Pamela Kozminska

About:  

I began working for the SDCCD as a Chemistry, Math, Biology and DSPS tutor in 1973. Being Trained in the Ballet I like to approach Ceramics as a Dance. The moves are choreographed. What I have learned as both proper AND efficient Wheel and Hand Building techniques is what I intend to pass onto my students BOTH to prevent injuries AND to know the WHY's of how to Handle the Clay PROPERLY. I was also trained in Auto Mechanics and Auto Body work. Additionally, I have training in Culinary and Gardening edibles. This guides my Ceramics interests. I have visited Bali, Sumatra, Java, Canada, Mexico, Transited through Central America and Ecuador; and Korea en route to Hong Kong. I am fascinated with Cultural traditions and Art History, and I am captivated by Conceptual Art, although I love to design and execute Functional Pottery.

Besides giving a Porcelain Pastel Workshop at UCSD Crafts Center and being a Teacher's Assistant there, and teaching at SDSU at The Leisure Connection, I began teaching at Ceramics for Older Adults at ECC in 1986. Additionally my assignment includes DSPS Ceramics and At the College Level Ceramics 195 A, B, C, And D Porcelain College Ceramics at ECC as well as teaching Ceramics to students at the Blind Center with SDCE.

I am an Nationally recognized Award Winning Photographer, and I have created a discipline of Conceptual Photography I call "Photo Drawings" based on being myopic. My Conceptual Photographic work is held in both Corporate Collections and Private Collections.

Being in the present moment with awareness of my goals, my plans, possibilities of clay and pitfalls guides my choices. When we all move with the understanding that what we do as well as what we do NOT do really matters especially with being aware of the clay and glaze puddles, scraps, drips and dust we create as we work in a shared space. Being personally responsible for your actions and noticing your behavior goes a long way to helping me to impart to you what I know. I want to help you establish sound working and creative practices to become healthy habits.

Finally Keeping a daily Ceramics Notebook either on paper or on your smartphone will help you with the CANVAS part of the Online experience in addition to the Clay and Glazes and Slips and Firings and Scoring and Drying and Throwing and Rolling and Pinching and Clean-Up Mopping Floors and Wet Sponging Tables and Buckets details, too!

Mostly I strive to create a POSITIVE and SUPPORTIVE Learning Environment based on Cooperation and respect, tolerance and awareness. I want you to figure out where your gaps are and to address them with mindfulness.