Education

[crom]

I have been studying at a clay school for just over two years. I now realize that I love being a potter and want to learn everything. Would it benefit me to have from a University education? If so how do I find a good program?

[GEP]

crom,

 

Can you be more specific about your situation? Are you a college student trying to choose a major for your undergraduate degree, or are you an adult with a job and a mortgage, looking to change careers?

 

-Mea

[Leigh@CAC]

Hi "crom" - i agree with mea that the answer depends on your situation. Lots of people have gotten the education they need to start a career by attending intensive 1-2 week workshops at places such as Penland, Archie Bray or by taking classes at community clay art centers, like Clay Art Center, where I work. There are art centers all over the country, but finding a place that concentrates on ceramics, or has a very strong ceramics offering with experienced and educated teachers is key. Anyone can take clay classes, but if you want to advance your career, you need to find the classes and workshops that will advance you to the next level, and then the next level, and then the next level.

 

If you are young, and have money and time to go get a degree in ceramics, this is probably the fastest way to get to the next level, and get pointed into a direction for a post-college career. It would be by far the more intensive option, and you would have access to all the information you would want or need (plus extra) and after 2-3 years you can move into a career.

 

I know several successful potters, however, who did not need a university-level education to become a "potter." if you want to teach, then yes, a degree is necessary. If all you want to do is make and sell your work, i think you could get your higher learning education by hand picking upper-level intense workshops around the country, and have full access to a studio where you can practise and perfect your work. The most important thing to being a successful potter, is not only learning how to DO it, it is learning you to find your own voice - how to make pots that are your own, and a reflection of you as a person and a potter. This is the thing that takes the most time, and a university level education doesn't guaruntee that this will come any easier! It is a personal journey, and it takes everyone a different amount of time.

 

Good luck, and let me know if you want more info, based on your situation. As to how to find a good university program, the information is out there - Ceramics Monthly highlights programs in specific issues, and you could find all those issues for a good start.

 

Leigh Taylor Mickelson