Inside the WHS Ceramics Program

Image: taken by author

At Washington High School, the ceramics program allows students to freely express their talents and art in the form of clay. The class is more than just pottery. The process of transforming raw clay allows students to create personal masterpieces. Whether you’re throwing the pot on the wheel, or making something by hand, the ceramics program is an amazing experience and way for students to connect with others in the art community. 

About the Class

The class is run by Mr. Rodenkirk, who has been the ceramics teacher at WHS for over 13 years. His passion for ceramics is definitely contagious, as many work hard to even come close to his level. He’s an excellent teacher, who really pushes you to do better and be the best potter you can be. There’s three levels to the class: Ceramics 1, Ceramics 2, and AP 3D Art. However, you must start with Ceramics 1, and move yourself up every year in order to take AP 3D Art. 

Students who take the class have the opportunity to learn important life skills, like patience and hard work, in addition to making art. Many students, including myself, find that the skills that they develop can be applied to things outside of the classroom and can help in other areas of life, like problem solving, time management, and even getting back up when faced with personal challenges. If you are willing to take this exciting and challenging class, the only downside is that you will get dirty.

Exploring Techniques

At the beginning of the year, students decide whether or not they want to do hand-building or wheel throwing for the rest of the year. Some like the challenge of throwing and others like the more soothing experience of hand-building. It really just depends on the student, and what they feel more comfortable with. 

Failure is the Key to Success

The class is very hands-on, allowing students to really experiment with different techniques, while also giving them the optimal learning experience. However, it is not easy. Working with clay, especially throwing on the wheel, takes a lot of focus and patience. If you move too fast your project will collapse, and if you move too slowly you can create thin spots. It’s about the perfect balance between wheel speed and the speed at which you move your hands. 

But failure is necessary to succeed in the class. If you are spending all your time on only one thing, then your learning curve will move so much more slowly than if you made a bunch of things that weren’t as good. I made this mistake in my first year of ceramics, and in my second year, in Ceramics 2, Mr. Rodenkirk assigned me to make 40 handled cups as punishment. Ultimately, it made me better, as I could throw a lot faster, and take less time making projects while also making them equally as good, even though half of my cups were not pretty. 

Advice for New Students

If you are considering joining the ceramics class, it’s important to know that while it’s extremely fun, it takes a lot of dedication. Students have to put time and effort into making their projects. It’s not recommended to slack off in class; however, most of the time Mr R. stays after school for hours and lets students continue their late work and projects. To earn a grade in the class, all you have to do is upload a photo everyday of the work you’ve done onto a slideshow, until you’ve completed whatever you’ve been working on.

The Ceramics class is not just an artistic outlet, but a place where you are taught learning through failure, patience, and determination. The class allows you to grow as an artist, and as a person too. With the help from Mr. Rodenkirk and the ceramics community, students taking the class are inspired to challenge themselves and hone their skills.