Shoji Satake

Associate Professor

Shoji Satake, a Japanese-born American artist, is an associate professor in the Ceramics department at RISD. Prior to joining RISD, he held the Bernard Schultz Endowed Professor of Art position at West Virginia University, where he also served as the area coordinator for the ceramics program for 17 years. Currently he is president of the Board of Directors for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. Alongside his teaching, Satake maintains an active studio practice with locations in West Virginia and Jingdezhen.

Courses

Fall 2024 Courses

CER 4103-01 - MOLDMAKING & SLIPCASTING FOR CERAMICS
Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 4103-01

MOLDMAKING & SLIPCASTING FOR CERAMICS

Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: T | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Metcalf Building, Room 007; Metcalf Building, Room 013 Enrolled / Capacity: 10 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

In this class we will utilize an industrial approach and integrate it with a fine art sensibility. Students will learn how to make molds and prototypes; produce porcelain casting slip; strategies in casting; traditional and non-traditional surface applications. Course projects will focus on non-functional concepts. Many tools are supplied, however, students are required to purchase a tool kit to supplement those already on hand.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Ceramics Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics

CER 4175-01 - ADVANCED POTTERY & CERAMIC PRODUCTION
Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 4175-01

ADVANCED POTTERY & CERAMIC PRODUCTION

Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: M | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Metcalf Building, Room 013; Metcalf Building, Room 007 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Students in this class will learn to use a variety of ceramic production methods techniques including; molding, pressing, extruding, and giggering, to design and make small pottery editions. The focus is the design and perfection of the objects made and methods used. This class will also serve as a platform for inviting visiting artists to make small editions using our production facilities.

Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Ceramics Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics

Spring 2025 Courses

CER 411G-01 - FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDIO CERAMICS
Level Graduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 9
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 411G-01

FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDIO CERAMICS

Level Graduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 9
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Metcalf Building, Room 320 Enrolled / Capacity: 7 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The second semester is a development of the ideas and work begun in the first. Students are available and pursue active contact with the faculty. Students also attend supplemental department presentations.

Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Ceramics Students.

Major Requirement | MFA Ceramics

CER 415G-01 - GRADUATE THESIS, CERAMICS
Level Graduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 12
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 415G-01

GRADUATE THESIS, CERAMICS

Level Graduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 12
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Metcalf Building, Room 320 Enrolled / Capacity: 8 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Continued exploration begun during the first year leads to the presentation of a thesis project. Students work during class hours to ensure daily contact with faculty.

Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Ceramics Students.

Major Requirement | MFA Ceramics

CER 3208-01 / PRINT 3208-01 - CERAMICS AND PRINT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Printmaking; Ceramics
Subject Ceramics Printmaking
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 3208-01 / PRINT 3208-01

CERAMICS AND PRINT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Printmaking; Ceramics
Subject Ceramics Printmaking
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: M | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Benson Hall, Room 306; Metcalf Building, Room 007 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Ceramics and printmaking have a shared ethos in the production of multiples and process-driven technical methods. This is reflected in industry but is not often explored in an academic context. This course would be the first at RISD to explore the rich resources of the Ceramics and Printmaking Departments to promote research into innovative ways to combine the disciplines. For almost three centuries ceramics have been enhanced by printed elements. The combination of ceramic and print technologies have tremendous potential for new applications in functional and sculptural approaches to ceramic multiples and printed editions. RISD has all the facilities in ceramics and printmaking required to pursue research in this field. Students will learn ceramic techniques such as hand-building and slip casting to create forms to hold screen printed, intaglio, relief, and digital images. Historical techniques will be presented and new methods and combinations will be developed.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00

Elective

CER 3208-01 / PRINT 3208-01 - CERAMICS AND PRINT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Printmaking; Ceramics
Subject Ceramics Printmaking
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 3208-01 / PRINT 3208-01

CERAMICS AND PRINT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Printmaking; Ceramics
Subject Ceramics Printmaking
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: M | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Benson Hall, Room 306; Metcalf Building, Room 007 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Ceramics and printmaking have a shared ethos in the production of multiples and process-driven technical methods. This is reflected in industry but is not often explored in an academic context. This course would be the first at RISD to explore the rich resources of the Ceramics and Printmaking Departments to promote research into innovative ways to combine the disciplines. For almost three centuries ceramics have been enhanced by printed elements. The combination of ceramic and print technologies have tremendous potential for new applications in functional and sculptural approaches to ceramic multiples and printed editions. RISD has all the facilities in ceramics and printmaking required to pursue research in this field. Students will learn ceramic techniques such as hand-building and slip casting to create forms to hold screen printed, intaglio, relief, and digital images. Historical techniques will be presented and new methods and combinations will be developed.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00

Elective

CER 4106-01 - CLAY IN CONTEXT: SPECIAL PROJECT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

CER 4106-01

CLAY IN CONTEXT: SPECIAL PROJECT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Ceramics
Subject Ceramics
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: T | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Shoji Satake Location(s): Metcalf Building, Room 314 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

In this class you will find a site, a venue, a place from which your investigations will spring. Working from the tradition and need of tableware; or architectural ornamentation; or public art, you will attach your personal expressive needs and vision to uses outside of the studio. Creative and inventive individual solutions are stressed. All ceramic techniques and processes appropriate may be used. Collaboration is encouraged. Designed for students at an advanced level, using clay as a primary material and involving a variety of processes and forming methods.

Elective