Target and Self-Conception
The commitment of the field of study Free Ceramic Art is to give students the ability to make a significant contribution to contemporary art using ceramics as the selected means of expression.
In the concert of the various German art schools and especially at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz the ceramics class of Prof. Jochen Brandt describes itself as an artistic experimental laboratory, where modern and traditional ceramic techniques are tried out and experienced in an experimental manner.
The objective is to materialize their own individual creative ideas as well as being sensitized for the different effects of earthen media. Learning about the possible and daring the impossible is beneficial to the development of students� own characteristic style while unfolding a distinctive, artistic concept.
The course enables graduates to work as freelance artists and to get involved in different creative areas.
Study Contents and subjects offered
The realization of artistic notions and tasks is done during the course at the same time as the manual and aesthetic penetration of the ceramic material.
In the artistic sense ceramic is being investigated and explored and methods of craftsmanship are practised in order to persist as a means of expression in art altogether.
Students get familiar with the vast range of possibilities and limits of ceramic materials and colours. They practise different firing techniques and learn how to handle fire.
In addition to the required raw materials the Institute of Ceramic and Glass Arts offers an Asian, woodfired furnace, a traditional woodfired salt glaze furnace, modern gas and electric furnaces as well as self-designed experimental furnaces.
Furthermore, the teaching offered includes the intensive individual and group support by the professor and the respective lecturers of the different areas like painting, graphics, sculpture, photography, architecture and building history as well as art history and philosophy.
A major concern of the subject is staying close to the current art scene and keeping in touch with other art faculties.
Exchange of Ideas and Critical Reflection
A special feature of the Free Ceramic Art Course is the intensive exchange of creative ideas. Once per year internationally well-known artists teach students of the ceramics class for four weeks.
The existing exchange programmes allow students to spend one semester abroad. Also a high percentage of gifted foreign students is part of our studio community.
Regular field trips and the emphasis of art history in particular help foster critical reflection of the students� works in view of contemporary art.
Exhibition participation, competitions, art in construction, entering a dialogue with exhibition organizers, curators and gallery owners are part of the course programme and should support students� access to independent creative activities and discover the wealth of artistic areas of activity.
