Advanced Experimental Photo on Clay (online course)

Image by Lin Oakerson, student of Anne Eders Experimental Photography on Clay class

Advanced Experimental Photo on Clay (online course)

Spring 2026
Dates: January 28 - April 15, 2026 (12 classes)
Day/Time: meets Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Anne Eder

Are you someone who enjoys combining art and science? If so, this course may be for you. Photography on clay is still an area of discovery, and in previous sessions, we barely scratched the surface of understanding the physical and chemical web and the fascinating intersections of organic and inorganic crossover of these two mediums. While it is not essential to come to this with a photographic background, some knowledge of the medium or a willingness to learn about it is helpful. The materials list can be built on an individual basis around your interests, or you can gather a basic kit - see the materials list for information. Be part of the exciting and synergistic dialogue between photographers and ceramic artists and contribute to making new discoveries in real time!

Note: This is an Intermediate-Advanced class. You must have taken the basic (introductory) level of this Experimental Photography on Clay course (offered in Fall 2025 and prior semesters) or an equivalent course about light-sensitive processes with ceramic materials before enrolling. We reserve the right to drop participants who have registered without the necessary prerequisite skills and experience.

The registration for Spring 2026 Ceramics Online Course will open on December 2nd at 10:00am. Visit our Registration Policies page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.

Materials List (Suggested):

Transparency medium for creating negatives
Glass and clips
Some trays for processing
No darkroom needed but processes require a “dim” room without daylight (UV light).
Working in winter may require a UV light source. Inexpensive blacklights work.

Choice Of:

Solar Fast dyes and wash
Cyanotype kit
Silver based processing chemistry or liquid emulsion
Assorted chemicals as needed for other processes involving light sensitive salts of metals TBD
Ammonium dichromate
Gum Arabic or similar colloid
Mason stains, underglazes, light colored clay body such as white stoneware or porcelain

Many chemicals are available on Amazon and Ebay! Also Artcraft Chemicals, Photographer's Formulary, and Bostick & Sullivan. Silverlight if you are in the UK. Please feel free to email with any questions.

All registered students will receive an email confirmation with the class syllabus one week before the start date.

Tool Purchases:

Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

Course Fees: $25 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $565 for Harvard Graduate Students; $565 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing.
Course Fees: For this online course, your course fee covers instruction only. Local students may drop-off and pick-up class projects for firing at the cost of $0.06 per cubic inch. This can only be arranged by your instructor. Bisque fired cone 6 porcelain tiles will be available through the studio at a cost of $3.00 per tile plus shipping and handling if applicable. If you are interested in purchasing tiles for use in this class, please email Ji-Eun Kim, Administrative Coordinator, directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

User types:

Adult Community: 18+; General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; students from universities other than Harvard.
Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard).
Harvard College Undergraduate Students: Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
Harvard Graduate Students: Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.

Questions?

For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration or purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.