The NMMU Ceramic Department offers outstanding facilities and a vibrant staff that are constantly involved with current trends and events. The department has a comprehensive Ceramic Design course and a Ceramic Fine Art component.

The Ceramic Design Course is geared to equip learners with the necessary techniques and information for starting their own business once they graduate. The course runs over 3 years, and covers clay hand building, slip casting, press moulding, plaster mould making, jiggering, transfer printing, throwing, glaze and kiln technology. At 3^rd year level, learners are encouraged to experiment with their own concepts and to formulate new designs that may become the start of their signature range.

The course also touches on the business component of running a small ceramic studio. Learners are given instruction on costing wares, product evaluation, marketing and product design. Furthermore, learners are exposed to direct selling to the public through the department’s Red Earth Clay Project initiative, an “earn and learn” project, which facilitates an in-house gallery.

The Ceramic Fine Art component is primarily focused on the conceptual nature of the artwork. The instruction concentrates on the fabrication of the proposed pieces and their installation and purpose.

Papers presented will include “Figurative Forms and Changing Markets,” “Of Dreams, Clay and People: The Artistry of Seni Awa Camara,” “Women Potters of the Folona, Mali,” and “Ritual Vessels Amongst Some Traditional Healers in E. Mpumalanga.”

Also presented will be two films, and at least eleven different workshops, ranging from traditional forming and firing methods to firing in gas kilns. In addition, three different galleries will have ceramics exhibitions which conference attendees will be able to visit.

This sounds like a fascinating and very informative experience! You can get more information about the conference here… Follow the links on the left-hand side of the page.