The Craft and Art of Clay : A Complete Potter's Handbook - Softcover

Susan Peterson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1856693546 ISBN 13: 9781856693547

Publisher: Laurence King Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

Widely considered to be the most comprehensive introduction to ceramics available, this book contains numerous step-by-step illustrations of various ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. For the more experienced ceramist, there is a wealth of technical detail on things like glaze formulas and temperature conversions which make the book an ideal reference. To quote one review: "...I am a studio potter and would not be without it." The fourth edition has been updated to include profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics including using the internet, more on the use of computers, added coverage of paperclays, using gold and alternative glazes.

About this title

From the Publisher

The second edition of this popular and comprehensive book is again based in the spirit of creative inspiration, combining a clear step-by-step approach to acquiring skills with an appreciation of the unique potential of working in clay. The student can be left alone with this text to learn on an as needed basis. This frees the instructor so that they can function individually with students solving problems and giving advice. Author Susan Peterson is a well-known ceramist whose writing style provides clear descriptions of the fundamental ceramic procedures -- both in the text and through the use of copious illustrations. The selection of ceramic projects and the author's ability to convey the artist's perspective is intended to appeal to both instructors and students.

From the Back Cover

The Craft and Art of Clay is the most comprehensive introduction to ceramics available. The book contains numerous step-by-step illustrations of all ceramic techniques to guide the beginner, as well as an inspirational portfolio of ceramic pieces from contemporary international potters. For the more experienced ceramist, there is a wealth of invaluable information on glaze formulas and other technical details, including temperature conversions, which make the book ideal as a reference.

NEW FEATURES OF THE FOURTH EDITION INCLUDE:

• Trailblazers—special profiles of key ceramists who have made significant contributions around the world. The seven artists featured are: Juan Quezada, Peter Voulkos, Luo Xiao-Ping, Toshiko Takaezu, Huey Beckham, Otto Heino, and Janet Mansfield.
• A new chapter on Marketing and Computers. The material on marketing in the last edition is expanded to provide more detail on how to sell your work successfully, including preparing it for display, approaching galleries, and finding venues for showing your pieces. New computer material includes technical aspects, from using computers to calculate glaze formulas and computerized firing, to useful programs and websites, and the creation of "virtual ceramics."
• New material on using gold, alternative glazes, and paperclays.
• 150 new color illustrations.
• A revised and clarified Compendium of technical information.

Invaluable features, such as safety icons to warn beginners of potential hazards, a concise history of ceramics and its traditions from prehistory to the present day, and an updated bibliography, glossary, list of museum collections, residencies and magazines, are retained in this new edition.

Susan Peterson's engaging writing style, deep knowledge, and boundless enthusiasm encourage creativity and engender an appreciation of the oldest of arts.

Edition details

• Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1856693546
• ISBN 13: 9781856693547
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 432