If you didn’t know, Ceramics is an art elective offered on campus. It is a three-dimensional visual art course that meets the art general education requirement. In other words, the class is not exclusive to Art majors. Anyone can take the class, whether to fulfill an Art requirement or just for the fun of it. It is a three-credit course, and due to popular demand, it now has two sections. The classes meet twice a week for three hours (Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm, or 3:30 pm to 6:15 pm). Students who took Ceramics I can take Ceramics II, which is currently offered as an Independent Study. The class is taught by Alyx Halsey, who has her MA in Ceramics. Classes always fill up quickly, so if you’re interested in taking the class, be sure to register for it as soon as registration opens.
Students enrolled in Ceramics have found the class to be therapeutic and enjoyable. As someone who took Ceramics I last semester for fun and is taking Ceramics II this semester for fun again, I can say that it can be time consuming—but I look forward to it because of all the ideas I have in my head that I want to physically manifest with my hands. I’m not ashamed to say that Pinterest has become my favorite place. This class has also given me a different perspective of appreciating this style of art in real life. But don’t just take my word for it. I also talked to some students who are currently taking, or have taken, the class. Here’s what they had to say.
What made you sign up for this course?
Ellen Counsell (sophomore, speech-language pathology) currently taking Ceramics I.
It sounded different from painting, and you could make fun things. I did it as a kid in summer camp. I like that it’s hands-on and teaches you patience, and it takes time to make things perfect.
Abigail Cancel (junior, graphic design) currently taking Ceramics I.
I really wanted to learn how to do pottery and ceramics.
Nicole Powers (senior, music composition) currently taking Ceramics II.
It was an art requirement for my BA, but I really wanted to take it because I loved pottery and always wanted to give it a try. I signed up as soon as it opened.
Kenneth Abraham (junior, biology) took Ceramics I last semester.
I needed an art credit and it was listed as a recommended class for dental school. I thought it would be a great way to knock out two birds with one stone. I took this class with the intention that it would help refine my hand skills and give me insight into ceramics used in dentistry.
Hannah Venn (senior, animal science) took Ceramics I last semester.
I signed up for the course because I wanted to learn more about clay and how to work with it. I was also excited about all the things I could make in the class.
Nigel Maxwell (senior, business administration) took Ceramics I last semester.
I signed up cause it was one of the suggested classes to take as an elective before going to dental school.
What is something fun or interesting about Ceramics?
Ellen: That I get to keep everything. It's a good Christmas present.
Abigail: I think the way glazes change when they’re fired is interesting.
Nicole: Throwing is harder than it looks on TikTok.
Kenneth: At first I did not like wheel-throwing clay; it was difficult to control the clay and it took a lot of strain on my body. However, after a while I learned tips that helped me to make my clay designs faster, more symmetrical and more supportive in its design as opposed to hand-building. It's interesting how the smallest tap or push into the clay (whilst wheel-throwing) can result in the making or the breaking off of your design.
Hannah: How creative you can be. It’s cool to see your idea come to life.
Nigel: You can make whatever you want if you have enough time. You can make pots and bowls that you can eat out of!
What would you say to someone interested in taking Ceramics?
Ellen: Definitely do it because it doesn’t matter if you can’t draw in the lines, you can still make something.
Abigail: It’s actually a really practical class because you can make things that you can use in everyday life.
Nicole: If you enjoy art and want a chill and relaxing class, then take this class. Stress relieving. No quizzes. Chill teacher.
Kenneth: I would definitely take this class. I think taking it has given me a finer appreciation for day-to-day items such as silverware, glassware, pottery, and artistic design, among many other things. If you are thinking about a career in dentistry, I would especially recommend this class, as it primes your hand-skills and coordination skills. It is a fun class to take to help ease your mind.
Hannah: Ceramics is great. I would definitely recommend trying it. You can make so many creative and useful things in this class that you can use for a long time.
Nigel: I would say it’s a lot of fun but also takes a lot of time. It's worth it if you have the time.
Alyx Halsey and the students of Ceramics would like to extend an open invitation to “The Burn,” which will be on April 22, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the Ceramics studio located at the Art and Design building. The event is held for Ceramics students, but is open to anyone who needs co-curricular credit. “The Burn” is the firing of the wood kiln. The wood firing process creates such a variation on the surfaces of the glazed objects due to the presence of ash from the burning wood. This transforms the glaze into its own unique look in that it is somewhat unpredictable in how it will turn out when it comes out of the kiln. The only certainty is that it will have an earthy tone with something similar to a metallic shine.
Ceramics is one of the popular art electives on campus. The course was taught in the past, but was only recently made available in the last 2 years. Bringing back Ceramics has revived the Department of Visual Art, Communication, and Design by introducing a fun interactive course open to anyone. Taking an art elective that nurtures the freedom of creativity is an important part of the AU experience. If these students can’t convince you to take a Ceramics class, I don’t know what will.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.