Ceramics
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
The ceramics concentration fosters personal direction, diversity, technical proficiency and professional presentation. Students work within a directed format that provides a strong foundation and the flexibility to grow as artists. Students in this program will first develop a broad base of knowledge of technique and process with a strong emphasis on conceptual thought and experimentation. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration as well as approaching the field of ceramic art with both an understanding of its vast history as well as approaching it as an innovative and challenging medium within contemporary art making.
Student Profile
Students of diverse age, ethnic, racial and economic backgrounds make up the Georgia State ceramic community. They come from all parts of the country, bringing with them a vast variety of ideas and exciting cultural and ethnic influences.
Program Descriptions
No portfolio is required for entrance into the School of Art and Design undergraduate program. Upon acceptance into the ceramics concentration, students begin studies by working in various types of clay, employing different kinds of construction techniques or wheel throwing methods. As students advance they gain expertise in working with numerous types of clay, including stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, etc. utilizing firing methods to include a range from high fire to low fire, reduction, oxidation, raku, primitive firings, and experimental firings.
Form and surface design are an integral part of the curriculum in which the student develops a personal style and direction that can be applied towards advanced individual studies. Directed study courses are run as seminars where students focus on the content of their work and development of conceptual ideas.
Students are encouraged to attend workshops/lectures and related activities throughout the metro-Atlanta area and professional ceramic conferences.
Course Requirements for the Concentration (60 credit hours)
1. Concentration Core Requirements (9)
2. Ceramics requirements (30)
3. Ceramics Elective (4)
4. 2-D Elective (3-4)
5. 3-D Electives (6-8)
6. Art history elective at 4000 level [options include history of ceramics courses and critical issues course (8)
Because art and design courses consists of both 3 credit hour courses and 4 credit hours courses, ART 4980 Special Problems (1-6 hours), may be used to adjust program in order to meet the 60 hour requirement. Consent of departmental advisor and instructor required.
Transfer Credits
Upon acceptance into the University and before initial registration, students who wish to transfer credit for art courses taken elsewhere must bring a copy of their transcripts with a GSU transfer evaluation to the School of Art and Design undergraduate advisor in room 117 Art and Humanities. A catalog description, course syllabus, or portfolio review may be required for course evaluation.
Application to the Concentration
Before Application:
1. Students should consult in Fall or Spring semesters with the area coordinator in the concentration for information requirements, preferably as soon as they know they will be applying to the concentration.
2. Students must take 18 credit hours of courses appropriate to the major field (4 studio foundation courses and 2 art history surveys).
3. Students must also have completed or be taking two 3000 level courses in the concentration.
4. Portfolios, slides, or photos are required for entry when students have completed the courses appropriate to the major field.
Application Procedures:
Applications to the concentration, which are reviewed Fall and Spring semesters, include presentation of art work from the four studio foundation courses plus two 3000 level courses of ceramics and judged on the following criteria:
1. technical ability
2. creativity and experimentation
3. conceptual though
Students must also present for review a current PACE advisement form obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Academic Assistance, room 724 General Classroom Building. Application to the concentration must occur prior to completing 33 credit hours in art. Students should contact the area coordinator in the concentration in Fall or Spring semesters for information about criteria and application procedures well before the review date.
Exhibition
Ceramic students are encouraged to be active in exhibiting at the local regional, and national level. Former and current students have won many awards at all levels.
Facilities/Equipment
Ceramics B.F.A. majors are assigned their own studio space, accessible seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day (with a few exceptions). Equipment includes: electric wheels, slab rollers, clay extruders, gas and soda kilns, electric kilns, raku kilns, saggar kilns, clay mixer, pug mill, and glaze mixing facilities.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this program will enable students to compete for admission to graduate programs in ceramics at universities throughout the country, and to compete for career alternatives which include: production pottery; retail/wholesale to museums, galleries and corporations; upon certification, teaching opportunities; or career positions where such creative and technical skills are desired.
For more detailed information about the program please see the Georgia State University General Catalogues
