Shell students recently created Feast in Clay: The Shell Banquet, a vibrant and imaginative project that brought together art, creativity, and community.
Over 150 Shell students produced their own ceramic interpretations of food, drawing inspiration from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Claes Oldenburg, and Lindsey Mendick. Through this, students explored a wide range of artistic approaches, from Picasso’s playful ceramics and expressive forms, to Oldenburg’s bold use of scale and humour, and Mendick’s highly textured, emotionally driven sculptures.
The final outcome was a wonderful spectacle. Over 150 students brought their finished pieces together in the dining hall, transforming the space into a large-scale, collaborative banquet. From oversized burgers and cakes to intricately detailed meals, the work demonstrated both imagination and technical skill. The variety of responses highlighted each student’s individuality while contributing to a shared visual feast.
Seeing so many students united through their creativity was a powerful reminder of the value of art in building confidence, expression, and community.
This project not only developed students’ understanding of clay techniques – such as shaping, joining, glazing and surface decoration -but also encouraged them to think creatively about how everyday objects, like food, can be transformed into meaningful works of art.
Feast in Clay: The Shell Banquet was a celebration of imagination, collaboration, and the joy of making. It was an inspiring achievement from our Shell cohort.
