100 Best Pottery Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best pottery books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
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Now for the first time ever, J.K. Rowling’s seven bestselling Harry Potter books are available in a stunning paperback boxed set! The Harry Potter series has been hailed as “one for the ages” by Stephen King and “a spellbinding saga’ by USA Today. And most recently, The New York Times called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the “fastest selling book in history.” This is the ultimate Harry Potter collection for Harry Potter fans of all ages! less
Barack ObamaAs a devoted reader, the president has been linked to a lengthy list of novels and poetry collections over the years — he admits he enjoys a thriller. (Source)
Drew McLellanFavorite non-business book that I would argue can teach you a ton about business leadership — The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. (Source)
Adam LawrenceI hate reading. I always have. Except for Harry Potter and To Kill A Mockingbird, which I've read dozens of times. (Source)
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With hundreds of recipes for some of the most popular and enduring high-fire glazes, this reference will prove a boon to ceramists who want to master this complex and versatile aspect of the art. Author John Britt, who served as Clay Coordinator at the respected Penland School of Crafts, has personally tested many of the recipes, and carefully reviews every one. He offers a thorough examination of glaze materials, chemistry, and tools, and presents the basics of mixing, application, and firing procedures. There’s a wealth of information on various type of glazes, including copper, iron,... more
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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... more
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Both amateur and professional potters constantly seek time-saving tips, trade secrets, and new technical knowledge--which makes this handsomely illustrated book exactly what they're looking for! Author Jacqui Atkin describes the full range of available clays and their individual qualities, as well as necessary tools and equipment. She presents easy-to-follow directions for fashioning pottery, and augments her instruction with captioned, step-by-step photos and illustrations. Topics explained in detail cover--
Developing design concepts, from sketch pad to finished piece Slabbing,... more
Developing design concepts, from sketch pad to finished piece Slabbing,... more
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The Japanese Pottery Handbook, first published by Kodansha in 1979, has become a classic, beloved by anyone interested in pottery for its practical, step-by-step approach, and homespun charm. Now, thirty-five years since its publication, authors Penny Simpson and Lucy Kitto have refreshed their work, expanding and adding to the material, re-designing the pages, and re-drawing many of the delightful illustrations. The book has a cleaner, more modern look, yet retains the simple, friendly, and distinctively Japanese sensibility of the original. In addition to the new layout and drawings,... more
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According to Ceramics Monthly, approximately 75% of potters glaze their pieces at mid-range temperatures—and this complete studio guide eliminates the guesswork from the popular process. Along with hundreds of recipes, it explores mixing, application, specific firing and cooling cycles, and all the factors that make glazes work. See how to boost colors with intense stains, washes, and underglazes; achieve stunning results that equal high-fire glazing, and expand the frontiers of mid-range with tips for wood, salt, and soda firing. less
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Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters’ village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated–until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself–even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the... more
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This now famous book was the first treatise to be written by a potter on the workshop traditions handed down by Koreans and Japanese from the greatest period of Chinese ceramics in the Sung dynasty. It deals with four types of pottery: Japanese raku, English slipware, stoneware and oriental porcelain. With its help, potters can learn how to adapt recipes for pigments and glazes, and designs of kilns, to local conditions. It gives a vivid workshop picture of the making of a kiln-load of pots from start to finish, and is eloquent on the position of the individual or artist-potter in an... more
Recommended by Edmund de Waal, and 1 others. Edmund de WaalIncredibly important because of its ability to allow any reader who picks it up to understand the excitement and energy of the making of pots. (Source)
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Functional Pottery, the best-selling pottery reference first published in 1986, has been extensively revised and updated to include more than 250 color photos as well as hundreds of black and white photos and illustrations. Covering historical as well as contemporary pottery, this acclaimed and inspirational book presents both philosophical and practical experiences from the 43-year pottery-making career of Robin Hopper, one of North America's most recognized ceramic artists.
Perusing this book is like having a ceramic museum, art gallery, encyclopedia, and master potter at hand, teaching...
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Take your work to the next level! Join ceramic artist Deb Schwartzkopf for a journey that will help you grow as a functional potter, whether your background is in wheel-throwing or handbuilding.
Creative Pottery begins with a quick review of where you are in your own journey as a potter. If you need to brush up on the basics, help setting goals, or pointers on how to translate your inspiration into your work, you've come to the right place. The rest of the book is a self-guided journey in which you can choose the techniques and projects that interest... more
Creative Pottery begins with a quick review of where you are in your own journey as a potter. If you need to brush up on the basics, help setting goals, or pointers on how to translate your inspiration into your work, you've come to the right place. The rest of the book is a self-guided journey in which you can choose the techniques and projects that interest... more
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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Take your skills—and your work—to the next level.
Mastering the Potter's Wheel starts with an introduction to wheel-throwing, from centering to creating the basic forms. What pushes this book beyond the competition, however, are the techniques offered in the chapters that follow. From a variety of methods for throwing large objects such as pitchers and platters, to alterations, darting, and paddling, this book offers potters a world of possibilities.
With galleries featuring today's top working... more
Mastering the Potter's Wheel starts with an introduction to wheel-throwing, from centering to creating the basic forms. What pushes this book beyond the competition, however, are the techniques offered in the chapters that follow. From a variety of methods for throwing large objects such as pitchers and platters, to alterations, darting, and paddling, this book offers potters a world of possibilities.
With galleries featuring today's top working... more
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The brand-new edition of this very popular how-to book for potters is bigger and better than ever. It has gone up in page count from the first edition to accommodate additional projects with instructions for making them, and also features an expanded gallery of handsome color photos showing examples of finished pieces. Handbuilt Pottery Techniques Revealed focuses on projects that produce good-looking and useful finished objects but don't require use of a potter's wheel. Author and expert potter Jacqui Atkin instructs in coil, slab, mold, and pinch techniques to produce pots, bowls,... more
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Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty. less
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At one time or another, every potter gets frustrated at the wheel. Whether struggling to center the clay or attach a handle with precision, potters of all levels crave advice and answers, and world-renowned ceramicist and YouTube sensation Simon Leach has plenty to give. In Simon Leach’s Pottery Handbook—a book-and-DVD package—he presents clear tutorials and loads of original instruction on all of the core techniques, from studio setup to basic throwing, to applying appendages, trimming, glazing, and firing. For each technique, detailed step-by-step photography captures the subtle,... more
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In Amazing Glaze, you will learn to love glazing with a variety of techniques, sure-fire recipes, and inspiring work from some of today's top ceramic artists.
Whether you look forward to glazing your work or are guilty of saying "I hate glazing!" Amazing Glaze is for you. Join author and Odyssey Clayworks founder Gabriel Kline on a journey that makes glazing less intimidating and more fun. Start in the "glaze kitchen" where you'll set yourself up for success, then move on to learning the tools and techniques for glazing right every time. Along the way,... more
Whether you look forward to glazing your work or are guilty of saying "I hate glazing!" Amazing Glaze is for you. Join author and Odyssey Clayworks founder Gabriel Kline on a journey that makes glazing less intimidating and more fun. Start in the "glaze kitchen" where you'll set yourself up for success, then move on to learning the tools and techniques for glazing right every time. Along the way,... more
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In Handbuilt, A Potter's Guide, pottery expert Melissa Weiss shows you the basics of crafting without a wheel, how to harvest and work wild clay, and using natural glazes.
Handbuilt pottery is the perfect way for new potters to dive into this unique medium because it doesn't require access to a potter's wheel. In Handbuilt, A Potter's Guide, Melissa Weiss takes an organic approach to harvesting and working with local clays, and even shows you how to mix your own glazes to use on functional pottery for use at home.
... more
Handbuilt pottery is the perfect way for new potters to dive into this unique medium because it doesn't require access to a potter's wheel. In Handbuilt, A Potter's Guide, Melissa Weiss takes an organic approach to harvesting and working with local clays, and even shows you how to mix your own glazes to use on functional pottery for use at home.
... more
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When this book first appeared in 1996, it was "Pottery 101," a basic introduction to the subject. It served as an art book, a history book, and a reference book, but also fun to read, beautiful to look at, and filled with good humor and good sense. After twenty years of faithful service, it's been expanded and brought up-to-date with photographs of more than 1,600 pots from more than 1,600 years. It shows every pottery-producing group in the Southwest, complete with maps that show where each group lives. Now updated, rewritten, and re-photographed, it's a comprehensive study as well as a... more
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Discover all of the best techniques for creating amazing rock art! Brush painting isn't the only way to decorate a rock. Almost anything you do on paper or canvas, you can do on a rock. Rock Art Handbook will show you how, with more than 30 step-by-step tutorials featuring dot painting, marbling, embellishments, and much more. It's the perfect opportunity to use your favorite craft supplies, from nail polish to puff paint to gelly roll pens, or to try something new. There are plenty of kid-friendly options--like chalk, washi tape, and glitter glue--too. And what do you do with the... more
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Create cups, mugs, bowls, and more pieces that are perfect for you!
Everyone who owns a beloved mug that has just the right handle, an agreeably "deep" cereal bowl, or a plate that fits perfectly in the dishwasher knows that once you've found these pieces, you wish you had more of them. In Making Pottery You Can Use, you'll learn how to create the pieces that will work best for you. Each element of the creative process is explained, including:
Deciding the function of the item
Working out proportions and making basic drawings
Choosing the right... more
Everyone who owns a beloved mug that has just the right handle, an agreeably "deep" cereal bowl, or a plate that fits perfectly in the dishwasher knows that once you've found these pieces, you wish you had more of them. In Making Pottery You Can Use, you'll learn how to create the pieces that will work best for you. Each element of the creative process is explained, including:
Deciding the function of the item
Working out proportions and making basic drawings
Choosing the right... more
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Emmanuel Cooper's classic guide to making glazes is now available in a thoroughly revised new edition. Cooper provides potters with an introductory section on glaze materials, coloring, mixing, and the application of glazes, as well as information on health and safety issues. This essential guide also features over 400 recipes ranging from opaque, matte, and transparent glazes to crystalline and black iron glazes, organized according to their varying temperature ranges. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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This guide to all the major pottery techniques contains practical advice on how to put them into action. It provides guidance on selecting and using materials and equipment, step-by-step illustrations and examples of finished work. less
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In the hands of an expert ceramist, the once-simple cup can become an extraordinary work of art--as these 500 magnificent examples so beautifully prove. The exciting pieces come from an international array of artists, each with a unique perspective. The stylishly varied collection has a little bit of everything: the cups range from handbuilt to wheel-thrown, practical to sculptural, round to square. Benjamin Schulman's "Stacked Teacup Set" takes a strictly functional approach, while Heather O'Brien's "Dessert Cups on Stand" focuses on aesthetic form rather than usefulness. Annette Gates'... more
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In A Potter's Workbook, renowned studio potter and teacher Clary Illian presents a textbook for the hand and the mind. Her aim is to provide a way to see, to make, and to think about the forms of wheel-thrown vessels; her information and inspiration explain both the mechanics of throwing and finishing pots made simply on the wheel and the principles of truth and beauty arising from that traditional method.
Each chapter begins with a series of exercises that introduce the principles of good form and good forming for pitchers, bowls, cylinders, lids, handles, and every other... more
Each chapter begins with a series of exercises that introduce the principles of good form and good forming for pitchers, bowls, cylinders, lids, handles, and every other... more
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2020-2021This's The Easy Keto Meal Prep Cookbook For Beginners with 800 Delicious meals.
Starting a new diet is often tough. But here that won't be a problem with our 21 day meal plan. You will now exactly what you need to eat along your days. No stresses!
If you're constantly on the rush and don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing food then the Freestyle point system is exactly what you been looking for!
You will soon experience the flexibility provided for you as you begin your daily activities. Just know how to handle the 'free'... more
Starting a new diet is often tough. But here that won't be a problem with our 21 day meal plan. You will now exactly what you need to eat along your days. No stresses!
If you're constantly on the rush and don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing food then the Freestyle point system is exactly what you been looking for!
You will soon experience the flexibility provided for you as you begin your daily activities. Just know how to handle the 'free'... more
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An essential illustrated reference for both beginner and advanced potters, these step-by-step photographic sequences guide you through a comprehensive range of shaping, firing and decorating techniques, so you can begin making wonderful ceramics even if you've never attempted pottery before. Learn about essential tools and equipment, different types and constituencies of clay, methods of production and much more. Includes dozens of ideas for creating textured surface effects and decorations. Over 45,000 copies sold worldwide. This hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5in x 8in, a... more
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This reference book is designed for professional and amateur potters as well as for pottery students. Approximately 1250 formulas are presented in a form which is free of lengthy descriptions or technical jargon. This book is a revised edition and includes new chapters on fritted glazes and vitrified pottery for lower-temperature firing. There are 250 new recipes and 500 recipes that have been recently revised. All of the recipes for glazing are nontoxic. less
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A flowing collection of poetry that is also a guide for life. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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No other volume has ever presented such a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary animal-themed ceramics. Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais’ image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality. Sharkus’ painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living... more
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Sculpting the human face presents a unique artistic challenge—but this richly illustrated guide thoroughly demystifies the process. Instructor Alex Irvine goes step-by-step, explaining everything from creating basic, rough outlines to surface refinements to finely detailed replicas. Photographs of models and sketches appear alongside the actual sculpture, and a gallery of contemporary work inspires. less
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Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize
A spellbinding novel, at once sweeping and intimate, from the Booker Prize–winning author of Possession, that spans the Victorian era through the World War I years, and centers around a famous children’s book author and the passions, betrayals, and secrets that tear apart the people she loves.
When Olive Wellwood’s oldest son discovers a runaway named Philip sketching in the basement of the new Victoria and Albert Museum—a talented working-class boy who could be a character out of one of Olive’s magical tales—she... more
A spellbinding novel, at once sweeping and intimate, from the Booker Prize–winning author of Possession, that spans the Victorian era through the World War I years, and centers around a famous children’s book author and the passions, betrayals, and secrets that tear apart the people she loves.
When Olive Wellwood’s oldest son discovers a runaway named Philip sketching in the basement of the new Victoria and Albert Museum—a talented working-class boy who could be a character out of one of Olive’s magical tales—she... more
Recommended by Morten Kringelbach, and 1 others. Morten KringelbachThis book is about how it is that we create lives, how our well-being later on is very much shaped by early childhood. (Source)
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Anyone who has ever imagined plunging bare hands into cool, moist clay and shaping it into a vase, platter, or tile can now experience the pleasure of pottery. Lifelong potter Bill van Gilder has a bounty of time-tested advice on all the basics, and a plethora of fantastic techniques. That means novices will enjoy the advantages of a master teacher guiding them through each stage of the process—while intermediates will eagerly soak up every new idea he has to offer. With van Gilder’s help, beginners can try hand building, and progress onto the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. They’ll get... more
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Five hundred inspiring variations on the simple, functional bowl will fire any potter's imagination. Displayed on each page are bowls that reinvent and reinterpret the form, and use techniques from across the globe and through the centuries. More importantly, every piece, such as Kate Maury's wheel-thrown porcelain, Stephen F. Fabrico's slab-built bowl with handles, and Ruchika Madan's stoneware Fruit Bowl, testifies to the artist's boundless inventiveness. Captions give each bowl's size, with details on its material and glazes.
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Clay is an exciting material that has been used to make both practical and decorative items since prehistoric times. With this practical guidebook, learn all the skills you need to start creating your own beautiful ceramics.
Step-by-step photographs and clear instructions will guide you through the core techniques, including pinching and coiling and throwing and trimming. Discover inspirational projects as your skills progress, from simple coiled vases with painted decoration to marbled clay boxes with transparent glazes. Learn how to decorate and fire your clay vessels with myriad... more
Step-by-step photographs and clear instructions will guide you through the core techniques, including pinching and coiling and throwing and trimming. Discover inspirational projects as your skills progress, from simple coiled vases with painted decoration to marbled clay boxes with transparent glazes. Learn how to decorate and fire your clay vessels with myriad... more
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With this lavish introduction to the centuries-old art of enameling, even beginners can effortlessly create imaginative designs. Written with clarity and passion by a leader in the field, it covers all the popular techniques, the fundamentals of setting up a studio, and 14 fabulous projects. The various styles range from traditional cloisonné, champlevé, and plique-à-jour to experimental techniques such as firing enamel onto mesh forms. Even more creative possibilities await in the firing: use copper oxide to create cool color variations or try raku firing for unique effects. All the... more
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Discover the wealth of creative possibilities that versatile and colorful polymer clay has to offer.
Here are all the techniques you need to create oven-clay projects: buttons, beads, jewelry, figurines, boxes, mosaics, and frames.
The book begins with some basic techniques to get you started, including rolling, baking, and gluing. It then moves on to marbling effects, simulating textiles, making frames, building miniature pots, and creating faux stones.
Inspirational examples of work from some of the best polymer clay artists in the world will fire your... more
Here are all the techniques you need to create oven-clay projects: buttons, beads, jewelry, figurines, boxes, mosaics, and frames.
The book begins with some basic techniques to get you started, including rolling, baking, and gluing. It then moves on to marbling effects, simulating textiles, making frames, building miniature pots, and creating faux stones.
Inspirational examples of work from some of the best polymer clay artists in the world will fire your... more
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Dry glazes, also known as matte glazes, provide ceramic artists with an alternative to conventional glossy and transparent finishes. Potters such as Lucie Rie and Hans Coper frequently used matte and opaque coatings in their work. Contemporary sculptors employ dry glazes to add texture and depth to the surface of their pieces. Still, little information has been published on matte glaze techniques until now.
In Dry Glazes, artist and educator Jeremy Jernegan covers everything ceramicists need to know to create and manipulate a range of matte glazes, from satin to cratered.... more
In Dry Glazes, artist and educator Jeremy Jernegan covers everything ceramicists need to know to create and manipulate a range of matte glazes, from satin to cratered.... more
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41
Inspired by the great diversity of Iznik and Delft pottery, this book brings to you a selection of bright, modern designs. The patterns in this book are varied in both their size and complexity, from small designs for tags, pincushions, and cards to more involved designs for pictures and other display items. Many are simple, quick to stitch, and usable in multiple ways. An individual small design could be repeated to form a band for a table cloth, curtain, or towel edge—or tiled to produce a larger pattern for a cushion or sampler style design—making it a suitable book for both new and... more
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George Ohr (1857-1918) was the most revolutionary art potter of his time. Working in the relative isolation of Biloxi, Mississippi, around the turn of the century, he transformed symmetrical wheel-thrown pots into unprecedented abstract configurations, nearly half a century before the nonrepresentational ideas of the Abstract Expressionists took hold. As an artist, Ohr's goal was to make no two pieces alike. Furthermore, he fulfilled the ideal of the Arts & Crafts movement by doing all of his own work - from digging the clay to firing the kiln. Ohr's eccentric forms and flamboyant... more
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Ceramicists have been plying their art and craft for thousands of years, and never more prolifically than today. The Ceramics Bible is the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume on the subject. Brimming with more than 700 full-color photos and illustrations, this is the new definitive guide for serious ceramics practitioners. Inside are step-by-step instructions on molding, firing, and glazing techniques, generously accompanied by detailed photographs. Also included are beautiful examples of contemporary work, plus plenty of historical information, artist profiles, troubleshooting... more
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The Craft and Art of Clay, by 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... more
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"Thin as Bone China, painted with exquisite precision, the best Mata Ortiz pots . . . seem to float above a shelf like ceramic balloons, " writes Susan Lowell in The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz, which captures the beauty and magic of this emerging, indigenous art form.The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz introduces ceramic collectors to the remarkable village artists of Mata Ortiz in northern Chihuahua, Mexico. One hundred potters are featured, along with their most impressive works of art. This beautifully illustrated volume also includes directions for travelers planning to visit the village, an index... more
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This complete resource of mosaic techniques and design ideas is sure to become your go-to reference. With clear step-by-step sequences, mosaic artist Bonnie Fitzgerald shows how to draw up an idea, cut and arrange tiles, and lay designs successfully. All tools, materials, and equipment are clearly explained, and you'll find helpful hints on setting up a comfortable workspace, as well as essential information on installing your finished mosaics.
Includes 10 project descriptions, such as a mirror frame, table top, house number, and two- and three-dimensional artworks. Plus, you'll... more
Includes 10 project descriptions, such as a mirror frame, table top, house number, and two- and three-dimensional artworks. Plus, you'll... more
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This book provides a personal look at the three generations of American Indian women who made (and are still making) traditional pottery. less
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Discover how to develop your pottery design skills and bring your ideas to life from start to finish.
Covering every technique from throwing pottery to firing, glazing to sgraffito, this pottery book is perfect for both hand-building beginners and potting pros.
Step-by-step photographs - some from the potter's perspective - show you exactly where to place your hands when throwing so you can master every technique you need to know. Plus, expert tips help you rescue your pots when things go wrong.
The next in the popular... more
Covering every technique from throwing pottery to firing, glazing to sgraffito, this pottery book is perfect for both hand-building beginners and potting pros.
Step-by-step photographs - some from the potter's perspective - show you exactly where to place your hands when throwing so you can master every technique you need to know. Plus, expert tips help you rescue your pots when things go wrong.
The next in the popular... more
50
A celebration of the artistry of legendary potter Beatrice Wood. Glorious pictures reveal the iridescent beauty of Wood's pottery, while commentary documents the luster of her 105 years of life. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
52
2015 Reprint of 1957 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition. Not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Profusely Illustrated, with photos by the author. A book for the potter, student, teacher, designer, collector or industrial ceramist who wishes to know more about the materials of the craft of pottery, and the ways in which the many varied colors and textures in ceramics can be achieved. This is a practical book, and the facts about clays and glazes and the principles governing their use are clearly described in easy-to-understand form. Fully discusses the geological make... more
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""This book is indeed complete with every aspect of design material selection, installation and care considered... Appropriate as a coffee table book and an instructive text; beginner and pro alike will not be disappointed." " -- B and B, Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association
Maggy Howarth is one of the world's foremost pebble mosaic experts, known for the innovative traditional and contemporary designs she has used to create outdoor mosaics around the world.
This new edition is updated, revised and expanded by 32 pages to incorporate many new inspirational... more
Maggy Howarth is one of the world's foremost pebble mosaic experts, known for the innovative traditional and contemporary designs she has used to create outdoor mosaics around the world.
This new edition is updated, revised and expanded by 32 pages to incorporate many new inspirational... more
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Raku is an ancient ceramics technique enjoying a modern-day renaissance. This groundbreaking new entry in the highly successful 500 series demonstrates the vitality and invention of today's raku ceramics. Objects including cups, plates, bowls, vases, and statuary contribute to this international gallery of work juried by Jim Romberg, one of the leading practitioners and teachers of raku in the world.
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"A helpful guide for creating mini masterpieces." — Looking for a Good Book
"A fantastic book!" — The Classy Chics
"This is a gorgeous book and I found so much inspiration reading through it." — The Gingerbread House
Transform ordinary stones into colorful works of art with this easy-to-follow guide. Popular stone artist F. Sehnaz Bac, a seasoned archaeologist who markets her painted Sassi dell’Adriatico (Stones of the Adriatic) on Etsy, presents step-by-step instructions for creating 30 fantastic designs. Full-color photographs accompany directions for painting themes... more
"A fantastic book!" — The Classy Chics
"This is a gorgeous book and I found so much inspiration reading through it." — The Gingerbread House
Transform ordinary stones into colorful works of art with this easy-to-follow guide. Popular stone artist F. Sehnaz Bac, a seasoned archaeologist who markets her painted Sassi dell’Adriatico (Stones of the Adriatic) on Etsy, presents step-by-step instructions for creating 30 fantastic designs. Full-color photographs accompany directions for painting themes... more
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Traditionally potters fired their work either at low temperatures, as for earthenware, or at the high temperature that stoneware requires. However, a growing number of potters, particularly those who use electric kilns, are firing to a middle-range temperature, of which cone 6 is typical. Using middle range temperatures saves fuel and expense, reduces wear on electric elements, and yet allows the potter to achieve features shared by earthenware and stoneware. Because of the popularity of this technique, pottery suppliers have recently begun developing clay bodies and glazes suitable for the... more
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With information gleaned from years of working for and studying with professional mosaic artists from around the world, this comprehensive guide provides essential information for creating beautiful mosaics that survive the elements and stand the test of time. Offering hundreds of valuable design and construction tips, diagrams, simple step-by-step directions, and photographs, the book explains how to create professional, stylish, and technically skilled mosaics. It contains clear instructions for the most commonly used mosaic methods, tips for avoiding potential pitfalls, and an... more
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This title has how-to exercises which cover every aspect of creating crystalline glazes with 55 recipes and a firing schedule for each. There is also a discussion of low-fire glazes, frit making, the fundamentals of secondary crystals and troubleshooting tips to help prevent or correct problems. less
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Plates and chargers can serve as more than just places to put your food: they can be glorious art to show off on a table, sideboard, or hutch. These 500 spectacular pieces chosen by esteemed juror Linda Arbuckle range from the utilitarian yet beautifully glazed plate to dramatically decorated work, and they’re crafted from a remarkable variety of materials—including pristine porcelain and bold earthenware. Nick Joerling’s stoneware is the perfect canvas for a design: vigorous brush strokes set in wax resist race across its attractive surface. Kelly McKibben’s hand-built Going for a... more
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For studio artists, production potters, students, educators, and hobbyists who love working with clay, this project-driven guide is an unmatched teaching tool and a fount of information and inspiration. Focusing on various surface processes, and encompassing skills ranging from letterpress and printmaking to drawing and painting, it offers a wealth of techniques for transferring images onto clay vessels. Graphic Clay addresses such topics as staining sculptural work, glazing, brush application, screenprinting patterns on pottery, and slip, drawing, bisque, decal, stencils, and more.... more
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The Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent is a mecca for lovers of its iconic pottery, known for its designs featuring florals and farmyard animals. Today, it is a thriving visitor attraction; but tucked within is a walled garden bursting with nectar-rich, jazzy-toned flowers and hen houses of rare-breed chickens. In this beautiful book, the site’s gardener, florist and poultry keeper Arthur Parkinson descriptively and visually shares his work. Inspired by his friend and idol, gardener and florist Sarah Raven, and childhood hen-keeping pen pal the late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire,... more
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Pottery making and wheel throwing is a timeless craft, perfect for beginner crafters and artisans who don't mind getting their hands dirty. Even if you haven't touched clay since your childhood art class, let The Potter's Studio Handbook guide you through the process of designing and equipping your own ceramic studio, teaching you techniques that will have you generating clay projects in no time. Once the techniques are mastered, this guide will remain an invaluable resource to all clay artists, one that will stay in the studio for years to come. A veteran instructor teaches... more
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Over 4500 images appear in this beautiful and comprehensive, four-volume set. This massive compilation reveals the great diversity and intrinsic beauty of art tiles produced across the length and breadth of the United States from the late nineteenth through the twentieth centuries. Tile installations of great beauty include panels, individual tiles, and inserts adorning building facades, interiors, furniture, and garden ornaments. These volumes explore the wildly varying themes and distinctive art styles of six regions of the nation. Among the 161 companies represented are A. E. Hull,... more
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Handmade Tile is a contemporary guide for ceramic artists and anyone interested in custom tile installations—from making, designing, and decorating to designing your space and installation.
No matter how many years of experience you have as a ceramic artist or how many home-improvement projects you've tackled, nothing prepares you for the unique world of ceramic tile. From concept and design, through firing and installation, ceramic tiling is one of the few places in a home where art is permanently installed as a feature of a room. more
No matter how many years of experience you have as a ceramic artist or how many home-improvement projects you've tackled, nothing prepares you for the unique world of ceramic tile. From concept and design, through firing and installation, ceramic tiling is one of the few places in a home where art is permanently installed as a feature of a room. more
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High school junior Camelia thought her powers of psychometry only gave her the ability to sense the future through touch. But now she’s started to hear voices. Mean voices. Berating her, telling her how ugly she is, and that she’d be better off dead. It’s a troubling development that has Camelia terrified for her mental stability, especially since her deranged aunt with a suicidal history just moved into the family house. More torturing, ex-boyfriend Ben, who has similar psychometric abilities, has been spending more time with their classmate Alejandra, even as her own feelings for Adam... more
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Whether you are buying at auction, flea market or antiques shop, this is the book you need to identify and date what you find. More than 6,000 marks are organized for quick, at-a-glance reference with full-colour sections on silver, bronze figures, ceramics, glass, costume jewelry and toys and dolls.
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Now available in its fifth edition, The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques presents a comprehensive survey of all aspects of making ceramics for craft potters and ceramic artists. With its sound, practical explanations of ceramic processes, this indispensable reference book has gained a reputation as "the potter's bible." Professional potters, beginners, students, and collectors will find authoritative information clearly and logically presented.
Frank and Janet Hamer explain the sources and character of materials, the behavior of clays and glaze minerals during... more
Frank and Janet Hamer explain the sources and character of materials, the behavior of clays and glaze minerals during... more
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In the red clay country of Seagrove, North Carolina, Judge Deborah Knott oversees the distribution of property in the bitter divorce between two members of the Nordan clan, a dynasty of skilled potters long cursed by suicide and scandal. After a gruesome act of violence suddenly strikes the homestead, Judge Knott must stop a killer who will stop at nothing to continue a dark history of family secrets, old sins, and new blood. (July) less
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Lehners Encyclopedia of U.S. Marks on Pottery holds over 1,900 companies with over 8,000 marks, logos, and symbols divided equally among the old folk potters, studio potters, dinnerware manufacturers, distributors, and decorators fill this massive hardbound encyclopedia. No values. 8.5 X 11. 1998 values. less
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Presents a collection of ceramic pitchers. This work offers 500 images that include almost everything from handbuilt to wheel-thrown, practical to sculptural, round to square. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
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“A complete guide to designing, making and planting hypertufa troughs.”—North American Rock Garden Society
Hypertufa containers—also known as troughs—are rustic, striking, versatile, and perfect for small, Alpine plants. A mix of cement, perlite, peat, and water, they are simple and affordable to make at home. In Hypertufa Containers, Lori Chips details everything you need to know to make your own troughs and successfully garden in them. This hardworking book includes step-by-step instructions and color photography for making hypertufa containers in a variety... more
Hypertufa containers—also known as troughs—are rustic, striking, versatile, and perfect for small, Alpine plants. A mix of cement, perlite, peat, and water, they are simple and affordable to make at home. In Hypertufa Containers, Lori Chips details everything you need to know to make your own troughs and successfully garden in them. This hardworking book includes step-by-step instructions and color photography for making hypertufa containers in a variety... more
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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... more
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You may be the owner of a valuable piece of porcelain or pottery, but the cryptic symbol on the underside of the piece may be your only clue to its value. Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks: 1850 to the Present will help you identify your pieces.
Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks provides the quickest and easiest way for professional and amateur collectors to identify more than 3,500 American, European, and Oriental marks. The perfect companion to the Kovels' original best-seller, Kovels' Dictionary of Marks -- Pottery and Porcelain: 1650 to 1850 (still in print... more
Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks provides the quickest and easiest way for professional and amateur collectors to identify more than 3,500 American, European, and Oriental marks. The perfect companion to the Kovels' original best-seller, Kovels' Dictionary of Marks -- Pottery and Porcelain: 1650 to 1850 (still in print... more
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From press-molded pieces to carved works showcasing spectacular surface treatments, these magnificent tiles will inspire beginners and professionals, as well as collectors and enthusiasts. Some of the larger handcrafted displays here were made to decorate public and private spaces; others use single tiles to interpret nature, tell a story, or make a bold cultural observation. As always in this acclaimed series, all the contributors are accomplished artists, renowned in the field. Mary Lynn Buss creates the ultimate kitchen backsplash: a field of mosaic-tiled long-necked irises. Peter...
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Written for the general reader with an interest in ceramics, Handbuilt Ceramics is a big, colorful, and complete how-to manual for shaping clay without a potter’s wheel. Features 8 projects, complete with materials lists, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed “how-to” color photos.
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This is a highly illustrated reference for beginner potters, covering all the basics they would need to do a wide range of ceramics. The book is filled with step-by-step photographic sequences which take the reader through all the basic shaping, firing and decorating techniques they would need to know. The book is in the useful wiro binding format so that the book can be laid flat so that readers can follow the sequences while making their work. less
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Book annotation not available for this title.
Title: The Ceramic Spectrum
Author: Hopper, Robin
Publisher: Amer Ceramic Society
Publication Date: 2008/12/01
Number of Pages: 256
Binding Type: PAPERBACK
Library of Congress: less
Title: The Ceramic Spectrum
Author: Hopper, Robin
Publisher: Amer Ceramic Society
Publication Date: 2008/12/01
Number of Pages: 256
Binding Type: PAPERBACK
Library of Congress: less
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From designing pieces to making, decorating and firing them, this book guides you from clay to kiln. Step-by-step instructions for traditional methods and new products such as paper-clay and print-on-clay accompany examples of work by ceramicists and details of how they achieve their results. less
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Pots in the Kitchen traces the development of handmade pots used for cooking in Britain from the beginning of the 20th century. Clay pots from Morocco, South America, Spain, and India, casseroles, baking dishes, together with many humble pots such as cutlery drainers, colanders, and lemon squeezers are all celebrated in this book as never before. With special features illustrating potters at work, this book shows how leading makers create their unique handmade pots in step-by-step sequences. Practical guidance is given on how to cook with handmade pottery and, for potters, there is... more
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
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81
It’s an absolutely unequalled photographic gallery: no other book has ever presented such a varied, captivating collection of contemporary ceramics based on the human form. The works range from representational to abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism, and many of them come from leaders in the field such as Judy Fox, Kurt Weiser, and Andy Nasisse. Kay Yourist has produced female forms that are smooth, minimalist vessels with only the slightest hint of breasts and belly. The simple, rounded features of Diane Lublinski’s black-and-white figures possess a fun, clown-like... more
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The Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques shares the ancient methods for creating decorative artwork with mosaic tiles. This visual directory helps you transform your pottery, furniture, walls, and floors with fabulous creative mosaics. Learn foolproof techniques for getting colours to work together to create dynamic designs. It needn't be expensive: find out how to work with improvised mosaic tiles, such as pebbles, coloured glass, and other found materials.
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Pottery is an art of essentials: earth, water, and fire, guided by the human element of spirit. Zen is also concerned with the basics: the training of the mind and body, the ultimate craftsmanship of the soul. Zen and the Art of Pottery explores the links between pottery and Zen, between art, life, and spirit.
This unique book is at once a celebration of pottery, the art and its traditions, and a hands-on guide to its methods. The first chapters discuss principles and practice, discipline and tradition—the Zen potter's attitudes to life and work. Later chapters translate... more
This unique book is at once a celebration of pottery, the art and its traditions, and a hands-on guide to its methods. The first chapters discuss principles and practice, discipline and tradition—the Zen potter's attitudes to life and work. Later chapters translate... more
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Pieces of broken pots are scattered over the desert hillsides of the Southwest. The Indians there treat them with respect -- "Every piece of clay is a piece of someone's life," they say. And the children try to imagine those lives that took place in the desert they think of as their own.
Clay has its own small voice, and sings. Its song has lasted for thousands of years. And Byrd Baylor's prose-poem as simple and powerful as the clay pots, sings too. less
Clay has its own small voice, and sings. Its song has lasted for thousands of years. And Byrd Baylor's prose-poem as simple and powerful as the clay pots, sings too. less
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Sometime around 1815, an enslaved young man named Dave was brought to Edgefield, South Carolina, the center of a pottery-producing area known for the alkaline glazes used on the stoneware. Dave was taught how to turn pots and jars on a pottery wheel by one of his first owners. As Dave's talent flourished, he created pieces of great beauty and often massive size. He also somehow learned to read and write, in spite of South Carolina's strongly-held fear of slave literacy. And then Dave did something even more incredible--he began to sign his jars and carve many of them with sayings and poems... more
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Pottery making and wheel throwing is a timeless craft, perfect for beginner crafters and artisans who don't mind getting their hands dirty. The Potter's Complete Studio Handbook is the perfect guide for all levels to enjoy and master the art of pottery. The book is a compilation of the best features from The Potter's Studio Handbook and The Potter's Studio Clay and Glaze Handbook, bringing the best of hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques together with comprehensive instruction for clays and glazes.
Inside, you'll find:
—expert tips... more
Inside, you'll find:
—expert tips... more
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This practical and supremely useful manual is the first comprehensive, hands-on introduction to Japanese ceramics. The Japanese ceramics tradition is without compare in its technical and stylistic diversity, its expressive content, and the level of appreciation it enjoys, both in Japan and around the world. Inside Japanese Ceramics focuses on tools, materials, and procedures, and how all of these have influenced the way traditional Japanese ceramics look and feel. A true primer, it concentrates on the basics: setting up a workshop, pot-forming techniques, decoration, glazes, and kilns... more
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The Kiln Book is the definitive guide to pottery kiln construction. Since this breakthrough book was first published more than thirty years ago, it has shown generations of ceramicists how to build safe, economical, and fully functional kilns that meet their specific creative needs. The revised fourth edition continues to cover all aspects of kiln construction through step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, with new information on alternative fuels and the latest designs.
In The Kiln Book, master potter and kiln builder Frederick L. Olsen thoroughly describes... more
In The Kiln Book, master potter and kiln builder Frederick L. Olsen thoroughly describes... more
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The #1 bestseller in England tells the story of the obsessive pursuit of the secret formula to 18th-century Europe's most precious commodity -- fine porcelain. less
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Featuring 15 step-by-step projects for creating clay fairies, gnomes, trolls, and other enchanting figures, this beautiful instructional book shows readershow to create an entire fantasy land. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
91
When George Ohr's trove of pottery was discovered in 1967, years after his death, his true genius was discovered with it. The world could finally see how unique this artist really was!
Born in 1856 in Biloxi, Mississippi, George grew up to the sounds of the civil war and political unrest.When he was 22, his boyhood friend introduced him to the pottery wheel. The lost young man suddenly found his calling.
"When I found the potter's wheel I felt it all over like a duck in water."
He started creating strangely crafted pots and vases, expressing his creativity... more
Born in 1856 in Biloxi, Mississippi, George grew up to the sounds of the civil war and political unrest.When he was 22, his boyhood friend introduced him to the pottery wheel. The lost young man suddenly found his calling.
"When I found the potter's wheel I felt it all over like a duck in water."
He started creating strangely crafted pots and vases, expressing his creativity... more
92
In "Pottery on the Wheel, " Elsbeth S. Woody provides step-by-step instruction for the novice potter in the art of throwing basic ceramic forms. In simple and precise language accompanied by over 250 black-and-white photographs, Woody discusses the tools of the trade and illustrates how to wedge clay, how to throw cylindrical and open shapes, and then how to trim them. With sections for specialized and advanced throwing, throwing specific forms such as teapots and pitchers, as well as appendixes on clays, glazes, kilns, and firing, Woody provides all the elements necessary for the beginner to... more
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People have carved figures in clay since prehistoric times—so what can artists bring to the tradition that's distinctive? This breathtaking collection answers that question 500 ways with works by new and emerging ceramicists that chronicle the ongoing exploration of the human form. From rustic creations to postmodern designs, from realistic to abstract, these pieces embody the diversity, imagination, and excellence of today's finest ceramic art. less
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Ignite your passion for jewelry
Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry combines beading and wire-working techniques with the
intense beauty of torch-fired enameled beads. Metal becomes your canvas as you learn the basics of enameling with a torch, then dive into 22 exquisite pieces, ranging from quirky "cattywampus" earrings to ethereal pendants to delicate multi-stranded necklaces. Find out how easy it is to create unique and colorful enamel pieces in this innovative, comprehensive guide to the world of torch-fired enameling.
Inside you'll find:
- A... more
Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry combines beading and wire-working techniques with the
intense beauty of torch-fired enameled beads. Metal becomes your canvas as you learn the basics of enameling with a torch, then dive into 22 exquisite pieces, ranging from quirky "cattywampus" earrings to ethereal pendants to delicate multi-stranded necklaces. Find out how easy it is to create unique and colorful enamel pieces in this innovative, comprehensive guide to the world of torch-fired enameling.
Inside you'll find:
- A... more
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In this comprehensive and authoritative history, the artistic legacy of Newcomb College comes to life. Decorated with stately magnolias, southern pines, and live oaks, the pieces produced by the women of Newcomb during the first half of the twentieth century represent some of New Orleans' most iconic and distinctive art. Established as an institution to foster financial independence for its female student body, Newcomb has turned out thousands of pieces of internationally celebrated pottery and other crafts. In new, gorgeous, full-color photography, this collection showcases the century-old... more
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A guide to the fundamentals of pottery making includes discussions of materials, glazes, pigments, kilns, firing, and decoration techniques. less
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The finest extant pieces of Mimbres painted pottery, selected for aesthetic quality, visual impact, iconographic variety and historical importance. A full analysis of the art's stylistic evolution and the history, beliefs and way of life of this Southwestern New Mexico people. less
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Anyone who loves creating ceramics knows that glazing can be a labor of great love or the bane of the entire ceramic process. In the instructional and inspirational "Glaze," potters will find a wealth of guidance on the glazing process as several of today's leading ceramicists share the recipes and techniques behind their most stunning works of art--each selected specifically for its unique glaze. Entries include:
An overview of the artists' workA technical description of the featured pieceThe artist's creative intention behind the glazes usedGlaze recipes
Pieces are organized by... more
An overview of the artists' workA technical description of the featured pieceThe artist's creative intention behind the glazes usedGlaze recipes
Pieces are organized by... more
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Introducing amateur sleuth Molly Appleby, a sharp-witted writer for "Collector's Weekly" magazine. She has a keen knowledge of antiques, and a special fondness for collectibles.
And when a fellow collector is murdered, Molly quickly develops an uncanny understanding of the criminal mind. less
And when a fellow collector is murdered, Molly quickly develops an uncanny understanding of the criminal mind. less
Don't have time to read the top Pottery books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.