Truxal Library Special Topic Guide: The Art & Craft of Ceramics, with Spotlight on Women in Clay

This is the only full four-color introductory ceramics text available that combines a thorough appreciation of the aesthetics of ceramic art with extensive discussions of the history of ceramics as well as techniques for working in clay.

Written by a world-renowned ceramist and leading expert in the field, this introductory book describes the initial processes of handbuilding, wheel throwing, plaster mold making, decoration, glaze application and firing techniques in a simple, easy-to-follow narrative. The text offers rich pictorial guidance throughout, both inspiring and instructing students with over 650 color illustrations. It includes a pictorial timeline of ceramic art history; and exposes students to a gallery of ceramic art, from traditional to avant-garde. The third edition is thoroughly updated throughout.

Revised and updated, this classic potter's volume explains everything from preparation through firing, with stops along the way for detailed instruction and techniques, accompanied by more than 450 full-color photos.

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.

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.

Features work by former AACC faculty member Rick Malmgren

More than 70 techniques for beautifying ceramic pieces are clearly described with detailed, step-by -- step instructions in this inspiring book. Readers will learn how to add color, texture, and pattern with techniques like post-firing, multiple firings, and decorative processes used at the biscuit stage. More than 300 full-color photos illustrate the techniques.

The use of wax, paper, clay, and other materials to prevent the effects of heat, fire, smoke, chemical reactions, colors, 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 the form of glazing 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.

Finally there's a book that combines complete instructions for throwing clay on a potter's wheel with stunning color photos of every step of the process. Packed with comprehensive instructions for beginners, invaluable tips for experts, and a running gallery of international contemporary work for collectors, this will certainly become the basic book in the field.

This volume provides you with a functional overlook of pottery through the years. Explore the evolution of design of utilitarian pottery and study the diverse approaches to making pottery that developed over time.

Every potter--home enthusiast to the art center doyenne--needs practical guidance on choosing and using clays and glazes in his or her work. Mastering clays and glazes is a feat of both art and science, and navigating everyday issues in the pottery studio requires an understanding of both fields.  With The Potter's Studio Clay and Glaze Handbook, the art and science of ceramics is explored with accessible authority and insight. Whether choosing a high-fire clay or applying a high-impact engobe, any potter's craft will be enhanced and inspired by this book.

The origins of raku can be traced back hundreds of years to Japan, where it was used as the traditional method of creating clay bowls for the tea ceremony. Over the years, potters have embraced and adapted these methods, celebrating the remarkable but unpredictable results achieved using raku techniques. Irene Poulton, who has specialized in raku firing for over 20 years, considers the origins of raku before offering 300 glaze recipes. A selection of other potters also share their ideas. With 100 color photos of raku-fired pieces, this is an outstanding source of information and inspiration for all potters.

"It is rare to find a book on art that presents complex aesthetic principles in clear readable form. Ceramics, by Philip Rawson, is such a book. I discovered it ten years ago, and today my well-worn copy has scarcely a page on which some statement is not underlined and starred."--Wayne Higby, from the Foreword

With Creative Pottery, master new techniques as you learn how to make innovative functional forms, from teapots and juicers to serving trays and cake-stands. Hand-builders and wheel-throwers welcome!

Take your skills--and your work--to the next level with this comprehensive guide to wheel-throwing that includes more than just the basics. 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 artists, including Kyle Carpenter, Sam Chung, Chandra DeBuse, Julia Galloway, Martha Grover, Ayumie Horie, Forrest Lesch-Middleton, Kristen Kieffer, Kathy King, Matt Long, Alex Matisse, Lorna Meaden, Doug Peltzman, Mackenzie Smith, Shawn Spangler, and many more, you'll also find page after page of inspiration . . . The Mastering Ceramics series is for artists who never stop learning. With compelling projects, expert insight, step-by-step photos, and galleries of work from today's top artists, these books are the perfect studio companions. Also available from the series: Mastering Hand Building and Mastering Kilns and Firing. Praise for Mastering the Potter's Wheel "The ultimate "how to pot" book, this is a must read for anyone pursuing his or her craft through a mindful and holistic approach." --Sarah Millfelt, director, Northern Clay Center "A valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about handmade pottery. The book provides clear instructions, thoughtful insights, and includes beautiful images of work from some of the best potters in the field." --Steve Lee, director, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts "Ben's thorough knowledge and extensive experience in ceramics comes to the fore in this comprehensive book--helpful advice for beginners with loads of tutorials, well-considered guidance for those with more experience, and galleries of examples to inspire into the future. This book deserves a place on the bookshelf in every ceramics studio" --Vicki Grima, editor, The Journal of Australian Ceramics

"A definitive guide for every step of pottery making, from styling small tools to building one's own kiln" (Publishers Weekly). 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, 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, intricate movements. Praise for Simon Leach's Pottery Handbook "An amazingly detailed, step-by-step text for all major processes in ceramics. The in-depth perspective starts with his directions for making simple tools (a wire tool and a sponge stick) and is bolstered by charts and information-packed sidebars (e.g., for removing air bubbles and troubleshooting your first pull). Every topic that novices must master is covered, such as working basic shapes (cylinder and variations dishes) trimming, decorating and glazing, and firing." ?Booklist  "Among how-to books, this volume stands out. This gem is as carefully honed as the skills it seeks to share." --American Craft "For those of us who learn best with a combo of text and demonstrations, Simon Leach's new book is the perfect fit." ?Ceramics Monthly

Apply interesting and inspired surface techniques to your ceramic work through twenty step-by-step projects, including a combed mug, faceted jug, and more. Carve Your Clay takes you through creative techniques that produce amazing, dynamic results, including inlay, piercing, sgraffito, etching, relief carving, wire cutting, and more. Gain new skills as you complete twenty projects featuring author Hilda Carr's signature style, each with clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instruction to achieve beautiful results. This comprehensive book includes an easy guide on how to create basic forms, as well as glazing and firing techniques. Whether you are new to ceramics or are a more experienced potter looking to explore new surface design techniques, Carve Your Clay will educate and inspire you. "Profusely and effective illustrated throughout, a complete course of thoroughly user friendly and artist inspiring instruction making it an ideal DIY manual." --Midwest Book Review

Mastering Kilns and Firing is an all-in-one resource for potters looking to go beyond the electric kiln.

The first general texts on clay mineralogy and the practical applications of clay, written by R.E. Grim, were published some 40-50 years ago. Since then, a vast literature has accumulated but this information is scattered and not always accessible. The Handbook of Clay Science aims at assembling the scattered literature on the varied and diverse aspects that make up the discipline of clay science. The topics covered range from the fundamental structures (including textures) and properties of clays and clay minerals, through their environmental, health and industrial applications, to their analysis and characterization by modern instrumental techniques. Also included are the clay-microbe interaction, layered double hydroxides, zeolites, cement hydrates, genesis of clay minerals as well as the history and teaching of clay science. No modern book in the English language is available that is as comprehensive and wide-ranging in coverage as the Handbook of Clay Science. In providing a critical and up-to-date assessment of the accumulated information, this will serve as the first point of entry into the literature for both newcomers and graduate students, while for research scientists, university teachers, industrial chemists, and environmental engineers the book will become a standard reference text.