Ceramics isn’t just a class. It’s an immersive experience where students learn more than just how to mold clay.
Under the guidance of Ms. Luiza Grandchamp, the school’s ceramics studio has become a space for creative expression, skill development and personal growth. Students in all levels of the ceramics program have found that their work not only improves their technical abilities but also teaches them perseverance and the joy of seeing a finished piece come to life.
“Ceramics is a process, and it’s about learning how to deal with mistakes. I’m here to help guide them, but it is their creativity that shapes each piece,” Ms. Grandchamp said.
The classroom is filled with the sound of the wheel spinning, the scrape of tools on clay and students chatting as they work. It’s a productive environment but what stands out most about Ms. Granchamp’s teaching style is her ability to help students overcome challenges.
Whether it’s mastering the wheel, attaching limbs to clay animals or working with unpredictable glazes, Ms. Grandchamp’s support is the key to her students’ success.
Take sophomore Annie Swanson, for example. As a student in ceramics 1, Swanson was tasked with creating a sculpture that represented something she loves.
Swanson said the challenge of working on a piece that had to be either 10 inches tall or 10 inches wide was daunting, especially since many students in her class were crafting replicas of their pets or favorite foods. She decided to push herself and created a unique piece that reflected her love of nature.
“It was the first real project we’ve done in ceramics,” she said.
Sophomore Wynn Kaplan, a student who made a striped bass, faced his own set of challenges. His fish, a replica of one he caught in Cape Cod, was long and hollow, making it especially prone to collapsing.
“It was so hard to keep it from falling apart,” Kaplan admitted. “But Ms. Grandchamp helped me understand how to reinforce it and gave me the confidence to push through. The final result was so rewarding.”
The positive, supportive atmosphere that Mrs. Grandchamp fosters extend beyond just technical assistance.
Sophomore Blake Livingstone, who decided to make a sculpture of his dog Daisy, said that Ms. Grandchamp’s encouragement helped him stay focused, especially when he added his piece’s heavier arms and legs.
“In the end it was all worth it,” Livingstone said.
The most rewarding aspect of ceramics, according to many of the students, is the moment their pieces are finally complete.
“It’s incredible to see how something you’ve worked so hard on turns out,” said senior Isabelle Huddle, who made a vase with wave and star carvings.
In the end, it’s not just about the art. It’s about the process of creation, the problem solving, the experimentation and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a project completed. It’s a chance to grow as artists and individuals, helping them learn life long skills of determination and hard work.
