Foundations in Ceramics

VCD 1330A | Spring 2026 Art Department

School of Environmental Design | Cal Poly Pomona

“Claywork is full of paradoxes. It is one of the most technically challenging of art media, and yet it is used by children. It is one of the most ancient media, made of the stuff of the earth itself, and yet it is also at the forefront of modern materials science. Those of us who work in clay follow an ancient tradition in which a great deal is still new, still to be done.” – Susan Peterson, The Craft and Art of Clay

Welcome!

This class offers an engaging introduction to the art and craft of ceramics, providing students with hands-on experience in basic construction methods. They explored and practiced core techniques, including pinching, coil building, slab construction, and surface decoration. They completed several finished ceramic pieces and gained a solid foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of ceramics.

Students gained an understanding of hand-building ceramics and the tools, materials, and techniques used to create ceramic work. Major outcomes included:

• Attained a fundamental level of skill in basic hand-building techniques, including pinch, coil, and slab construction.
• Learned to develop form and surface through research and thoroughly developed ideas, supported by intentional design and material choices.
• Demonstratd the ability to design, refine, glaze, and present ceramic work appropriate for foundational ceramics projects.

Photo gallery of “A Seat at the Table” pop-up exhibition, talks, and event (05/14/26.)

Event made possible by the Randall Lewis Healthy Communities Mini-Grant.