New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics Programme

Summary

Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts.

The Ceramics Studio at Otago Polytechnic is the largest in the country and the department has strong partnerships across the country. This has led to the establishment of six studio locations in Auckland, Waiheke, Hamilton, Otaki, Hawkes Bay and Christchurch where distance students can undertake practical classes.

This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.

Successful completion of this programme could lead to you becoming a successful practising artist, with the ability to understand and use your creativity to contribute significantly to your community.

The transferable skills you gain during this programme will also be highly valued in a variety of fields in the art, education and design sectors.
Skills required:

• Creativity and imagination.
• The ability to think laterally and independently.
• To be motivated and have a good work ethic.
• Confidence and the ability to accept criticism.
• To be adaptable and open to new ideas.

Further study options:

We also offer the New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) which Level 5 graduates may wish to transition into to complete further study. The successful completion of the Level 6 programme can then be a step towards our Level 7 Bachelor of Visual Arts degree.

Course descriptions

This programme is made up of four studio-specific courses and complimentary courses that add to the students understanding of the history and theory of art making, as well as drawing, specific technical glaze methods and research methods. A list of the courses offered follows…

Studio Courses

Studio Methods 1 and Studio Methods 2: Be introduced to the core skills needed in the development of art work in this medium. Through a variety of studio techniques, you will learn how to transfer ideas into clay.

Ceramic Arts 1 and Ceramic Arts 2: Explore and extend your technical skills and knowledge about Ceramics practice. Make objects and artifacts that develop a personal concept of the medium in both functional and non-functional applications.

Complimentary Studio Courses

Visual Language 1: Become familiar with the language of art and design. Formal art/design elements will be considered alongside key theoretical ideas which inform contemporary practices of visual and oral culture. You will be required to evaluate and critique visual culture, research theoretical texts and apply your research to write an academic essay and craft an oral presentation.

Drawing 1: Gain the technical skills and a variety of media which are vital to the production of works in Drawing and Design while broadening your understanding of the visual arts. You will be introduced to analytical aspects of observational drawing and, under direction, you will develop and complete a series of specific technical drawing exercises.

Art/Craft Theory and History 1: Enjoy being introduced to a variety of ways of thinking and writing about the visual arts in a historical context. This course also tracks the significance of art throughout history in relation to different cultural and social structures, including local indigenous culture.

Glaze Practical 1: Through online learning and studio technical research, you will be introduced to the specifics of Glaze formula and recipe. You will make, test and evaluate glaze finishing methods in studio outcomes.