|
BA (Hons) Ceramics-by distance learning? Barbara Attard Pettett
|
||
|
‘How can a hands-on subject such as Ceramics possibly be offered by distance learning?’ I wondered as I studied the advertisement in Ceramic Review nearly 4 years ago? I was so intrigued that, since Ceramics has long been the outlet for my creative urges, I decided to apply to the Glasgow School of Art to find out more. Nine months later, in September 2004, I was attending the first residential of my course.
The GSA had started to offer distance degrees in Ceramics just one year previously, and were still refining the course content, but in that first packed residential, we had a hand building workshop with Ken Eastman, a throwing workshop with John Mguire to improve finishing skills, a week of drawing, and a frenetic introduction to Historical and Cultural Studies. I am now at the end my third year, and other tutors have included Tony Franks showing surface textures with added materials to clay; Ron Lang and Sharon Edwards Russell from Maryland University, USA who introduced the American perspective on ceramics and teaching in an Identity project. This forced us into seriously examining the direction our work was going; Prof Sebastian Blackie from the University of Derby with his paper kilns and wire cutting techniques; Marion Brandis from Germany in a workshop on Architectural Ceramics and Greg Daly from Australia who is passionate about glazes and glazing techniques
|
||
 Ken Eastman, with long rolling pin for his large slab built work |
 Lathe work-plaster workshop |
 John Maguire after a demo session |
|
The course, although lasting 6 years with 2 residentials yearly, is split into 3 separate modules with 3 possible exit points. The first 2 years lead to a Diploma, the second 2 years to a General degree, and the final 2 years to an Honours degree in Ceramics. The residentials last 2 weeks and projects worked on for the previous 6 months must be presented to tutors and other students, both part time and full time. Historical and Critical Studies essays must also be submitted and these alternate with verbal presentations on set subjects. Every 2 years external examiners scrutinize the previous 2 years’ work and grade students. As I draw close to the end of my third year, this is a time when I can assess the course overall, and what I have gleaned from it. While any preconceived notions I may have had about being ‘taught’ theory of ceramic materials were soon banished, because of the serious lack of resources here and the few antiquated ceramics books available in our libraries, I have had to learn to research information from the most unlikely places, and chase up materials and supplies from unusual sources. This can actually be seen as a bonus as it can lead to an original presentation which may stand out from the rest of the year. An example of this (below) is my use of Italian clay and colourful underglazes in an Architectural project presented in April 2007. |
||
|
Greg Daly- glaze on glaze techniques
|
 Project April 2007 |
|
|
An unexpected bonus of this course is unrelated to ceramics, but is necessary for presenting projects professionally. I have had to attend various computer courses to learn how to make presentations and how to take and manipulate photographs. The above picture of tiles demonstrates a manipulated background.
When life seems to conspire against me and sends computer crashes, kiln failures, family and job difficulties simultaneously, I do question my sanity in undertaking the demands of this course, but my deep satisfaction in being able to further my studies in Ceramics in Malta always helps me to overcome obstacles and frustrations. I would certainly encourage anyone who is passionate about ceramics but cannot attend full time overseas to seriously consider a distance degree.
Further information can be found at www.gsa.ac.uk
|
||
