MFA Programme in Crafts, Ceramic Art

The master’s programme in Crafts specializing in ceramic art is based on artistic exploration through materials and concepts. As a student of the programme, you will gain a deeper understanding of material, explore the richness in variation in ceramic expression, and investigate the dialogue between practitioner, method, material, and the surrounding world. You will develop skill-based knowledge and enhance your execution of artistic work based on your own artistic inquiries within ceramic art. About All societies need reference points to form their future and to orient themselves in the present. Crafts constitute such a reference point through their associations with human needs and activities. The subject of crafts extends from tradition to science, forming an exciting, artistic arena. The programme is an all-encompassing environment that involves constant exchange and interaction between undergraduate education, research, and society. The master’s programme in Crafts has three specializations: • jewellery art • ceramic art • textile art Collaborative work environment and individual development The courses are taken together with students from the other specializations, but your work will be done within ceramic art. During your education, you will develop your ability to initiate and resolve artistic projects creating vital confidence with your own working methods. This demands independence and the capacity for initiative. You will have the opportunity to broaden your frame of reference, develop exploratory artistic working methods, and deepen your technical and theoretical knowledge. Our study groups are small and you will work in close cooperation with fellow students and staff. Additionally, you will have an individually allocated workplace and generous access to the school. Support in shaping your artistic expression Artistic exploration through materials and concepts is the basis of the programme. Course work encourages the development of skill-based knowledge, fosters debate about the meaning of material inquiries, and investigates the conceptual identity of crafts. Through studio work, theory and reflection, you will shape your artistic expression, and will have further support with lectures, seminars, and supervision. The artistic and investigatory process comprises the foundation of the programme and you will have access to well-equipped workshops and study places. Specializing in ceramic art The ceramic department holds light and beautiful workshops, several electrical kilns, and three combined electrical and gas kilns. We have plaster, casting, and glazing workshops. You also have access to the workshop at Nääs that has a unique kiln park with an anagama kiln, a salt glazing kiln, and a tunnel kiln—all fired with wood. Elective Programme Courses Several of the programmes include the requirement to take elective programme courses. These courses aim to expand your knowledge in other artistic areas and provide opportunities to develop your skills and abilities. In the elective courses, you will meet students from other disciplines. You apply for the elective courses based on an annually decided course offering. Programme structure and content During the first semester you are introduced to various tools and methods with the aim of identifying your own area of interest within your chosen subject specialization. During the second semester you realize an in-depth artistic projects within your chosen subject specialization and develop insight into your own working methods and artistic choices. During the third semester you further develops in your artistic practice and knowledge of materials, techniques and making. You begin work on your degree project by formulating a project plan and a theoretical basis for the independent work in parallel with the practice-based research work. During the fourth semester you complete the independent degree project, including a major artistic work, a degree report and a presentation of the project within the framework of a degree exhibition. Who should apply? Do you want to investigate the narrative of the ceramic object? Are you fascinated with the ceramic expression’s richness in variation? Do you want to investigate how ceramic material, techniques, and expressions can be used in public space through a craft perspective? If you want to pursue artistic exploration through the materials and concepts of ceramics, then apply for the master’s programme in Crafts specializing in ceramic art. After graduation Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Fine Arts in Crafts with a specialization in Ceramic Art. Successful completion of the programme anticipates that you will be ready for a professional career as a ceramic artist. You will also be prepared to apply for postgraduate studies in the field. Facilities HDK-Valands facilities on Kristinelundsgatan, where the programme is situated, are situated in the middle of Gothenburg in the same building complex as Röhsska Museum of Design and Crafts. It is an international study environment with well-equipped workshops close to the arts.