There are many common misconceptions about ceramics. Some people believe it’s just about shaping clay, but in reality, it involves complex designs and creativity.
St. Mary’s ceramics class, led by new art teacher Ms. Steel, provides serenity and creativity to students. Ms. Steel, who is a new art teacher at St. Mary’s, has experience in ceramics since University. She was inspired by ceramics artist, Fleur Schell, who is well known for her artwork “Ark Angel.” Her artwork often involves creativity and detailed textures that incorporate realism.
In the class, students are introduced to a variety of techniques, including Construction, Glazing, and Joining. There are six key stages in ceramics, that are essential in creating ceramic pieces: Slip, Wet Clay, Leather hard clay, Bone dry clay, Bisque, and Glaze ware. Beyond the artistic aspect, ceramics also involves scientific process. During the glazing, the chemical compounds of glazes interact with the heat inside the kiln to produce different colors and textures.
Students are encouraged to express their creativity by designing and creating a project based on a specific theme. They are free to decide what to make, allowing students to demonstrate their creativity. One popular project involves selecting popular pop artists and applying similar elements and principles in their artwork.
Acknowledging the time-consuming nature of ceramics, Ms. Steel noted, “You have to give time and care to get to the final products. Lots of testing, time, mistakes, and dedication are required,” emphasizing the importance of valuing the process behind each ceramic piece.
