Books & Magazines

This unprecedented survey of the most outstanding ceramics being created today offers a sweeping close-up look at the work of more than 260 artists from more than thirty countries. A special feature of this collection is the range of work from China, almost unknown outside of this country until now. Organized by the distinctive categories of functional ceramics, figurative pieces, and installation works, the book gives a complete picture of the latest developments in each area of contemporary ceramic art. Chapters on materials, firing techniques, ethnic influences in design, and related topics delve into every aspect of ceramics creation that would be of interest to crafters, collectors, and other readers who are drawn to contemporary art. Net Wt. is 2.68 lbs.

Porcelain is prized for its vivid whiteness; but those creating it have been well aware of its quirky qualities. Lane provides a strong history and celebration of porcelain in the last two decades of the 20th century, examining technical achievements and working practices common to cermacists who work with porcelain. Numerous black and white and color photos of porcelain explore its many qualities and artistry. Net Wt. is 2.64 lbs.

Peter Lane provides a strong history and celebration of the development of porcelain at the turn of the new millennium. He gives particular consideration to the technical achievements, working practices, and aesthetic concerns of ceramicists who work with this most popular medium and its close relative, bone china. The international group of artists featured in this book demonstrates the confidence and versatility found in contemporary porcelain, resulting in a breathtaking look at the exciting and innovative work that is currently being done internationally in this field. Net Wt. is 2.95 lbs.

Potters everywhere will welcome "Copper Red Glazes", the ultimate reference for this tricky but stunning glaze. Finally potters can master ancient secrets without expensive and frustrating experimentation. 50 color photos. Net Wt. is 1.54 lbs.

The Craft and Art of Clay, by the late, leading ceramics teacher Susan Peterson, is the most comprehensive available guide to modern ceramics, packed with step-by-step illustrations of ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. This completely revised fourth edition contains more than 150 new illustrations and includes profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics on the internet, and added coverage of paperclays, using gold, and alternative glazes. This is the one book no ceramist, whether novice or expert, can do without.

A collection of articles about creative artists, and ideas to challenge you and inspire your work. Pottery, sculpture and finishing techniques are covered. This is a must-read for anyone involved in clay. Net Wt. is .87 lbs.

Diane Creber tackles the problems involved in using this challenging medium. She describes the clays and kilns most suitable, explains how to glaze, provides glaze recipes, and discusses how to fire in both oxidation and reduction conditions. She also briefly sketches the history of crystalline glazes. Net Wt. is .71 lbs.

Ceramists choosing to work in home studios are praising the safety, convenience, and economical benefits of the electric kiln. Now in its third edition, Electric Kiln Ceramics helps the ceramist create work exclusively intended for firing in the electric kiln. This valuable guide is an exhaustive review of clays, glazes, and techniques designed to benefit the seasoned professional, as well as the less technically educated beginner. Renowned ceramist and respected author, Richard Zakin provides information on kiln construction, routine maintenance, loading and firing, the influence of firing temperatures, and the application of oxidation surfaces. State-of-the-art health and safety concerns are also addressed, including the kiln atmosphere and the strengths and weaknesses of the oxidation atmosphere. Recipes for commercial and homemade clays and glazes guarantee successful results.

A must-have reference for any serious potter, The Electric Kiln is a complete manual on how to install an electric kiln, how to use it properly, and how to maintain and repair it. Harry Fraser fully describes the distinctive features, advantages, and disadvantages of both top-loading and front-loading kilns, as well as various other kiln types. He shows the basic effects of heat on clays, glazes, and pigments. This unique handbook is also a guide on how to make the best use of the kiln to achieve such special effects as reduction, crystal glazes, and raku.

For potters, mold making is invaluable because it allows them to slip-cast identical multiples of their work, and this newly revised, now in color edition of Andrew Martin's classic, is the definitive guide to the craft. No other volume has shown the processes in such how-to detail. It's overflowing with hundreds of photos, key techniques, projects, master artist profiles, and troubleshooting tips. A thorough introduction addresses materials and tools, and presents Martin's simple, unique template method for making clay prototypes. Create easy one-piece molds to make tiles, bowls, and platters, or multi-piece molds for more complex forms. An extensive overview covers slip formulation, while offering highly desired slip recipes for low, mid, and high-fire clay bodies. This will be the standard reference in every ceramist's library.