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Department of Art at Union

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The Department of Art is affiliated with several organizations and programs that enhance student learning:

Recent Student Scholarship

Ceramic Faceting

Presenter: Sarah Robinson
Faculty Project Advisor: Christopher Nadaskay

What is faceting? Faceting is a ceramic technique that involves cutting or slicing into the surface of a thrown form. This can be done by using tools like wires, knives, or other unexpected tools such as cheese cutters. Faceting allows for additional surface texture as well as visible interest to a form. It can be a great way to experiment with clay, and lead to new ideas that interact with the glazes differently. Depending on the desired outcome, one can facet while their piece is still on the wheel or wait for the clay to stiffen to a leatherhard state. History of faceting: Ceramic faceting has developed over time through many centuries and artists. It is believed to have originated from Asian descent and has since then been modernized and further developed. Research shows that faceting originated during the Iron Age around 400 BCE. The ceramic artist Mike Dodd is currently recognized for his input on faceted pottery. He began faceting his pots directly on the wheel as it was spinning. Why I enjoy faceting: I enjoy faceting because I feel it adds textural character and visual appeal to my forms. I also appreciate that it comes from an Asian descent, considering my mother is Korean and it feels like a personal representation that I can incorporate into my work. I also feel that it allows my pots to have a unique addition to them that can relate to my preferred forms and glazes. Faceting artists I admire: Some of Mike Dodd's faceted work is where I drew inspiration in my first faceted pieces. I enjoy the angular look his facets give his pots, which is something I wanted to try on my own forms. This led to a wide range of faceting experimentation throughout my work today. How I can apply it to my work: I plan on pursuing faceting in my future work. Through my experience, research, and experimentation, I thoroughly enjoy faceting and hope to apply my knowledge of it to my coming work. I hope to continue experimenting with new faceting patterns, while still maintaining personal and customer favorites

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