Pulling the clay up with your knuckles while applying equal pressure, then pushing it down, as the smooth surface glides across your hands. For many students, clay is the process of creative expression providing the opportunity to showcase fine craftsmanship.The calming methodical technique of ceramic wheel throwing has always served a dutiful purpose at the high school.
Wheel throwing is the shaping of clay into pots or other round objects, using an electronic station, a horizontal revolving disk controlled by a pedal, called a potter’s wheel. Nowadays, students face the stress of AP exams, class finals, large amounts of homework, and the demand to maintain straight As. To combat this intense academic schedule, studies have shown working with one’s hands improves emotional well-being and satisfies one’s cognitive function. The ceramics courses are the solution to alleviating this pressure. The program has been wildly successful as people yearn to use their hands, regardless of the way their product might turn out.
Fortunately, the high school provides many distinct levels of wheel throwing, the highest caliber being the intensive program. The person responsible for this successful class is Amie Larson, the high school’s long-time ceramics teacher.
At the bottom of the pyramid, there are introductory classes that last for one term or ten weeks. These include ‘Beginning: Wheel-Throwing’: where you master the basics of the wheel, and ‘Ceramics Sculpture’: where you learn to hand build clay forms. Generally, to acquire the skill necessary for later independent work, it is recommended to take both courses. Consequently, there is the ‘Advanced Ceramics’ course, which is solely functional wheel throwing and lasts for twenty weeks, half the year.
“Once you get into this program,” said Larson, “I view myself much more as a coach. Now, you understand how to ride a bike, which path do you choose?”
The main difference between these two preliminary courses is that Beginning Wheel-Throwing requires cookie cutter skills, such as creating tumblers, bowls, handles, etc. In Advanced, it is more about personal expression and less about learning technique. In other words, students are honing their skills for artistic endeavors.
“I would say that Ms. Larson was super helpful and met each student’s personal needs,” said Audrey Tushman ’27, aspiring ceramics student. “She walked us through the process since everything was new for most people.”
After taking the requisite classes, the intensive application process begins. With a portfolio and a recommendation from Ms. Larson, the high school’s Ceramics teacher, a student is eligible for the full year intensive program.
The typical routine of an intensive class begins with Ms. Larson giving out a prompt for a certain project. Then, students use their creative intuition to design original unique pieces on theme with the prompt. This way, the high school intensive program fosters personal growth.
One example of the projects is to create a place setting from the assigned summer sketches.
“I had a student who had the idea of Friday movie night. He made a popcorn container, some candy dishes; he made the plates for a Friday night,” Larson said.
Ceramics Intensive involves innovative and productive processes, which also requires outside responsibilities. Students can submit their work to shows or an open portfolio gallery, and attend field trips.
Open galleries are showcases for parents and friends who are interested to see the work at the high school. This year’s final project entails the creation of a closed form, or a teapot. Photo courtesy of Amie Larson.
Intensive students are expected to recycle and maintain clay, and make the studio a clean, open place for everyone.
“My favorite projects were the heritage pieces that we did at the start of the year, and my show stoppers, because those are the pieces that I am the most proud of and what I think represent me as an artist the most,” said Grace Medley ’24, a ceramics intensive student.
Perhaps the most significant part of the Intensive program is the chance to participate in competitions. Not only does the ceramics course provide a therapeutic experience, but also shares the opportunity to compete against others and receive possible rewards. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is open to everyone who is willing to submit their work, no matter what the skill or course level is. It is also one of the few ways that art students are able to get recognition for their work, and possibly win a cash prize or extra funding for future scholarships.
“The art is always unique, and [competitions are] still about the only way for an art student to get recognition and for the art department to get recognition,” said Thomas Carter K-12 Director of Art.
Fostering creativity consists of the right environment and the right mindset that values curiosity and resilience. The intensive program encourages diverse perspectives as a part of the learning process. This way, the high school unlocks the full potential of individuals and empowers them to reach their imaginative capabilities.
“It’s such a fun way to use your hands,” said Ms. Larson, “and it’s also a calming experience for most students.”