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Heather Dahl

Sessional Instructor, Ceramics

Availability:

Bio

Heather Dahl is a multi-disciplinary artist primarily working in ceramics and painting. After graduating with a BFA in 2001, she took a self-employment program to launch her studio practice in 2007. Dahlhaus Studios connects everyday living with art, design, colour, pattern and architecture. While primarily a ceramic studio, Heather has maintained a painting practice alongside her ceramic work for nearly two decades. Her work has been picked up through large and small retailers, galleries and collectors globally.

Websites:

Research Interests

With a love of pattern, colour, graphic design, architecture and craftsmanship, Heather has been researching the connection between clay, painting, printmaking and many other craft-based practices in her work. While her research often starts in a material sense; developing inks for ceramic printmaking techniques or researching paper marbling in order to translate the process for ceramics, her research is sparked by a curious love of material, colour and process.

Courses

Course Name Department Course Code Term
Ceramics CRAM 302 26/SU

Description

This course is designed to further develop students' skills and understanding of wheel throwing techniques within the context of contemporary art and design. Building upon foundational knowledge students delve deeper into the intricacies of throwing to refine their craft and skill set. Students will explore advanced techniques, which may include experimenting with complex shapes, altering forms, and creating compound forms, by exploring their application in sculpture or design. Students will be introduced to a diverse range of artists and designers who utilize the wheel tool for making, while considering broader social and cultural constructs. Students will engage with assigned and self-directed projects to further their interests and ideas. Class demonstrations and presentations will be provided, fostering skill and dialogue with the material.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

Ceramics CRAM 308 26/SU

Description

This course will explore the technical and conceptual challenges inherent in creating large ceramic vessels and sculptures. Students will collaborate to explore a variety of methods for constructing forms, with a focus on building techniques and strategies for effectively managing scale in ceramics. Through a series of prompts, students will develop self-directed projects, engaging with scale models and iterative processes related to their designs. The exploration will encompass a wide range of materials, techniques, processes, and concepts. Research on historical precedents and contemporary applications, both within ceramics and other art practices, will provide context for presentations, discussions, and critiques, all of which are integral components of this course.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.