We are a diverse group of individuals with different points of view. As faculty members, we remain active studio practitioners/artists and believe that this enhances our value to our students. We strive to serve our students as both resource and inspiration through interaction with the students as well as our professional engagement nationally and internationally, through our representation in juried competitions, invitational, group and one-person exhibitions. We regularly give workshops and lectures regionally, nationally and internationally and our work is included in a wide range of public and private collections. There are two full-time faculty and several (2 to 4) adjuncts, each bringing their own unique perspective. A half-time technician serves the program as professional staff.
In addition to the faculty, there is a Ceramic Studio Technician who oversees the safe and smooth management of the studio. Currently, Tybre Newcomer holds that position. A part-time Graduate Fellow assists each semester and primarily oversees the clay making process and scheduling of the numerous work-study students who work in Ceramics. As well, a part-time Temporary Service Employee, usually a student, assists the Technician in whatever projects need attention.
» Ian Meares
» Anat Shiftan
|
Ian Meares |
|
Anat Shiftan |
Office Hours: Also by appointment |
Anat Shiftan has taught at Bezalel Academy for Art and Design in Israel and the University of Michigan before joining the faculty at SUNY New Paltz in the fall of 2003. She is a full-time professor in the Art department, teaching ceramics. Shiftan received her BA in English Literature and Philosophy from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel and received her MFA in Ceramics from the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Design in West Bloomfield, Michigan. She served as glaze specialist, senior designer and director of the education program at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, Michigan. She received twice the Michigan Grant for Individual Artists and has shown in both one person and group shows.
"My interest is in working in clay and taking the material through the process of firing. Clay and glazes intrigue me in the endless visual options they can create. My ceramic sculpture and paintings focus on the questions of the gap between rational and intuitive apprehension. My ceramic work examines issues of the nature of knowledge and creates a dialogue with the history of ceramics and art. My ceramic paintings incorporate traditional methods of the craft and digitally produced images. I want to convey the relevancy of craft in the digital society to highlight the notion that in our society craft is relevant to material specific and to digital methods and that digital methods are relevant to craft traditions."
