in [Clay], received his MFA from Texas Tech University in 2004 and is currently teaching at TCCC northeast and Northwest campuses and is also resident artist at The Upstairs Gallery in Arlington. He recently was awarded Best of Show/First Place for his artwork at the Irving Art Center’s All Media National. Diane Kieselhorst, B.F.A. in [Clay] has recently graduated with an MFA in Clay from the University of North Texas and is now working in her own studio. George Sellars, B.F.A. in [Clay], was the subject of a four page color article in Paper City, a design, arts, fashion publication in Dallas last year and has recently opened a gallery and studio in Dallas. Gregory Storey, B.F.A. in [Clay], has been hired as the Events Coordinator at the Arlington Museum of Art and continues to create and sell unique handbuilt vessels.
Nicholas Wood, head of the Clay area at UTA, has had recent exhibitions at The American Institute of Architects D/AIA Gallery in Dallas and the Center for the Arts, Montgomery College, Woodlands, Texas. A review of the D/AIA exhibition was published in ARTlies magazine. Wood was one of six artists selected from the United States for the exhibition “Six Visions-Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture”, a focus on diverse approaches to the ceramic arts. Wood, an independent curator, has recently curated two exhibitions “Layered, Stacked, Assembled” and “OBJECTification” for the Arlington Museum of Art and The Gallery at UTA, showcasing artists from the state of Texas. Both exhibits produced a color 6 – 8 page brochure. Wood is the designer and co-creator of “The Bridge”, Arlington’s first large public sculpture, installed in Gene Allen Park next to Arlington Museum of Art. He is also co-creator of a large public sculpture placed in the center of Bad Konigshofen, Germany, Arlington’s sister city. Both these two sculptural projects commemorate the bond between these two cities. Wood is a receipient of the National Endowment for the Arts award in sculpture, Hawn Foundation Millenium Award, Connemara Conservancy Foundation Artist Grant in sculpture, and The Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award in Drawing.
CourseS
3363 - Clay I
An introduction to various methods of construction, manipulation, and decoration
of clay. The integration of form, design, and concept, emphasizing clay as
an expressive medium ideal for a hands-on three dimensional experience. (prerequisite
for Art majors: Art 1306 or equivalent). Class fulfills upper level 3D art
requirements.
3383 - Intermediate Clay
The continuation of ceramic media techniques and forming processes. The introduction
of moldmaking, slipcasting, tile design, and kiln firing. (prerequisite:
Art 3363 or equivalent). Class fulfills upper level 3D art requirements.
4343 - Advanced Clay
Further development and focus on techniques and personal expression in sculptural,
hand-built and wheel thrown clay forms. Introduction of glaze making & raw
materials. Continuation of kiln firing processes. Class can be repeated.
(prerequisite: Art 3363 or equivalent)
STUDENT WORK & PHOTO gallery
Facilities
The current ceramics studio area is a 4,000 square foot facility which contains:
8 handbuilding and sculpture work tables- 14 pottery wheels
- A large slab roller
- 2 extruders
- Separate rooms for Plaster & Moldmaking, Spray Booths, Glaze Mixing, and Glazing rooms.
- The kiln facility has a combined 1600 square ft. indoor and outdoor areas, which contain 5 electric kilns, two 40 cubic ft. & two 30 cubic ft. updraft kilns and a raku kiln.
Faculty
Nicholas Wood, Associate Professor (Area Coordinator)
Fred Spaulding, Adjunct Professor
DEGREE PLAN
Download the Clay degree plan here.