Advanced Experimental Photography on Clay - Online Course
Advanced Experimental Photography on Clay - Online Course
Spring 2027
Dates: January 27 - April 21, 2027* (12 classes)
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom
Level: Intermediate to 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 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!
*There will be no class on Wednesday, March 10th due to instructor travel.
Registration for this online-only course will open on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesday, December 1 at 10:00am. Visit our Registration Policies page for detailed instructions on our registration process.
Materials List
Suggested Materials List:
- 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 (includes ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide needed for other processes. I recommend buying dry chemicals)
- Silver-based processing chemistry or liquid emulsion. This includes silver nitrate and ammonium thiocyanate (optional)
- Assorted chemicals as needed for other processes involving light-sensitive salts of metals. This generally means copper sulfate, platinum, or palladium, and gold chloride. (always optional!)
- Gum Arabic, agar, casein as needed for pigment load processes
- 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 the instructor with 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; $575 for Harvard Graduate Students; $575 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing. For this online-only course, your course fee covers instruction only.
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 Manager, Ji-Eun Kim.
- For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.