Lesley Baker is a ceramic artist, sculptor and educator. Before joining the faculty at RISD, she taught at the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis, IN; UC Berkeley; and the California College of the Arts. She has an undergraduate degree in Architecture from Texas A&M University and an MFA in Ceramics from RISD. Her current work explores the resilience and power of nature by depicting adaptations of animals, idealized depictions in patterns and reuse of natural materials.
Ceramics and printmaking have a shared ethos in the production of multiples and process-driven technical methods. This is reflected in industry but is not often explored in an academic context. This course would be the first at RISD to explore the rich resources of the Ceramics and Printmaking Departments to promote research into innovative ways to combine the disciplines. For almost three centuries ceramics have been enhanced by printed elements. The combination of ceramic and print technologies have tremendous potential for new applications in functional and sculptural approaches to ceramic multiples and printed editions. RISD has all the facilities in ceramics and printmaking required to pursue research in this field. Students will learn ceramic techniques such as hand-building and slip casting to create forms to hold screen printed, intaglio, relief, and digital images. Historical techniques will be presented and new methods and combinations will be developed.
The purpose of this course is to prepare a written thesis. You will be required to develop an outline, bibliography, and first and second drafts. Completion and presentation will be during the following spring semester. Schedule individually arranged with instructor.
Enrollment is limited to second-year Graduate Ceramics Students.
This course will explore digital design and production methods of ceramic objects within the context of contemporary art and design. Students will undertake a series of projects utilizing 3D modeling applications to produce forms that can be fabricated by additive technologies including direct extrusion of clay. Students will also build an open source printer to gain a better understanding of the adaptability and control of the tools they will be using. Rhino will be used as the primary CAD tool and students will need to provide their own laptop with Rhino installed. Experience with both ceramics and 3D modeling preferred.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
CER 4198-01 - SENIOR THESIS
LevelUndergraduate
UnitCeramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 9
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
CER 4198-01
SENIOR THESIS
LevelUndergraduate
UnitCeramics
Subject Ceramics
PeriodSpring 2025
Credits9
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PMInstructor(s): Lesley BakerLocation(s): Metcalf Building, Room 320Enrolled / Capacity: 10Status: Closed
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The second semester is a continuation of the senior degree project begun in the Fall. The work and ideas are further developed and refined for final presentation at the Woods-Gerry Gallery.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Senior Ceramics Students.
