Books & Magazines

Sumi-e, translated from Japanese as "ink picture," is an ideal vehicle for teaching art to any beginner. This introduction to Sumi-e is organized simply and clearly around its four basic brush strokes. 120 illustrations.

Any potter or ceramic artist should always be looking for ways to think outside the box, and this book is full of ideas for doing just that, with plenty of successful finished pieces showing just how creative you can be with clay. Surface Decoration: Finishing Techniques contains articles that will benefit potters at a variety of skill levels, and will be of particular interest to teachers.

For ceramists of any level, surface design is an essential skill for creating beautiful work. And this comprehensive and invaluable studio reference captures all the popular techniques available for embellishing clay. A wealth of practical information and detailed images lead you through every phase of the process-from the wet and leather-hard stages (faceting, carving, burnishing) through bisque ware (terra sigillata and slip work), to firing (glazing methods) and post-firing (decals, lusters, and raku). Because the procedures shown all require the same basic skill level, readers can dip in at any point. Time-tested recipes are offered in abundance, photos of fired demonstration pieces show the final effect, and top-quality contemporary gallery pictures display the fabulous results. Sidebars throughout offer options for further exploration. Net Wt. is 1.96 lbs.

The Teapot Book provides a useful step-by-step guide through the entire process of building a teapot, including materials, handle and spout placement, and kiln temperatures. The myriad illustrations also provide fodder for artists in need of new inspirations. There is a section devoted to contemporary potters and their galleries of teapots that will appeal to armchair enthusiasts, devoted collectors, and masters of the form. Net Wt. is 2.66 lbs.

Teapots are complex objects steeped in history, world culture and art. For the booming number of collectors, they offer a wonderful study in contrast and variety. For artists, they present irresistible possibilities within the context of design, decoration and scale. As a result, teapots have become objects through which potters, clay sculptors, metal artists, glass artists and others demonstrate the height of their creative and technical abilities. From traditional, functional teapots to an eclectic mix of contemporary designs, more than 140 unique pieces are showcased in dramatic, full-colour photography with descriptive captions. This book will appeal to both artists and collectors. Net Wt. is 1.76 lbs.

This lavishly illustrated and comprehensive account begins with the earliest civilizations of the Near East and Middle East and follows the production of pottery chronologically around the globe, from the Mediterranean and the Orient to the Islamic world and ancient America, from neolithic Britain to the factories of Wedgwood and de Morgan, from contemporary Africa and India to Scandinavia and Australasia. The final chapters analyze the development of ceramics as a medium of personal expression by artists and studio potters during the twentieth century. Net Wt. is 3.84 lbs.

Throwing and handbuilding are at the core of all studio ceramics techniques. Through imagination and experimentation, some of the most skilled artists and craftsmen can take these basic techniques and often produce extremely creative works of art. With practice and patience, the coil pot or tall narrow form can become works of art suitable for galleries and collectors.

"With the help of step-by-step illustrations, Rogers explains how to make pots, jugs, plates, bottles, teapots, and lids, and discusses the process of turning and faceting. There is a chapter on design and one containing photographs of pots that were made with complicated techniques. . . . An excellent introduction."--Booklist. Net Wt. is .71 lbs.

This comprehensive guide takes the mystery out of throwing clay by revealing in step-by-step demonstrations precisely what is happening at each point in the throwing process. With clear photography, instructive text and unique cutaway photographs, potters will easily learn throwing techniques and how to make beautiful objects.

Written by a veteran ceramics artist for studio artists making decorative architectural tiles, this professional-level book includes practical material on glazes and kilns but emphasizes the decorative processes and design. The many beautiful illustrations are of individual tiles and tile installations by artists in several countries, thus providing an overview of tile art as it exists today.