Ceramics

The Ceramics program supports a broad range of inquiry from ceramic design, to mixed media sculpture, to emerging practices that challenge classification. This expansive conversation allows for hybrid creative work that can push the expressive boundaries of clay. Students in the Ceramics concentration work through a flexible framework of curriculum that emphasizes self-directed creative development within the context of a communal studio environment.

ceramic sculpture

Our well-equipped 7600 sq. ft. studio spaces house new technologies in ceramics as well as traditional and industrial equipment. A strong visiting artist program and internationally active faculty keep our students engaged in a contemporary global conversation about ceramic art and design.

Programs of Study:

Undergraduate Studies

The curriculum in the K-State Ceramic concentration fosters a conceptually challenging and technically rewarding learning environment. Our studio classes help students develop problem-solving abilities in the areas of theory, material, and production by exposing them to a spectrum of possibilities within the ceramics field. Recent graduates have been accepted into nationally competitive MFA programs or gone on to successful creative careers as studio artists and designers.

Portfolio Development in the Visual Arts

Formally a Post Baccalaureate Program

K-State Ceramics offers a Non-Certificate post-baccalaureate program. It is an opportunity for artists who hold a bachelor's degree and are interested in developing their practice while participating in an active academic ceramics studio. Post-baccalaureate studies are often for those transitioning out of, or back into, school but may also act as support for visiting or international artists. Interests in pursuing a large individual project or building a portfolio for graduate school, residencies or grant applications, in which an academic studio environment is needed, will also be considered for the position. Post Baccalaureates at K-state play a key role in the studio ecosphere contributing to its day to day function and work flow. Their frenetic yet reflective studio practices serve as peer-like examples for other students. Post Baccalaureates are required to attend an advanced ceramics course each semester and are expected to maintain a high degree of professionalism and community engagement.

Graduate Studies

K-State offers a three-year course of study towards the Master of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Ceramics. MFA candidates are granted a large private or semi-private studio and access to our fully equipped facilities. A final, solo MFA exhibition culminates the program, providing the opportunity to present a strong and cohesive body of personal work.

Qualified students may be eligible for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) which provide financial support as well as valuable experience for future employment.

 

Ceramic Cylindars

Program Assets

The K-State Art Department provides access to 2D and 3D print labs with large format photo printers and scanners, full-color and sepia tone ceramic decal printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutter and rapid form fabrication that includes multiple FDM (Fused deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereo Lithography) printers. The print lab also houses a large 4'x 8' foot CNC router and 3D digital scanner. In addition, the art department provides access to a large dedicated photo room for documentation and studio photography with professional equipment. Students interested in construction methods with wood have access to the well-equipped departmental wood shop.

The ceramics department has extensive electric, gas and atmospheric kilns on-site in addition to a satellite 2000 sq. ft. covered, open-air kiln facility. The clay and glaze lab boast over 17 tons of material storage. The brand-new Digital Clay Lab houses cutting edge technology in 3D clay printing from DIY paste printers to the industry-leading purpose-built Sacra 3D clay printing robot. For large sculpture or vessel work, specialty pallets and lift systems are available to move work fluidly from creative space to kiln and back again. The Plaster Lab is over 400 square feet with custom-designed glass-topped tables for mold making and prototyping. Slip casting takes place in a separate Casting Lab with three casting tables and an extensive mold library. The Ikeda Gallery, a 300 sq. ft. white space gallery is available for reservation and can be used for installations, reviews, critiques, or to document work.

Electric Kilns

 

Electric kilns

1 – 18.5 cu.ft. Skutt 1627
1 – 10 cu. ft. Skutt 1227
7 – 7 cu. ft. Skutt 1027
3 – 2.5 cu. ft. Skutt 818
2– .8 cu. ft. Skutt 614
2 – .6 cu. ft. Skutt 609 1 cu ft. test

 

Gas and Atmospheric Kilns

40 cu. ft. Down Draft Car
16 cu. ft. Down Draft
16 cu. ft. Up Draft
14 cu. ft. Cross Draft Soda
4 cu. ft. Experimental kiln
40 cu. ft. Wood Fired Train

Clay and Glaze Lab

250 lb. batch capacity Peter Puger mixer
Peter Puger mixer extrusion kit with hollow dies
300 lb. batch capacity Soldner mixer
150 lb. batch capacity Soldner mixer
Sand blasting cabinet
Industrial Glaze Blunger
Laguna Spray booth
Fixed and Mobile Compressor

 

Material Processing

Jaw Crusher
Plate Mill
Ball Mill
Wiley Mill

 

Plaster and Casting Labs

2 Imported Vertical Plaster Lathes
A de-airing plaster vacuum chamber
Shimpo jigger arm
72 cu. ft. Bailey Heated Drying Cabinet
2-33 gal. Slip Tanks with Blungers
20 gal. Slip Tank with Blunger
20 gal. Slip pump
100's of commercial and industrial molds

 

General Studio Equipment

18 Shimpo VL Electric Wheels
2 Extruders with hollow extrusion kits
Brent SR-20 Slab Roller
Foam Cutter
10" Wet Tile Saw with 36" cut capacity

 

Digital Clay Lab

3D Potter XLS Sacra Robot
3D Potter 7 Pro
Hand Extruder Tube Loader for 2000ml & 3600ml
Tube Loader for Pugmill
Delta 3D Clay Paste Printer
Full Color Decal Printer
CerPrint 3500 True Black Decal Printer
MIRC Sepia tone decal printer
Roland GS-24 CAMM 1 Vinyl Cutter
DLSR Camera and Tri-pod
2 Projectors

Faculty

Glen Brown
Professor & Ceramics Critic
gbrown@ksu.edu
Willard 307
Nicholas Geankoplis
Assistant Professor & Area Coordinator
ngeankoplis@ksu.edu
Willard 030/029

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Makenzie Burmeister
mburmei@ksu.edu
Willard 031