Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art

Area of Study:  Ceramics and Sculpture

Clay is the most abundant of all art-making media; it is the earth itself, naturally occurring as 75% of the earth’s crust. It is one of the most ancient of all media yet it remains a cutting edge technology. A ceramic work can outlast most other art media, yet it can also be easily broken. It is a material that can be extremely technical and refined or spontaneous and primitive. Clay has a long and rich multicultural history as a material for making utilitarian and decorative works and remains an important material for the production of contemporary sculpture. 

Ceramics
The ceramics courses at Chapman University offer a solid foundation of technique, history and theory that exposes students to clay’s possibilities as a contemporary art medium, while encouraging students to experiment within a vibrant studio atmosphere. Foundation, advanced, and special studies courses in ceramics provide a breadth of experiences in making vessels and sculpture, glaze chemistry and kiln firing.

Chapman’s ceramics facility offers more firing and glazing processes than do many large universities.  The ceramics lab includes indoor and outdoor work areas with a separate glaze room and glaze making areas, clay mixing, preparation and storage areas, a large kiln yard with high fire, salt, raku, pit, and saggar kilns.  Small class size and 24-hour access to the ceramics lab provide students with individual attention and ample opportunity for independent creativity.

Sculpture
Sculpture can be made of any material in existence. The practice of sculpture making requires a familiarity with the properties of a range of materials and the techniques that enable the realization of their potential.  Contemporary artists who produce three-dimensional work employ a wide variety of materials chosen for their aesthetic, cultural or historical implications.

Students work with metal, wood, plaster, clay and found objects as they learn a variety of techniques including mold making and casting, welding, subtractive sculpture, woodworking and clay modeling.  Class lectures, discussions and readings instill an understanding of the vocabulary, history and critical theory pertaining to contemporary sculpture.  Course study also includes an emphasis on the impact of presentation and context of site on sculpture works.

The sculpture facility is equipped with a variety of woodworking power tools, welders, plasma cutters, power saws, drills, and grinders, and includes a large outdoor workspace. Small class size and 24-hour access to the sculpture lab provides students with individual attention and ample opportunity for independent creativity.