Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art - Clay

University of Texas - Arlington

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 for the uninitiated. 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 art precedents within their own cultural context, address contemporary art concepts, 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, and mold making and slip casting, as well as a wide variety of glazing and kiln firing techniques. There are typically three classes in Clay offered each semester, providing each student space to work and store their three dimensional projects. The Clay program has over 100 students per year.