Curricular Connections and International Focus
Seventeen undergraduates visited the Ceramics Studio on December 3 for an introduction to the ceramic technology studied in “Introduction to 
Medieval Archaeology” (History 1140), taught by Joachim Henning, a visiting faculty member from Goethe University. Ceramics Director Nancy Selvage led the session in cooperation with Hennig. Under the guidance of Ceramics Program instructors, students gained new perspectives on medieval craft as they felt the centrifugal force of the potter’s wheel, attached handles to pitchers, pressed clay into molds, and painted with colored slips.
Teaching Fellow Anne Porter described the visit as “terrific. A lot of what archaeology can offer to history students is the connection of big theories to their concrete, tangible implications, and getting their hands on the clay definitely accomplished that goal.”
The Ceramics Studio was humming on February 10 when crowds of students converged for creative expression at Clay All Night. They were captivated by the clay-and-movement happening staged by Clifton Visiting Artist and choreographer Rachel Cohen ‘95, to launch the beginning of her Learning From Performers residency. Gestures were recorded on the clay-covered floor, and bodies were transformed by slip-impregnated costumes, draped slabs, and mobile masks. “Ceramics has so much movement in the process and in the clay itself,” says Cohen. “It seems natural to pair the two media.”
This spring Harvard students, staff, and faculty, and professionals from the greater Boston community are engaged in a wide range of classes and workshops, studying the creation of functional vessels, figurative and abstract sculpture, tiles, and murals. During the “Harvard College in Asia Project” 2006 Conference, 50 student delegates from Cambridge, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore enhanced their cultural exchange with an interactive experience at the Ceramics Studio on February 22. Resident artists Yary Livan, a Cambodian native, and Meng Zhao, from China, directed collaborative projects.
Artist in residence Zhao gave special presentations in many classes. The complex modeling and unusual surface treatments of his sculpture captured students’ imaginations. Zhao’s work reflects the Yin-Yang philosophy that considers phenomena as two opposing aspects. In the last three years, he has focused on the duality of water. “Water is a paradox,“ he says. “It is tolerant to any outside pressure to be shaped into any forms. However, it is strong enough for small water drops to dig deep holes in hard rocks through the ages.” Zhao studied at China’s prestigious National Academy of Fine Art in Hangzhou, and his work has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Ceramic Art Competition in Faenza, Italy, and Winning Prize at the International Ceramics Competition in Seoul, Korea.
