Ceramics

In March, after distance learning was put into effect, ceramics students were forced to abandon typical clay sculptures, instead experimenting with paper vessels. Luckily, this year teachers and students were much more prepared for the challenges of distance learning. Both hybrid and full distance students have been able to get the complete ceramics experience from the comfort of their homes.

The biggest challenge of taking a ceramics class from home is getting students the proper supplies. In order to accomplish this, at the beginning of the year students were all given a bucket. Now, this wasn’t just any bucket. Within, students found all of the ceramics essentials, from sponges and a wooden knife, to a piece of canvas cloth, two sticks, and a PVC pipe to be used as a makeshift slab roller. Students were also given plenty of clay for all of their creations. While the size of projects will have to be limited so that pieces can be transported to and from school, generally, hybrid learning will not be a problem for ceramics students.

In fact, some aspects of hybrid learning will add to the ceramics experience. Students will have more time to work every class period, and many enjoy not having to clean up as often. When students are at home, they also have the option of working on their projects outside of class in addition to in-class time, though it isn’t required. 

Despite these adaptations, sophomore Cora Park still wishes that the class was taken all in school, stating that “We aren’t able to do all of the normal things that we would do in a ceramics class,” a sentiment shared by some of her classmates as well.