Inspired by History - Live!
Session 2: July 2 – July 23 (4 classes)
Day/Time: Fridays, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Dennis McLaughlin
Course Description: Let’s think globally as we seek inspiration for both form and function from potters in the last 10,000 years! Each class will be spent examining the functional pottery made during a different time period and cultures from around the globe. Objects from the online collections of the Harvard Art Museums will inspire demonstrations both on and off the wheel. Recordings of the instructor's direct interaction with the work at the Harvard Art Museums study lab will be featured thanks to Angela Chang, Assistant Director, Conservator of Sculpture and Head of Objects Lab.
We’ll consult with curators and conservators from these museums for special insights into objects when possible. With your registration, you will receive both a Zoom link to the class and access to a Harvard Google Classroom which will provide a place for sharing of ideas, discussion, hand-outs and will feature recordings of each class. In case you miss a class or would like to review, these recordings will be available for 30 days after the end of the cours
Photo Credit: Angela Chang, Assistant Director, Conservator of Sculpture and Head of Objects Lab
Image: David Drake, American (Edgefield County, South Carolina c. 1800 - c. 1870 probably Edgefield County, South Carolina)
Suggested Materials List:
- Basic Pottery Tool Kit
- Clay
Additional tools you may consider:
- Serrated metal rib
or scoring tool or fork (if you don’t have a serrated metal rib) - X-acto knife (that will be used for clay only)
- Variety of brushes for ceramic application
- Cup for water
- Board for your working area (Hardi-board, masonite-board, dry-wall or even stiff cardboard).
Clay and Material Purchases
This course fee covers instruction only. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own clay. Here is the list of available clays, tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You can also purchase the supplies at your local art supply store or online. If you would have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Glazing and Firing Services
Registered students are welcome to drop off, fire and glaze your ceramic work through the Harvard Ceramics program. We charge 3 cents per cubic inch for all firings (bisque and glaze). We offer electric kiln (Cone 06 for bisque, 6 for glaze), high fire reduction and soda vapor firings (Cone 10). Specialty firing temperatures can be arranged. At the end of each session, you will be invoiced for the cost of your firings.
Session 1 Course Fee: Free for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $200 for Harvard Graduate Students, Harvard employees and Adult Community.
Session 2 Course Fee: Free for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $200 for Harvard Graduate Students, Harvard employees and Adult Community.
Registration will begin on Monday, May 10th at 11:00 AM ET and end Wednesday, May 27th at 4pm ET.
For questions regarding course content, policies or materials, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
Location: Zoom