Ceramic Books

Excellent technical manual by Dr. John Conrad. Net Wt. is 2.02 lbs.

The art of kiln building has survived for centuries without many changes to its basic principles. This book offers radically new ideas and different approaches to the age-old skill. The Alternative Kiln takes a fresh look at the process of kiln building, suggesting unconventional materials and new styles of kilns, many of which are art forms in their own right. These nontraditional kilns reflect the creative and inventive spirit of pottery. Designed for the experienced kiln-builder, the book provides a few basic instructions as well.

Ceramicists searching for new ways to fire their creations now have a wealth of options. Authors James Watkins and Paul Wandless, along with a group of distinguished artisans, demonstrate in detail how to build low-cost, low-tech, yet high-quality kilns. The plans range from an easy, affordable, and versatile Raku Kiln to a unique wood-fueled Downdraft Stovepipe Barrel one. These clever devices make it possible to produce rich surface effects from alternative reduction firing techniques. In addition to showing the basic procedures for using each kiln, easy-to-follow directions for many fast-fire methods unfold in color photographs. You'll see how to achieve terra sigillata surfaces with direct chemical application, and how to do traditional crackle-glaze raku and smoke finishes.

Beginners eager to explore the world of ceramics, as well as experienced potters seeking new techniques and ideas, will find this colorful, technique-packed manual absolutely inspiring. Lavishly illustrated and visually attractive, it provides both practical and creative information on tools and materials, production processes, glazing, and decorative techniques, including detailed explanations of clays, kilns, and accessories. Explore essential methods for modeling (hand building, wheel turning); for decorating the pieces (slips, glazes, colored engobes); and for properly firing the finished piece at both low and high temperatures. Put all that new knowledge to work on six step-by-step projects, from a large, oval sculpture formed by extrusion and wheel-throwing to a beautifully simple functional vessel, all created by top ceramists. Net Wt. is 2.4 lbs.

Author Kevin Hluch, potter and professor of ceramics for more than 25 years, brings his expertise and knowledge to this inspiring look at the art of functional pottery such as bowls, plates, teapots, cups, jars, bottles and vases. Includes a list of galleries where artists exhibit their work and addresses for potters that details which potters sell their wares from their studio/gallery. Net Wt. is 1.31 lbs.

Throwing, the art of making pots on a potter's wheel, is a basic skill necessary for the creation of functional pottery. In this well-illustrated guide for studio potters, British teacher and ceramics artist McErlain demonstrates the techniques of throwing practical forms such as jugs and teapots through step-by-step color photographs. He draws on the work of past and contemporary potters for examples of good wheel-thrown pieces. This is an excellent manual for potters at any level and belongs in academic as well as public library arts and crafts collections. Net Wt. is 2.2 lbs.

"The Artful Teapot" examines the form of the teapot and how it has become not only an icon but an inventive vehicle for artistic expression. The sculptor and installation artist, Arman, called it "one of the key fetish objects of our time" and, as such, the teapot has drawn widespread attention from designers and artists. The 500-year history of the teapot is represented by key works from Yixing, Meissen, Wedgwood and other producers, providing the historical background for its main focus: the creations of such leading 20th-century artists and designers as Bernard Leach, David Hockney and Keith Haring. The accompanying text provides an analysis of these works. Teapots in a wide range of media are examined, from porcelain, earthenware and ceramic, through sterling silver, glass and wire. Also included is a brief history of tea and the tea trade, and an introduction to the accountrements and customs of the world of tea. Net Wt. is 3.84 lbs.

Phil Rogers covers the history of ash glazes and proceeds to discuss the practicalities of collecting and testing wood ashes and transforming them into glazes. In the final portion of the book, he looks at the work of some leading international potters whose work is typified by the array of finishes that they achieve through their use of wood ash glazes. Images of their work offer an impressive display of the colors and techniques possible through this glazing technique. Net Wt. is 2.24 lbs.

A noted potter and chemist takes the guesswork out of ash glazes by sharing the results of his experimentation. This guide to ash glazes provides practical and usable information that will benefit both the novice and experienced potter. 300+ photos, 16 in color. Net Wt. is 1.13 lbs.

The most valuable tool in your sculpture studio, 'Beginning Sculpture' is a comprehensive guide to sculpture techniques, skills, tools, addresses the unique demands of the contemporary studio classroom in a variety of ways, including studio opportunities for hands-on learning and self expression, and interviews with professional artists. With an easy to follow format students: learn the elements and principles of design and sculpture; follow step-by-step photographs and illustrations; see examples of student art; see examples from well-known artists. Net Wt. is 2.05 lbs.