techical tuesday: Glaze Calculation Online from Alfred University.

by | Sep 23, 2014 | Uncategorized

 

Have you ever wondered why cone temperatures are seemingly
random? Have you been frustrated by a glaze that you can’t get to stop crazing.
Have you had enough of your clay body slumping?  What is the deal with Cone 6 anyway? Have you ever wanted to
learn about how glazes work? Do you wonder what goes on in our clay bodies when
we fire them? Do you need a refresher in ceramic materials, or just want to
learn some cool things about clays and glazes?
 The New York
State College of Ceramics at Alfred University has a new opportunity for all
ceramicists out there. This December and January we will offer our Glaze
Calculation and Raw Materials course online. The course will be offered during
our Allen Term, which runs the course of our winter break, December 15th
to January 16th. The class is open to everyone around the world who
wants to learn about ceramic materials.  It is a perfect opportunity if you attended a school that
does not offer a materials course, or if you missed the window to take it at
your school.  The course will be
offered for credit for students currently enrolled at other schools. It is also
open to the general public, if you are a lifelong learner. Maybe you are
someone just getting started in ceramics and want to know more about what is
going on when you fire a glaze. It is also perfect for the professional who
wants to develop the glaze they see in their mind, but just can’t seem to get
on their work.
We will explore everything you need to know about ceramic
materials.  The nature of glazes
and clays, the background on raw materials, ceramic chemistry, how colors work,
oxidation and reduction, firing temperatures and schedules, glaze and clay
flaws and failure, special effect glazes, maximizing clay bodies, food safety,
the unity molecular formula. Everything that you need to know to make your
studio the best it can be.
The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University
is an internationally renowned school for the study of ceramics. We have a long
history of educators dedicated not just to ceramic art, but the holistic study
of Ceramics. Pioneers such as Daniel Rhodes, Val Cushing and John Gill have
strived to make ceramics a dynamic and exciting art form for over 100 years.
Alfred also has one of the world’s best ceramic engineering programs. Professors
like Dr. Bill Carty, pioneers in the study of ceramic science from the artist’s
perspective.
Glaze Calculation Online will be taught by Matt Katz,
Alfred’s professor specializing in ceramic materials. Matt has been teaching
Ceramic Materials at Alfred for over 12 years. Originally studying in the
school of art and design, Matt went on to study with Dr. Carty for many years. Matt
has a special perspective of materials from both the artist and engineer’s
point of view.  Matt’s experience
has allowed him to design a new version of glaze calculation that includes the
intrinsic knowledge of the artists with the wisdom of the ceramic scientist.
We hope that you will join us online this winter; it will be
a course you will always appreciate as you continue to strive to make your
studio experience better. 
Course listing:
Topics: Introduction to Glaze Formulation Online – ART 300 01
For more information regarding enrolment please contact the
university at 607-871-2123
Or visit http://www.alfred.edu/academics/allen-term/
If you have questions you can email Matt Katz:
[email protected]

employment opportunities: Alfred University

by | Feb 25, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

Job posting: www.alfred.edu/hr/viewpost.cfm?ID=955

Date Posted: 2/17/14
Position Title: Raw Materials Technician
Classification
and Grade:		 Technical Specialsit
Location: Ceramics Grinding Room
 
 
Responsibilities
and Duties:		 Locate, order, and test raw materials, as well as keep
up-to-date concerning new raw materials and products. This includes
researching and proposing suitable alternatives to obsolete materials,
providing information to faculty and students regarding materials
properties, and advising as to which products may best suit their
particular needs.

Store materials when received and perform semi-annual physical inventories. This involves lifting heavy bags of materials.

Keep proper records in connection with the undergraduate and graduate
glaze labs and individual student purchases in the store. Manage
accounts payable and accounts receivable activities for the Grinding
Room.

Maintain and periodically update the Grinding Room website.

Research and implement a digital library with consistent photo images of
glaze/clay/reduction results, images with formula/recipe accessible
on web site.

Research disposal methodology for semi-solid non-hazardous waste.

Supervise and inform students regarding the use of equipment, mixing
procedures, materials use, and substitution. Provide instruction and
supervision to students in safe and competent use of raw materials,
mixing equipment, and laboratories.

Maintain a clean and safe working environment, including the basic
upkeep of equipment and facilities. Manage and conduct safety training
and ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Participate in University safety training and comply with safety rules,
regulations and protocols.

Participate in material tracking from procurement to disposal regarding hazardous material handling techniques.

Develop a digital library of glaze samples and formulas.

Assist the Kiln Specialists in the kiln room as needed.

Supervise student assistants.

Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
   
Requirements: Formal Education: MFA in Ceramic Art preferred; or
BFA with related experience in the field (ceramic supply store
experience or equivalent). Other undergraduate or graduate degrees will
be considered with related experience in ceramic art materials.

Experience: Working knowledge of materials and applications for all
ceramic art applications; experience in making ceramic art, preferably a
practicing artist.

Additional Knowledge/Skills: Must be able to lift approximately 50 lbs.

Must be able to operate heavy equipment, including forklifts and dump trucks.

Knowledge of kilns and clay mixers’ operation and maintenance.

Send cover letter, resume, and list of three references, one of which is
previous supervisor, to Raw Materials Technician Search C/O Anne
Currier, Ceramics Chair, Harder Hall, One Saxon Drive, Alfred NY 14802.
Review of candidates will continue until position is filled.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment
opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or
applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical
or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital
status, genetic information, or political affiliation; minorities and
women are encouraged to apply.

Job posting – Alfred University

by | Mar 16, 2012 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

Research Associate – Technician Digital Fabrication Center

The School of Art and Design in the New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University seeks to fill a Research Associate/Technician position for the Digital Fabrication Center. This is a three-year temporary position. The successful candidate will: develop and manage the Digital Resource Center on campus; provide access to digital fabrication technology to students and faculty, artists and engineers in the NYSCC and the campus community; work closely and collaboratively with faculty and staff to equip, maintain, support and oversee fabrication facilities and associated research efforts in the School of Art and Design and the Inamori School of Engineering.

This is a technical specialist position that provides technical and creative support for the existing Digital Fabrication Center shared by the School of Art and Design and the Inamori School of Engineering. The Center serves students and faculty within course work and research in the use of 3D fabrication for a variety of uses. The technical specialist will provide support and leadership in the use of 3D technology for undergraduate and graduate programs and faculty within the two schools of the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

Qualifications
MFA preferred or BFA with related experience in the field. Expertise is required in 3D digital fabrication technologies, Rapid Prototyping, laser cutting and CNC Machining, and 3D Scanning. Successful candidates should have proficiency in 3D modeling software and a working knowledge of materials and applications for all ceramic art applications and experience in making ceramic art. Practicing artists working in digital fabrication are preferred.

Alfred University
The School of Art and Design at Alfred University is an accredited member of NASAD, with 34 full-time faculty serving approximately 500 students. The School is unique among institutions of higher education with an open curriculum allowing a robust and diverse experience in art history and studio art. Students and faculty alike thrive in an intensive and supportive learning environment. School of Art and Design students are fully integrated into Alfred University’s community of 2,300 students. The New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) includes the School of Art and Design, the Inamori School of Engineering, and Scholes Library. The NYSCC was established in 1900 to advance research in art, design, and engineering. That intellectual and creative legacy exists in all of the areas of study in the School of Art and Design.

Alfred University is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Process:
Send resume, cover letter, and references to:
John Gill, Chair Ceramics Division, School of Art & Design, 2 Pine Street, Alfred, NY 14802
Review of candidates will continue until position is filled.
For more information contact Research Associate/Technician Digital Fabrication Search Chair, John Gill at [email protected].