In an era of instant communication ruled by texting and e-mails, Chandra DeBuse molds her artistic message with something more permanent— clay.
DeBuse, a master’s student in the UF Ceramics program, is a potter who focuses on creating functional vessels for tableware, such as mugs, cups and bowls.
She is one of 10 graduate students and one of about 30 total students in UF’s Ceramics program.
Students in the program work with clay to create figure sculptures and sculptural objects.
UF ceramics professor Linda Arbuckle said one of the great things about the program is that it offers no limit to the creations students can make with clay.
“I think the idea of making something permanent from a permeable object is pretty exciting,” Arbuckle said.
Students interested in receiving a degree in ceramics have to apply to get into the program as juniors, but the UF School of Art and Art History offers an introductory level ceramics class for nonmajor students.
Arbuckle said students from a variety of majors and specializations, including architecture and pre-dental students, take the introductory course.
However, students interested in getting a degree in ceramics can use the program as a networking opportunity and a chance to meet visiting artists.
DeBuse said the ceramics program has developed a strong sense of community
When someone makes a life-size sculpture, they need help lifting it into the kiln, and their classmates are there to assist them.
“The nature of working in clay is that you are part of a community,” DeBuse said.
