Ideas Made Real in Ceramics Class

Matthew Minecci, staff writer

In the Dickinson Building, on the first floor and at the end of the hall, there lies a large room. In it, students can let their creativity flow free by using the magic of clay. With the help of their teacher, Professor of Art Tom Clarkson, they have the ability to turn a simple block of clay into anything they imagine. 

Clarkson first took ceramics back in 1972, and ever since then he has been in love with it. He worked as a full-time potter for a time, then transitioned to teaching part time as well. Now, he teaches full time at PVCC. 

“I’m one of those people that like my job,” said Clarkson. And it is clear that this is true. As I am in Ceramics One (Art 153), I can report first hand that he genuinely enjoys helping students improve and seeing what they can come up with. From just basic pinch pots, to working on the wheel, there are all sorts of different styles that an aspiring student can do in this class. 

But be warned, it’s not all fun and games. To make an item out of clay that not only looks good but also functions in its intended use takes time and effort. Visitors will often see students in the workshop outside of class hours, working on whatever project they may have. 

“People think that ceramics is a class where you can just get your hands dirty and it’s that easy, but its not,” Clarkson said. He went on to say that not just anyone can become good at ceramics, not because of innate talent, but rather their persistence to keep improving. 

Clarkson teaches the majority of the classes for ceramics, with the one class that he doesn’t being taught by professor Ed Miller. The workshop is open to any of the students on Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday to Saturday the room is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The class is in Room 114 on the first floor of the Dickinson building. Of course, anyone is welcome to register for classes next semester.