ARTS - Studio Arts

Lab fee. An in-depth study of materials, skills and procedures relating to a variety of handbuilding techniques in a sculptural direction in clay, with an emphasis on form, surface, transitions and terminations, considerations for surface finishing and firing, and the development of aesthetics in the sculptural ceramic form.

Lab fee. A study of basic and advanced information and techniques for successful glazing of the ceramic form. Learn to analyze the bisque form to make appropriate finishing choices to balance or strengthen the composition, learn techniques that will facilitate the glazing process and discuss procedures to standardize to achieve consistent glaze results.

Lab fee. One of the most valuable methods for the construction of asymmetrical work, East Asian Wedged Coil Technique provides the greatest wet structural strength for clay sculpture. Learn coil making and building, and the advanced techniques of coil riveting, ribbing, bridging, boating and bracing for large and/or sculptural forms in clay.

Lab fee. An advanced study of the production of ceramic ware using the potter’s wheel as a primary tool. Through exercises, personal research and practice, the student will create open and vertical forms at the potter’s wheel, understand the basic nature of clay, throwing, trimming, glazing and firing techniques to produce finished glazed pieces for critique.

Lab fee. An in-depth study of materials and techniques suitable for the enrichment of clay and glaze surfaces, decoration in the forming process, the bisque fired stage, the use of firing technologies, post-firing techniques, and three-dimensional design concepts that evoke appropriate design elements for sculptural and utilitarian works in clay.

Lab fee. An in-depth study of advanced throwing concepts designed to assist the student to cognitively understand the essence of clay, the broadcast potential of the medium and learn to respond to the forces affecting the movement of clay during the throwing process in a synthesis of skill, knowledge and artistic expression.

Prerequisite: ARTS 503 or ARTS 505. Lab fee. A concentration on advanced throwing skills, to develop the confidence and strength which frees the student to move toward individual aesthetic expression. The course provides a more in-depth coverage of specific concepts with focus on individual needs for building skill, efficiency and personal direction.

Lab fee. An in-depth study of the throwing and finishing plates and large platters, including structural strength concepts for low open forms, methods for centering, a variety of throwing techniques, information on finishing, firing and composition.

Prerequisite: ARTS 502. Lab fee. Applied three-dimensional ceramic design and construction covering a variety of methods of hand-forming with clay to take a sculptural direction. Techniques include tile relief, eastern coil, slab construction, modeling the figure, the portrait bust, structural strength concepts for sculpture and firing considerations for sculptural forms.

Lab fee. The workshop will focus on the techniques and aesthetic perspective employed to produce large-scale pots. Participants will develop alternate methods to throw and center large pots. Throwing large allows a more elastic understanding of the relationship between object and the space it occupies.

Lab fee. The brushmaking techniques, developed for use in ceramic decoration, have been adapted from traditional methods used by Japanese potters to take advantage of glues, threads, hair, fibers and other materials that are currently available

Prerequisites: ARTS 503 or ARTS 505. Lab fee. The importance of the finishing of the thrown work by turning the foot and the trimming of excess clay to refine the form has often been overlooked. The details of trimming enhance or destroy the structural integrity of the form. It is critical for the potter to understand the qualities essential for the structure and aesthetics of the completed piece.

Prerequisite: ARTS 505. Lab fee. The course will provide the student with experience in alternatives to simple wheel throwing by combining wheel and handbuilding techniques. Procedures to alter forms include shaping, paddling, faceting, combining separately thrown forms, and integrating coiling and throwing. Work may be in stoneware or porcelain.

Lab fee. The study of aesthetic considerations in photographing ceramic art. Composition of the object as it relates to the camera frame. Students will evolve a personal portfolio and slide library of individual works and images.

This course will explore the composition, properties and application of materials used in ceramics to aid in the development of glaze compositions for pottery and sculpture.

This course will explore the composition, properties and application of materials used in ceramics to aid in the development of clay bodies for pottery and sculpture.

Lab fee. An in-depth study of all aspects of modern electric kilns used for ceramics, including design, construction and materials, related supplies and equipment, loading procedures, operation, unloading, routine maintenance, diagnosis of common problems and repair, safety and selection criteria for choosing the appropriate kiln for different applications.

Prerequisite: Enrollment restricted to students admitted to the graduate ceramic arts programs. Lab fee.

Knowledge of the raku process is essential for MA and MFA students. Raku firing provides a basic understanding of the oxidation/reduction cycles for the firing of all fuel fired kilns.

Lab fee. A study in kiln stacking and firing procedures with concentration on reduction atmosphere firings; notes on types of kilns and basic kiln construction, oxidation firing, kiln maintenance and repair, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices and safety equipment.

Lab fee. A study in wood firing with information on stoking patterns, heat rise and firing theory, wadding composition and placement, loading and stacking procedures, types of woods, stoking patterns; the effects of oxidation/reduction cycles and more will be covered. Full participation in all aspects of preparation and firing is required.

Lab fee. An in-depth study in the history, theory, techniques and aesthetics of the long wood firing in a large single chamber or multi-chambered kiln, including in depth information covering all aspects of firing these large historic kilns and practical experience at each stage of the process.

Prerequisite: ARTS 530. Lab fee. A study in soda firing, presenting information on clay, slip and glaze for the soda firing, loading and stacking procedures, wadding composition and placement, heat rise, the effects of oxidation/reduction firing cycles, and firing theory will be covered. Information on the history of soda firing, types of soda kilns and basic kiln construction, kiln maintenance, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices, and safety issues will also be covered.

Lab fee. The study of structure, proportion and movement as seen in the human figure is key to the understanding and appreciation of balance, design and the interaction of objects within nature. An in-depth study of the figure in clay, including anatomy and articulation using the life and costumed model, and considerations for finishing and firing figurative work.

A survey of the history of ceramic arts from its beginning through the present time in the context of the history of the people who made and used the wares. The ways that these examples were made and their place in the history of ceramic technology will also be examined.

Prerequisite: ARTS 508. Lab fee. Directed study in design, construction and finishing of composite and architectural ceramics with emphasis on specific engineering requirements for construction, drying and firing. Topics will include construction methods for slab, coil, composite, mural and architectural projects.

Lab fee. An in-depth study of the characteristics and techniques for working with porcelain, including exploration of classical porcelain, low open forms, plates and platters, horizontal throwing, and advanced glazing procedures.

The freedom of personal aesthetic expression is the goal toward which most artists strive. Criticism, the spoken or written talk about art, conveys a power to build or destroy. The course will explore the language of aesthetics and criticism to bring the student toward the creation and interpretation of beauty and meaning in their artistic statement.

Prerequisite: Completion of twelve credits in the graduate certificate program or MFA. Lab fee. The development of a body of work in preparation for the artist’s capstone exhibition and the business of survival as an artist will prepare students for the creation of a body of work for exhibition in ARTS 570 Seminar in Personal Studio Research.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ARTS 569. Lab fee. Through individual research the student will develop a personal artistic statement, set goals, create a cohesive body of work and present a professional exhibition of their work. Topics include presentation of artwork, group critique, individual problem solving, aesthetic discussions, professional development, studio organization, gallery installation, marketing, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: ARTS 540, ARTS 530, and/or permission of the program director. Lab fee. A course that provides the opportunity to learn how to perform research and put the knowledge into practice. The research, consisting of both literature search and instructed experimentation, will be completed by the student with the instructor’s direction. The student will gain an understanding of critical thinking and the nature of research before progressing to more advanced thesis levels of study or employment.

Reading and/or research in a selected field. An approved title for the independent study must be submitted with the registration forms. Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the department. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a degree program. (1-3 credits per independent study)

Thesis preparation will facilitate organization of time, approach and topic of the Masters of Fine Art Thesis at Hood College. The procedures in planning, writing the abstract and conceptual format of the thesis, selection of the active thesis committee, and presentation of the thesis are included. The Hood College MFA Guidelines contain detailed information for the preparation of the thesis proposal.

Prerequisite: ARTS 576. Lab fee. Directed in-depth study and research for the development of aesthetic and technical skills necessary for the production of original ceramic artwork to satisfy a thesis concept in the candidate’s chosen area. The MFA candidate must consult the Hood College MFA Thesis Guidelines for detailed information and expectations and satisfy all requirements found in the guidelines.

Prerequisite: ARTS 580A. Completion of master's thesis research.

Prerequisites: At least 18 credits in Ceramic Arts and by invitation of the Director of the Ceramic Arts Program. A teaching practicum for advanced Ceramic Arts graduate students who wish to sharpen their teaching skills. Duties would include assisting the instructor in class-related projects such as organizing discussions, constructing exams, developing projects, grading rubrics, and arranging for non-print media instruction. The course may be repeated for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in ARTS 580. Lab fee. Thesis Exhibition is the application of the results of the thesis research culminating in the creation of artwork presented in a public exhibition. All planning, preparation and installation of the thesis exhibition will be the responsibility of the MFA candidate.

Lab fee. Selected topics courses, 1-3 credits, offer an opportunity for students to study specific ceramic art topics not included in the regular course offerings. Usually taught by guest artists, the selected topics courses provide a variety of directions and voices beyond the basic curriculum.