1. Textbook Recommendations
Now available in its sixth 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 forming and firing processes, forming methods, and glaze construction. In addition to brief outlines and detailed articles with cross references to illustrations, color photographs illustrate glaze effects and surfaces featured in the work of inventive, contemporary potters. The varied techniques of Raku, maiolica, crystalline glazes, salt and soda, stoneware, and porcelain are also presented.
This new edition features over 500 full-color photographs and illustrations. With more than 300 diagrams to clarify everything in the ceramic world, in its sixth edition The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques will continue to serve as the authority on all things ceramic.
Take your work to the next level! In Creative Pottery, ceramic artist Deb Schwartzkopf offers the tips, techniques, and inspiration you need to grow as a functional potter.
Whether your background is in wheel-throwing or handbuilding, start 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 you:
- Go beyond the basics and learn how to throw or handbuild a bottomless cylinder. Then explore seams and alterations for projects like an oval serving tray, altered cylinder vase, and dessert boat.
- Learn about small changes that make a big impact, making an asymmetrical slab plate, throwing plates, and creating a cake stand.
- Master bisque molds and use them to open a new world of possibilities. Make spoons, a goblet, a butter dish, and more.
- Add complexity for stunning forms, including a pitcher, juicer, teapot, and oil pourer.
With compelling galleries, artist features, and guided questions for growth throughout, this book will not only teach you new skills—it will unlock your creativity.
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 Artist's Techniques series, Complete Pottery is the ideal companion for pottery classes of any level, or a go-to guide and inspiration for the more experienced potter looking to expand their repertoire and perfect new skills.
With contemporary design and ideas, Complete Pottery Techniques enables the modern maker to unleash their creativity.