Shaped by the Sea, Shaped by the Hand: Marine Biology and Ceramic Art

This program will investigate marine environments and life from the perspectives of science and 3D art and design with an emphasis on ceramics. We will study how physical, chemical, and geological processes shape marine environments and determine the forms and adaptations of organisms that inhabit these environments. While learning how to shape clay, students will create objects that consider how the sea, and sea life, has inspired works of art and design. We will also examine how both scientific findings and artwork shape society's attitudes towards conservation and exploitation of marine systems. Conceptual material as well as methods and skills will be developed through lectures, lab work, field work, studio work and seminars. 

In winter quarter, the marine biology component will focus on the diversity and adaptations of marine life. Spring quarter will focus on marine ecology examining various habitats including estuaries, intertidal beaches, wetland and the deep-sea. We will learn about the factors that explain the species diversity, distributions and productivity in these habitats. Field work will focus on examining local marine habitats and lab work will focus on the use of microscopy to study marine organisms. 

In the ceramics component during winter, we will learn about the physical and chemical structure of clay, glazes, and their mineral elements. Skill building for ceramic art-making will be a focus through weekly ceramics workshops and lectures. Students will be introduced to a variety of forming processes, including hand-building and throwing, how to use different types of clays, low and high-fire glazes and surface treatment techniques with slips, stains, and glazes. Using these techniques to represent the marine environments and organisms we have observed, we will create sculptural objects and functional pieces. In spring quarter, we will continue to integrate our understanding of structure and function into studio work, building skills and adding complexity to our designs. 

Work that integrates science and art will include seminar discussions and independent interdisciplinary projects. The seminar, involving discussion and active writing exercises, will examine how artwork represents a narrative about nature that reflects culture, and how the design and production of everyday objects are deeply connected to the environment. Students will also learn about the scientific process by analyzing scientific research articles. Interdisciplinary student projects will include research on marine organisms and the application of ceramics skills to produce artwork inspired by their findings.