Ceramics Elective

In this elective, students explore both functional and decorative ceramics, learning a variety of hand-building techniques—including pinch, coil, and slab construction—and surface decoration methods such as carving, sgraffito, and underglaze painting. Students develop an understanding of the ceramic process, from shaping and joining clay to drying, firing, and glazing, while also exploring historical and contemporary ceramic practices.

Projects begin with simple tasks such as pinch pot bowls or cups and progress to more complex forms like coil-built vases. As skills develop, students create sculptural works including figurines, relief tiles, masks, or abstract pieces, using additive and subtractive techniques to form expressive three-dimensional designs.

Through these experiences, students gain skills in design, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving, transforming 2D ideas into 3D ceramic artworks.

Key Methods

  1. Pinch Pot – forming clay by pinching and shaping with fingers

  2. Coil Building – layering rolled coils to form vessels or sculptural forms

  3. Slab Construction – using flat slabs of clay joined with scoring and slip

  4. Additive and Subtractive Techniques – adding details or carving away clay for texture

  5. Joining and Assembling – securely combining multiple pieces with score-and-slip

Key skills

  • Properties of Clay – stages of clay (wet, leather-hard, bone dry, bisque, glazed)

  • Hand-building Techniques – slab, pinch, and coil methods

  • Surface Decoration – carving, sgraffito, slip painting, underglazes, and glazing

  • Firing Process – kiln safety, bisque firing, and glaze firing

  • Design and Creativity – planning and sketching ideas, problem-solving in 3D design

  • Historical and Contemporary Contexts – exploring traditional pottery and modern ceramic artists