Pei-Hsuan Wang

Poetics of the figure. Shaping the boundaries between external reality and the inner self. Students explore and develop their interest in the figure, as character, poetics, fragment, representation, memory and narrative in their art practice. Historical and contemporary examples will be examined in lectures and discussions. The incorporation of found objects in the work as well as installation strategies will be encouraged. Demonstrations involving methods of construction, surface treatments and firing choices are available. Advanced students are invited to shape their own research.

A course that expands on the concept of the vessel as both a literal and a metaphorical form. Through cultural and historical references - including artifacts, historical records, speculative fictions, and alternative narratives - we will explore how vessels trace and express individualized identities and worldviews. Students will develop a series of ceramic-based works, using research, imagination, and technical skill to connect personal experiences to broader contexts. The technical knowledge introduced in this course will be tailored to each student¿s project needs, with the instructor providing guidance through demos and technique sharing to support individual exploration.

This course is a forum for in-depth critiques, technical, conceptual, and professional practice discussions based on the student's practice and research. The goal of this class is to provide students information and guidance on how they can continue with their art practice after school. Each student enrolled in the course will be assigned a studio space within the department. The course is open to Seniors only who have previously taken 9 credit hours of Ceramics classes, 2000-level and above. Students signing up for this class must also be enrolled in any 3 credit hour Ceramics class, 2000-level and above. Seniors may enroll in this course for two consecutive semesters only. The format for this course is primary individual and group meetings, readings, presentations, field trips, exhibitions, and group critiques. Additionally, we will have a discussion with guest artists speaking about their work and the technicalities of how to continue with their art practice. Students will learn how to document, install, and promote their work. It is expected of the students to self-direct their own project culminating with a final exhibition project as part of their BFA or Gallery 1922. This course requires instructor consent. Fill out the form found at this link, https://tinyurl.com/35b26s78, to submit your portfolio and list of ceramics classes taken in the ceramics department.

This interdisciplinary seminar introduces graduate students from any department to key historical and contemporary issues in the overlapping fields of Contemporary Ceramics. MFA students in this course will learn to navigate both the school community and its resources, as well as the Chicago art scene. Through readings, critical discussions, evaluations, field trips, and presentations, students will expand and deepen their understanding of studio professional practice. Coursework includes engagement with critical theory and the development of methods for analyzing and creatively responding to these theories. Students will also have access to the Ceramics Department to work independently on clay-focused projects. Students are expected to present research or studio work for critiques throughout the semester.