Mixed Media Drawings with Emphasis on Ceramic Materials

Abstract

The purpose and scope of this thesis has been to expand the concept of drawing to include ceramic materials in focusing on and clarifying notions of the human landscape. Initially traditional drawing problems of still life, figure and landscape were undertaken. The landscape problem was regarded as a good beginning point since it was free of the forceful references that could have easily overwhelmed cityscape studies before a visual understanding could be solidly established. The landscape problem was focused on and underwent a series of changes beginning with rough sketch-like studies through "realistic rendering" to limited and, finally, extreme abstraction. While the landscapes were undergoing the final steps of abstraction and compositional lessons were being gained, small cityscape studies were begun. At the same time conventional drawing was engaged to set upa kind of dialogue to help isolate and understand the concerns. The central feature of a human scale of change began to emerge and take form in wet clay pieces. A personal vision of the nature of urban existence was distilled out of concluding work and will continue to have momentum beyond this thesis. Drawing concepts have been successfully submerged in ceramic materials. Ceramic processes and materials have gained flexibility and versatility paralleling drawing or painting. Finally, specific to ceramic craft, working methods, skills and knowledge have been broadened to include a whole range of slip application techniques, methods of glaze application and treatment, overglaze techniques, firing systems and numerous other technical possibilities. In short, the borders of technical possibility have been approached and are in view.