Molding Creativity

Some students sign up to take art classes at because they need to fill a spot in their schedule, lack credits or want an "easy A.”

Even though they come into classes like ceramics with low expectations, some students find they have a knack for art, and the classes help them find their inner creativity.

“I signed up for ceramics because I am better with creating something with my hands other than drawing," explained senior Sarah Pryor.  

"I signed up to take ceramics because I am a senior, and I wanted to take an easy class," said Chris Hudson. Hudson found out early on in the class that he had a talent for making abstract pieces.

"I just look at everything around me and try to think of ways to put it all together into one piece of art," he explained.

Other students find inspiration from emotion and the people they are around.

“The things I make have a lot to do with how I am feeling at the time,” said senior James Rauch.

This is what makes art so enjoyable for some students; they use it as an outlet.

At the beginning of the year, ceramics class students learn about the basic stages of clay as it dries, how to work with it at every stage, and which tools are best used to shape it.  They also learn how to glaze the clay with different colors of underglaze, and how to finish the pieces with clear glaze after they have been fired in the kiln to create a glossy shine.

The students start off working on pinch pots, one of the easiest things to make. They eventually move on to making boxes, bottles, Greek-style vases, masks and abstracts.

"My favorite project so far has been the bottle, because I made one for my grandpa," said Pryor.

The goal of the class is to have every piece be functional. The bottles, vases and pinch pots made by the students can actually be used.

While working with clay comes easilt to some, others find it extremely challenging, even frustrating.

Art teacher Stephen Klatt says many things can go wrong with works in progress.

“Don’t fall in love with a piece until it has made it through the kiln,” Klatt said, his  constant reminder for his students.

If pieces are not built properly, they can easily explode inside the kiln, destroying other students' work as well.

Some students have a hard time making things that they feel are unique and artistic.

“The most challenging part of ceramics is putting everything together, and the effort it takes to make your pottery unique,” said Rauch.

While the ceramics students work on a variety of projects throughout the year, most of them have the urge to make something completely random.

“I would want to make a giant cow, to give my best friend,” said Pryor.

“I love unicorns,” said Rauch. “I would love to make one in ceramics.”

At the end of the year the students will make busts, of either themselves or someone they know. This final project is puts together everything the students have learned throughout the year.

If successful, ceramics students leave the class with a newfound artistic style and an interesting portfolio of art pieces.