Books & Magazines

Shoji Hamada: A Potter's Way and Work is an ebullient, fascinating portrait of a great potter, tracing his place in the ceramic tradition and revealing a keen perception of his energetic life style, his dazzling work cycle, and intriguing specifics about the firing of his kilns. Along with Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada was one of the key figures in the development of studio pottery in the 20th century, resurrecting the craft after its near demise during the Industrial Revolution. His influence both in England and the U.S., as well as in his native Japan, cannot be underestimated. The Japanese government designated him a Living National Treasure in 1955 and awarded him the Order of Culture in 1968.

Best known as one of the most widely used industrial ceramic techniques, slipcasting has become increasingly attractive to individual artists and craftspersons. Slip, a water and clay solution, is poured into porous molds. As the mold absorbs water from the slip, a layer of clay forms a cast. The excess slip is removed from the mold and the cast is stiffened, removed, dried, and fired in a kiln. Since the molds can be based on anything from delicate sculpture to found objects, slipcasting frees artists from the constraints of other ceramic techniques while allowing them to create multiples of their works. Sasha Wardell's Slipcasting is a straightforward, practical guide for those interested in the boundless possibilities of the technique. The book contains more than one hundred color illustrations, diagrams, and slip formulas. An inspiring "Individual Approaches" chapter discusses the slipcast work of a variety of contemporary ceramicists from around the world. Net Wt. is .79 lbs.

In this engaging and informative book, Victoria Eden and Michael Eden trace the history of slipware, discuss the techniques involved, and cover a wide cross-section of contemporary practice. The abundant illustrations include over two hundred striking images reflecting the current work of an international group of artists, along with a variety of traditional pieces. Net Wt. is 2.09 lbs.

This breathtaking collection of work from 53 ceramic artists goes beyond a mere gallery of their work, inviting readers into their studios to share their insights into the aesthetics of ceramic surfaces as well as the formulas for some of their most successful glazes.

Gathering together the expertise of nearly 30 artists who use the methods of smoke-fired pottery, both with and without recourse to kilns, the author gives us a broad perspective on the possibilities of smoke firing to achieve a multitude of contemporary approaches and results. Net Wt. is 2.2 lbs.

In this book, Ruthanne Tudball discusses the history of and techniques involved in soda glazing. She includes body and slip recipes, kiln designs, and firing methods specifically developed for soda glazing. She illustrates her text with the work of an international group of artists. Net Wt. is .58 lbs.

Gail Nichols' volume is a welcome compendium of the rather sparse information published to date regarding soda fired clay. And although it is a first, it hits the target nicely. She balances technical information with aesthetic information (in the form of well-shot photographs) so that it will appeal to the soda pyromaniacs as well as the gallery enthusiast. Soda fired clay is a relatively new phenomenon growing out of the tradition of salt glazed ware. However, technically and aesthetically, the two traditions are not twins, nor even siblings. They are more like cousins. Nichols' research on the subject provides a wealth of data from which anyone serious about soda firing clay will benefit.

In Stoneware, Richard Dewar discusses the various considerations that need to be taken into account when working at higher temperatures and shows the myriad techniques and glazes that can be used to achieve excellent results. Including the work of Sandy Brown, Will Levi Marshall, Robin Welch, John Calver, and other internationally known artists, this handbook is the only one available on this increasingly popular subject. Net Wt. is .72 lbs.

By John Conrad. Net Wt. is .56 lbs.

Studio Practices, Techniques and Tips is a collection of articles, suggestions, and questions and answers from the Ceramics Monthly archives. Potters share their knowledge on a full range of topics including designing a studio, making and using tools and equipment, photographing work, marketing and sales, kilns and firing. There are also stories of problem solving, insightful solutions, and the individual stories of challenges and successes. This is a must-have book for any potter or clay artist setting a course for pursuing clay beyond the casual past-time. Net Wt. is 1.11 lbs.