Erika Nj Allen (MFA Ceramics 2023)
Erika Nj Allen (MFA Ceramics 2023)
David Hollander (MFA Ceramics 2019)
David Hollander (MFA Ceramics 2019)
Chris Salas (MFA Ceramics 2023)
Chris Salas (MFA Ceramics 2023)
Ceramics Philosophy

Noah Zirpoli (MFA Ceramics 2023), installation at the 2023 Graduate Degree Exhibition at Cranbrook Art Museum.

Photo by Sarah C Blanchette.

Ceramics Philosophy

Ceramics Philosophy

Materially specific, conceptually prolific

The Ceramics department looks deeply into the ceramic spectrum, finding strength in its position as a material strategy for conceptual form and idea–making. The landscape of ceramics is a vast open-ended question, with links to design, crafts, the art world, industry, and engineering. Together we look outward and inward, back through the history of ceramics, and forward into new and culturally relevant material opportunities.

We carefully consider the history of ceramics, the processes that shape the material and production, and the tools themselves, which act as catalysts for our studio work. We carefully consider the way objects are made and explore a diverse range of approaches ranging from hand construction and slip casting to 3D prototypingThese aspects of history, materiality, and process form a contextually rich visual language in which to explore a materially specific yet conceptually unbound studio practice.

Ian McDonald

The Cranbrook Experience in Ceramics

Ian McDonald

The Cranbrook Experience in Ceramics

Student Work

Student Work
Wade Tullier, 2016
Student Work
Kirsten Helmer, 2018
Student Work
Alex Youkanna, 2018
Student Work
Hayden Richer, 2018
Student Work
Brian Vu, 2019
Student Work
Laurie Longtin, 2019
Student Work
Christine Rebhuhn, 2015
Student Work
Lindsey Dezman, 2014
Student Work
Jon Geiger, 2014
Student Work
Sarah Jones, 2014

Alumni Profile

Donald Lipski, Ceramics '73

Alumni Profile

Donald Lipski, Ceramics '73

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The Cranbrook Ceramics department finds strength in the position of ceramics as a material and as a strategy for conceptual form and idea making.