Ceramic Books

Mel Jacobson's book is a real pleasure to read. His experiences as an apprentice potter in Japan are delightful not only for the pottery experience but also for sharing his experience living in a different culture. There are plenty of technical pearls all thru the book making it helpful to any potter seeking progress in their craft.

British potter John Mathieson provides a clear and concise overview of the raku process, covering all the essentials; clay types, post firing reduction methods, and equipment. You'll also enjoy the tips and techniques shared by 30 experts on topics spanning the entire raku process from conception to final reduction.

In Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques you'll discover some of the most beautiful alternatively fired work, as well as extensive how-to techniques and step-by-step instructions to help you duplicate the processes in your own studio. Explore dozens of techniques and discover the many special effects available using these ancient firing methods. You'll love the experience of working with glowing red-hot pieces in a raku kiln, uncovering pots from a pit fire or peeling the aluminum foil off your latest saggar experiment. Net Wt. is 1.32 lbs.

Raku: Investigations into Fire is a comprehensive study of this popular ceramic process. Its history is traced from its earliest beginnings in Japanese ritual to current preoccupations dealing with the relationship of clay, artist, and fire. The history of Raku provides a framework for understanding the most recent developments in materials and technology, while an analysis of design illuminates the ways in which new ideas are developed. There is also an extensive examination of the methods of generating the rich and seductive surfaces, as well as the most recent innovations in technology and process-all beautifully illustrated with 200 fine color photographs.

The use of wax, paper, clay and other materials to prevent the effects of heat, fire, smoke, chemical reactions, colours and glazes from altering or contaminating the surfaces of work is very popular with ceramicists. However, learning to use these techniques can be a long and frustrating process, particularly when complicated by considerations of the state of the clay and which form of glazing is to be used. In this book, Peter Beard discusses the techniques of masking and resist and gives guidance as to how best to use various materials and firing methods to achieve a wide range of finishes.

Join master artist Robin Hopper as he opens the door to his more than 50 year exploration of ceramics, in this intriguing "best of" guide. Through Hopper's innovative insight and personal reflection, you will learn the "hows" and "whys" behind his artistry, and discover the fascinating journey of his life, which serves as the catalyst behind much of his work. Net Wt. is 2.03 lbs.

Rudy Autio is considered one of the most important and influential ceramic artists working in the United States in the last fifty years. With works in the permanent collections of museums around the world including the American Craft Museum, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Brooklyn Museum, the Carnegie Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, the Portland Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Applied Arts Museum in Helsinki, the National Museum in Stockholm, and the Aichi and Shigaraki ceramic museums in Japan, Rudy Autio has left an indelible mark on the world with his art. In addition to the physical displays of Autio's art, his influence can be found in many other areas. In 1951, he co-founded the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana with fellow artist and friend, Peter Voulkos. In 1957, Autio founded the Ceramics Department at the University of Montana in Missoula and began a nearly 30-year long teaching career at the school. In addition to his teaching, he has given lectures and conducted more than 100 workshops in the United States and other countries. Net Wt. is 3.45 lbs.

Salt Glazing covers the history of salt glazing and the technical considerations?particularly kilns?that set this form of glazing apart from all other studio ceramics. Rogers also showcases the work of such leading salt glaze artists as Byron Temple, Jeff Oestrich, and Hans and Birgette Borjenson. Beautifully illustrated, Salt Glazing is a must for students, professional potters, and collectors of studio ceramics who enjoy the wonderful surface textures this popular medium makes possible. Net Wt. is 3.1 lbs.

OUT OF PRINT. Art students and ambitious amateur artists who turn to this volume will find detailed training for creating original and distinctive works of sculpture. Karin Hessenberg, an experienced sculptor, opens with extensive advice on setting up the workplace and assembling tools and equipment. She begins instruction with a how-to course on clay modeling that includes five separate projects, four of which culminate with kiln firing. The book's second major section presents five projects that teach the craft of molding and casting, using a variety of materials that include plaster in combination with modeling clay, wire, and concrete. A section on direct building presents two projects in which various materials-wood, wire mesh, and other objects-are applied to their frameworks to create finished sculptures. A final section for advanced sculptors offers five projects for carving-in soapstone, alabaster, limestone, lumber, and a log. In total, this volume presents projects for 17 finished pieces. Subjects include a seated Buddha, a female figure, animals, and several fascinating abstract shapes. This handsome book is printed in four-color throughout and features more than 250 instructive illustrations. Net Wt. is 1.85 lbs.

Create heads, figures, architectural forms, and abstract designs from examples of the great artists. Introduces beginners to all techniques and with clear, concise advice explains how to prepare and apply stains, glazes, paints, and other fired and non-fired finishes. Net Wt. is 1.35 lbs.