Human history is recorded in ceramics through which it brings cultural capital and richness to our lives like no other material. However, it also contributes to environmental degradation through mining, firing, waste and cost of “clay miles”.
At SCC we ask our students to join our journey to become mindful of the environmental effects of our activities.
To this end we have a comprehensive recycling program for all waste, we buy 100% green power, we fire our kilns at Mid temp (lower than stoneware), we buy a local clay exclusively produced for us (reduced travel costs), we have a circular economy for products, and we encourage active selection of only the best pieces to offer to the kiln. We encourage students to engage in reflection, critical discourse and analysis with their teachers in order to keep only a small selection of their best pieces to offer to the kiln!
We know ceramics takes a long time to learn, particularly the wheel which requires many, many hours of practice, just like learning a musical instrument. For this reason we provide unlimited clay and we recycle all our waste. But this does not mean we fire everything a student makes. We will always encourage you to select the best for your stage of development.