The word “Ceramic” is derived from the Greek word (keramikos) meaning “of pottery” or “for pottery”. Ceramic, can be used as an adjective to describe a material, product or process. Ceramic art is art made from ceramic materials that include clay. This art can have vivid forms like artistic pottery, tableware, tiles, figurines and other sculptures. Most of the traditional ceramic products were made from clay, shaped and subjected to heat. Unlike these products, tableware and decorative ceramics are generally still produced in this way. In modern ceramic usage, ceramics is a process in making objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials by the action of heat. All these elements of ceramic art depend upon the degrees of emphasis laid on from different times.
So, if you one of those who would love to explore such vast arena in Ceramic and create something very beautiful, decorative and who is highly respected and financed by the artistic communities at the same time, then you may visit this article to find out the courses, colleges, career options that would help you in becoming a ceramic expert after class 12th.
DIFFERENT METHODS IN SHAPING CLAY TO PRODUCE CERAMIC ITEMS
To go deeper into a field and explore the whole of it, one must acquire some knowledge about how clay is shaped and textured in order to produce such a variety of ceramic items.
· Bowls and vases are shaped typically after being placed on the centre of a pottery wheel (a thick heavy round plate that spins). As the lump of clay spins, a ceramicist shapes it with his hands.
· How is a figurine made? Clay and water is mixed (also known as slip) and then poured into a plaster mould. When the outside edges start to dry, the liquid in the centre is poured out. The figurine is removed from the mould when it is almost dry.
· After the items are ready to be dried, they are put into a special oven known as a kiln. The high temperatures help evaporate or meltdown any moisture that is left in the clay letting the piece turn harder. A glaze is also brushed many times on this piece to form a glassy coating on the surface.
CERAMIC ARTISTS/ EXPERTS AND SKILLS REQUIRED
The ceramic experts use different types of techniques and earthenware materials, carbide, inorganic materials, non-metallic materials, clay and silicon to make sculptures, artefacts, pottery and much more utility items. With an ever-growing need for customisable items and accessories are what people generally prefer for their houses, cafes and business spaces to decorate and add beauty to their lives as well. In this respect, the skills of a ceramic expert are highly valued and in demand, with its growing idea of exclusivity and increasing consumerism in the coming years, the choice of making a career as a ceramic expert shall be highly appreciated with huge success rates. The skills required are as follows:
· Must appreciate and value art.
· Should have proper drawing and illustration skills.
· Must be creative and have the zest to provide something unique.
· Must have a deeper knowledge about every material used.
· Should spread awareness regarding the new related environmental changes, demand and fashion.
COURSES TO JOIN TO BECOME A CERAMIC EXPERT
Aspirants after completing their 10+2 level education in any stream can opt for 2-4 years degree course in ceramic arts from various institutes offering a bachelor’s degree.
· An aspirant after completing 10+2 level examination can pursue a degree in Bachelor in Fine Arts (3 years, UG course). On its completion along with the training period, a focused person can build his career as a Ceramic expert.
· An aspirant also has to complete the apprenticeship after class 12th at a ceramic art studio to work as a trained expert.
· After completing class 12, one can even apply for a bachelor degree course such as National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad entrance exam. NID offers a course of ceramic and glass design which has a total of 10 seats and the course duration is 4 years.
FEE STRUCTURE
The fee structure varies from one university to the other and also depending on the course it provides.
1. SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS & APPLIED ARTS, MIT ADTU , PUNE
COURSES: The institute offers UG, PG &Ph.D. courses. BFA & MFA courses have five specialisations namely painting, sculpture, ceramic and metalwork, applied arts etc.
ADMISSION PROCESS-
· Admission to BFA is based on the valid score obtained in MAH-AAC-CET exam
· Admission to MFA is based on merit.
· For Ph.D, aspirants need to qualify for the PET entrance exam conducted by the University.
2. VISVA BHARATI UNIVERSITY, WEST BENGAL
COURSE DURATION: 3 years(BVOC, Bachelor of Vocation in Pottery & Ceramic).
ADMISSION PROCESS
· Admission to UG courses is granted on merit.
· Admission to PG level is conducted on the basis of admission test conducted by respective departments.
3. BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY, VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH
ADMISSION PROCESS: For UG courses, admissions are done based on BHU UET .
For PG courses, admissions are done based on BHU PET.
For Ph.D. admissions are done based on BHU RET.
Some other top colleges in India are:
· University of Mumbai, Mumbai.
· Rishihood University, Sonepat.
· Imagination Academy of Fine arts, Delhi.
· National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
· MIT Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy, Pune.
CAREER OPTIONS
· Ceramist.
· Ceramic Engineer.
· Ceramic and Glass Designer.
· Can even work as a freelancer.
· One can also work at studios contributing with their creative skills.
· Ceramic experts can have their own stores to sell their products even.
· Work as teachers or professors in colleges by giving private coaching.
TOP COMPANIES
· Tata Ceramics
· Saint Gobain.
· Good Earth.
· Titan
· Clay Craft.
· Dovetail.
· Ekmatra Fashion
· Fenix Ceramic, Gujarat
· National Museum
· Laxmi Ceramic Arts, Ahmedabad.
· All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA).
FAQ’s
Q: Can I apply for this course if I belong from any stream?
A: Yes, you can apply for this course.
Q: Mention 2 cons of being a Ceramic expert.
A: 1) The job requires a lot of hard work and creativity.
2) The expert should acquire high skills and lot of practice,
Q: What is the fee structure at Visva Bharati University if I take up this course?
A: The fee structure is Rs 1 Lakh, the fee structure for the course shall be updated on their official site as well within the due course of time.
Q: Can I join studios that provide courses in ceramic and pottery to keep alive the art of clay and ceramic?
A: Yes you can join.
By Tunisha Banerjee
Also Read :
Leave a comment