Books & Magazines

Here are directions for many creative, fun-to-do pottery projects potters can follow to produce handsome finished objects without need of a potter's wheel. The author instructs in coil, slab, mold, and pinch techniques to produce pots, bowls, vases, tiles, and other decorative pieces. She also advises on acquiring basic tools, mixing and preparing clay, and using coloring agents. Newcomers to pottery crafting will especially appreciate her tips for making projects easier to accomplish, such as use of a hairdryer at regular intervals for drying out too-wet clay, and easy methods for keeping clay soft and pliable. Step-by-step color photos with detailed captions guide handcrafters through each project from start to finish. Many photos are of the cutaway type to show correct hand positions for controlling the clay, both inside and outside the form. Here's the book that takes the mystery out of handbuilding in clay, demonstrating each step in the pottery-making process. More than 400 color photos.

This is the only full four-color introductory ceramics text available that combines a thorough appreciation of the aesthetics of ceramic art with extensive discussions of the history of ceramics as well as techniques for working in clay. Net Wt. is 4.22 lbs.

This book is the first of its kind: a celebration of fifty contemporary artists from around the world who have chosen to create the human form in clay. There is a detailed account of each artist's work, including biographical details and precise descriptions of their working methods. In addition, each artist has been asked to name a major source of inspiration, whether another artist or key work, in any medium and from any culture, explaining the reasons for their choice. The resulting depictions, ranging from the Willendorf Venus to a Michelangelo Pieta, combine with stunning photos of the artists' work to make this a book that will inform and inspire.

From Abrasive to Zirconium, this alphabetical pottery guide provides easy to find information on terms, techniques, processes, equipment, and much more. Whatever the potter needs to find, its here in concise, yet comprehensive, definitions. Net Wt. is 2.27 lbs.

The first comprehensive how-to book on the topic! Contemporary ceramists have adapted traditional printmaking procedures to transfer images onto clay surfaces. And, with this thorough resource, anyone can take advantage of these techniques in their own home studio-even those with no printmaking background. The simple processes don't require fancy equipment. Use silk-screen decals with light-sensitive emulsions to create a master image, then cover with glazes, and voila! Use colored slips for unique monoprints. Work with stencils, relief blocks, or stamps, trying a variety of materials to mark the clay surface. Each method is carefully laid out in numerous photos, and shown on a finished piece. More than 100 images by leading contemporary artists showcase the techniques and provide a wealth of inspiration.

Embark on your first pottery project with confidence & flair -- this step-by-step project book offers a wealth of handy hints & straightforward advice, designed especially for the first time-potter. Projects include coiling, slab techniques & how to throw a pot on a wheel. Close-up photographs in full color make the methods clear, while pictures of the pots & figures provide ample inspiration. Includes hints on choosing equipment & materials. Net Wt. is 1.68 lbs.

Techniques, traditionally passed on through apprenticeships that last nearly a decade, are explained in detailed instructions, including more than 700 illustrations and color photos. The complexities of loading and firing a wood kiln, unique glazes and firing techniques used to obtain surface effects, and experimental approaches are discussed in this reference. This optimum resource offers artists an additional bonus with instructions for creating two kilns, including the authors' famous Dancing Fire Wood Kiln.

This updated edition is the definitive guide on kiln design and construction for artisans and artists worldwide. Author Frederick Olsen draws on 40+ years of experience to offer complete plans and instructions for building kilns of all sizes and purposes. Includes principles for the design of highly efficient kilns, newly available refractory materials, building methods, flue types and construction, curved and common walls, bricklaying courses and arches. Updates include construction techniques, new kiln designs, as well as new safety equipment. Hundreds of photos and illustrations detail design and construction of all types of kilns. Advice on building materials and methods. Indispensable information for all ceramists. Net Wt. is 2.32 lbs.

Building one's own kiln can be a daunting prospect, with the potential for numerous missteps along the way. This book aims to give confidence to those who seek to build their own kilns. Kiln Construction is a user-friendly guide that offers a thorough grounding in the basics of construction and also in-depth examinations of three kiln types--gas, oil, and woodfired--with diagrams and photos showing every step in the process. These designs have been thoroughly tried and tested and are in regular use by well-known potters. Comprehensive information on methods, materials, fuels, and kiln furniture is provided as well. Net Wt. is .82 lbs.

Large scale ceramics demand a number of considerations that do not concern most ceramists: kiln size, assembling, weatherproofing and installation are some of the things that must be taken into account. Large-scale Ceramics discusses these issues as well as giving advice on obtaining and handling commissions. Well-illustrated with images depicting large scale works from many parts of the world and the process of their construction, it is written in a lively and entertaining style suitable for anyone with an interest in ceramics and includes examples of the authors work over a 20 year period.