New Ceramics – serie

Prepare to be dazzled by this contemporary guide to the art of crystalline glazing.Crystalline glazes are known for producing exciting works reminiscent of floating galaxies, frosty windows, rare gemstones and delicate flowers. Until recently, however, few potters worked with this elusive medium. Now, with new advancements in materials and digital processors, the method has become simplified and amazing results can be achieved without the problems usually associated with these glazes, such as excessive glaze run-off and unpredictable crystal growth. In this book, Diane Creber explores the history of this process, beginning with the most suitable clays, the different types of crystalline glazes, how they can be grown under controlled conditions, and how different ingredients react with each other. Through a survey of several well-known crystalline glaze potters, she reveals their secrets and shows examples of their unique work. From clay and glaze recipes to an in-depth look at firing aids and types of kilns, Exploring Crystalline Glazes has everything a potter needs to make their own glazes and create their own stunning works of art.

An essential guide to working with porcelain, from its history and composition, to building, decorating and firing.For thousands of years, the special properties of porcelain - its delicacy, translucency and remarkable strength - have fascinated and inspired, and these qualities continue to appeal to ceramic artists. However, porcelain is also a notoriously demanding medium that presents unique challenges.In this inspiring practical guide, porcelain artist Vivienne Foley introduces you to the material she has been working with for more than forty years. The book takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of porcelain, and covers everything from its composition and workability, to decorating and glazing. Learn about methods of throwing and building - with a focus on techniques and faults specific to porcelain, explore drying and firing, and make use of a useful troubleshooting section on all the most likely problems and faults along with suggested remedies.Beginning with the fascinating history of making in porcelain, from the Imperial kilns of China to the Meissen factory of Germany and beyond, this book gives you an insight into the way porcelain has been used in the past and how it has been adapted and developed for contemporary work, by current artists who are constantly looking to push the boundaries of possibility.Illustrated throughout with helpful how-to images, as well as the beautiful works of current artists, Porcelain is the essential handbook for any ceramic student or artist seeking to understand and work with this extraordinary material.

Paperclay is an extremely versatile material for the contemporary potter. Now firmly established in the ceramics world, this mix of clay and paper fibers is remarkably flexible, strong, and easy to repair. This highly workable medium allows expressive freedom and imagination at every stage in the creative process, even after drying and firing. In Paperclay, artists will discover the world of possibilities offered by this blend of earth, paper, and water.Building on the success of her previous books, artist and teacher Rosette Gault explains how potters and clay sculptors can make, fire, and reshape paperclay. This comprehensive guide covers a range of methods from dry modeling to slurry state. Going beyond the basics, the book introduces advanced techniques for building armatures, sculpting figures, and forming wall hangings. It also includes information on recycled and sustainable ingredients. Paperclay features all-new color photographs and diagrams of techniques and tools, as well as inspiring works by today's leading international ceramicists.Packed with photographs and clear instructions, Gault's book is an essential introduction to paperclay for ceramics artists and educators.

Like clay, all glaze materials come from the earth. Traditionally, stones, plants, and other natural materials provided the elements for ceramic surface decoration. In an age of synthetic and mass-produced glazes, handmade glazes from locally sourced ingredients allow artists to produce unique pieces that reflect their surrounding landscapes. In Natural Glazes, Miranda Forrest guides readers through the process of experimentation and discovery to make amazing hues from organic materials.Whether a glaze is mixed from scratch or local items are added to a commercial glaze, this concise book teaches the essential steps. A variety of glaze materials is available in any location, and Forrest shows artists how to recognize and gather appropriate ingredients and prepare them for blending. She explains how to work with vegetation and organic materials such as grass, wood, and seashells, giving step-by-step directions for mixing glazes and testing sample blends for optimal results. Natural Glazes covers application and firing techniques such as raku and offers health and environmental safety information.Natural Glazes contains full-color photographs of completed works, charts and tables providing firing times and other data, and insightful essays from other ceramic artists specializing in natural glaze work. Using found materials in glazes is a creative way to add a local touch to ceramics. With Natural Glazes, inspiration may be as close as your own backyard.

The range of extraordinary effects that can be achieved in a kiln is infinite. However, the technical requirements of different firing processes and equipment can often seem intimidating, particularly for those new to ceramics, and this can limit artists' confidence to explore and experiment.In Firing Kilns, wood-fire potter Benedict Brierley demystifies the firing process, explaining key methods and effects in simple, straightforward language. Beginning with the basic principles, including heatwork, firing schedules and cones, the book goes on to cover the various types of kilns and kiln packing, oxidation and reduction firing, and then special firing methods such as salt, soda, wood, pit, smoke and raku. Finally, it covers common firing faults and how these can be avoided to achieve consistent, successful results.Firing Kilns is a comprehensive handbook for anyone new to firing their work or for established ceramicists wishing to experiment with different firing effects.

An essential resource for ceramicists, studios or schools looking for inspiration to reclaim, reuse and recycle in their studio or work.Producing work that is not only beautifully designed and produced, but is also environmentally friendly and socially responsible is now more important than ever. In Sustainable Ceramics, pioneer Robert Harrison draws on more than four decades of making, and a wealth of experience shared by other artists to present you with a range of practical possibilities.This book presents you all the factors to consider when going 'green', from fuels and alternative firing technology to energy-saving methods, sustainable ways to collect and use clay itself, and ways to deal with or recycle your waste materials and save water. He suggests simple and achievable methods by which to reduce the carbon footprint of your ceramic art, and draws on interviews and examples by practitioners who reclaim, reuse and recycle in their studio or work.

From extracting clay to exporting your work, this is a practical guide to producing unique ceramic pieces with minimal environmental impact.Being a green potter is not an easy feat. Historically, a lot more attention is given to the finished pieces coming out of the kiln rather than to the damages made throughout the designing and making processes. However, as we progress into the twenty-first century, and our awareness of our impact on the environment increases, caring for our planet in the studio has never been more important. In this book, Kevin Millward explores how potters and ceramicists can be more responsible in sourcing and using the planet's finite resources. With tips for the whole making process such as firing, choosing fuels, extracting clays and raw materials, reclaiming water and glazes, disposing of ceramic materials, packing and shipping, this is a comprehensive guide to producing extraordinary pieces. By accepting and embracing a green approach in ceramic processes, we are setting out an example for future generations and paving the way for a more creative and respectful industry.

With this essential guide from one of the UK’s leading contemporary studio potters, learn how to throw clay on the wheel.While a potter shaping clay on the wheel is both the iconic and familiar image we associate with ceramics, the skill is notoriously hard to learn. Using step-by-step photos and illustrations, Rebecca Proctor shows you how to master the potter’s wheel.With an emphasis on craftsmanship, Throwing Clay demonstrates the specific techniques required to make a range of elegant modern tableware – mugs, jugs and plates as well as vases and more complex forms such as teapots. In addition, Proctor shares her insights on the art and practice of pottery and conducts interviews with other contemporary makers from around the world.Including a combination of projects and gorgeous inspirational photographs, Throwing Clay is the ultimate guide for complete beginners and advanced ceramicists alike.

A contemporary guide to creating beautiful, translucent ceramics. Porcelain and bone china are known and prized for their fineness, delicacy, and translucence, but can be difficult to use and pose particular problems for the potters and ceramic artists using it. In Luminous Clay, bone china expert Angela Mellor aims to demystify these clays, encouraging more ceramists to explore these exciting mediums. The book explains a new way of working with bone china, a clay body created by the addition of bone ash to porcelain. With the introduction of paper pulp the clay is transformed, allowing freedom of expression through hand-building that was previously impossible and allowing the potter to take full advantage of its whiteness and translucency. Gorgeous photography throughout demonstrates how ceramicists around the world are able to create extraordinary pieces that ripple and bend light. Mellor covers the main methods of working with bone china, including mould-making and slipcasting, along with techniques that have allowed her to play with the transparency and surface of clay. Decorating methods, firing procedures and electrical lighting to maximise translucency are also explored along with stunning images and methods used by other ceramists.

A comprehensive introduction to the use of additions in clay bodies, from stones and glass to fibre, metals and colour.Clay body additions can introduce remarkable new forms and textures in ceramic work. With an emphasis on creativity and experimentation, ceramicist Kathleen Standen advises you on a range of possible effects, and profiles the extraordinary work of contemporary makers using additions in their practice.Beginning with an introduction to collecting local clay and making your own clay bodies, the book moves on to cover the array of additions being used by artists today, from hard materials like stones, glass and rust, to combustible matter and fibre, metals including wire and mesh, and colour in various forms. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with both unique making methods and the beautiful finished works of ceramic artists from around the world.Additions to Clay Bodies is an inspiring introduction to the art of using additions and an essential companion for anyone wishing to expand their practice.

A comprehensive and practical guide to developing, testing, applying and firing your own glazes.Developing your own glazes can be tricky as success is dependent on many factors. In this book, ceramicist Greg Daly demystifies the process for you with practical advice and complete step-by-step instructions for testing glazes and experimenting with ingredients. He covers all the essentials, from methods for planning, creating and testing recipes and systematically recording test results, to mixing glazes and finding the correct firing temperature. This hands-on technical guidance is supported with helpful how-to images, and variations on hundreds of recipes to get you started.For any potter beginning to experiment with fired colour, texture and decoration, Developing Glazes is an essential reference revealing workable and exciting methods for achieving the glaze results you want.

A practical introduction to handbuilding with clay using techniques such as coiling and slab-building.Handbuilding with clay offers a unique opportunity to experiment, requiring few tools, and allowing intuition and imagination to come to the fore. In this overview of a fast-developing practice, artist Claire Loder teaches you time-honoured methods of handbuilding, as well as introducing you to the fascinating new approaches of contemporary ceramicists.Explore the basic techniques, from coiling and pinching to working with slabs, with practical instructions and helpful accompanying images and get advice on equipment, clay bodies and studio practices. Then, through the work of today's makers, discover and find inspiration from new methods of building by hand, including mixed media work, sculptural methods, vessels and surface decoration, illuminating a wide variety of forms and styles.Sculpting and Handbuilding is an essential guide for any ceramic artist or student wishing to learn the basics of handbuilding, or seeking inspiration to integrate and adapt conventional methods.

A comprehensive guide to developing unique glaze effects from natural and sustainable sources. Making your own glazes is a fascinating and rewarding process, even more so when making them from collected ingredients. With little equipment and following a few basic principles, it is possible to harvest glaze ingredients from your local environment, such as clay, subsoil, plants and seashells, to achieve beautiful results in the kiln. Whether you wish to make an entire glaze using collected materials, or just want to use them as additions to existing base recipes, Miranda Forrest teaches you how to source and prepare natural ingredients, from degraded rocks to seaweed, and gives you step-by-step instructions for mixing a glaze, testing samples and finally applying glazes and firing your work. Contributions from contemporary ceramicists who use natural glaze ingredients give you a detailed insight into their working methods and intriguing results.Encouraging experimentation and a creative approach, Natural Glazes is a vital resource for anyone wishing to work in a more natural and sustainable way to develop unique glaze effects.

Discover the world of possibilities offered by paperclay with basic and more advanced techniques.Now firmly established in the ceramics world, paperclay is a vital part of the modern clay artist and potter's repertoire. The workability of this material allows expressive freedom and imagination at every stage in the creative process, from wet to dry. Paperclay, made with new or recycled paper, is remarkable for its flexibility, unfired strength, and the ease with which it can be repaired, and allows the creation of beautiful finished forms.In this book, pioneering artist, researcher and teacher Rosette Gault (M.F.A.) explains how you can make, fire and use paperclay. In addition to the basics such as ingredients, mixing and slips, she introduces you to more advanced techniques for building armatures, sculpting figures and making works for the wall.Packed throughout with photographs of inspiring works by a new generation of paperclay artists, Paperclay is an essential introduction to the medium.

A concise and accessible introduction to throwing, with step-by-step instructions and tips.Throwing is an important skill for any potter to master, using only a few tools, the guidance of their hands, and the momentum of a wheel. This book is an essential companion for anyone attempting to master the art of forming pots on the wheel.Having spent his life making pots and teaching others to make them, Richard Phethean describes essential techniques for working on the wheel with an eye for the practical. Learn about a range of forms, from simple domestic pots such as mugs, jugs, bowls and teapots to more complex vessels with oval shapes or cut edges, with the aim of building your confidence in throwing techniques.The book features clearly illustrated step-by-step instructions and diagrams for creating each type of vessel. Finally, get some inspiration from the work of contemporary potters discussing their techniques and featuring some of their stunning pieces.

The ultimate guide to the potential of ceramic transfer printing as a creative medium.This book is ideal for anyone wishing to combine ceramics with print and transfers, a very exciting area which has enormous scope for creativity. Ceramic transfers or decals are one of the prime methods of decorating industrially-made ceramics. They also offer exciting creative potential for studio-based artists or designer-makers. A ceramic transfer is traditionally made by printing ceramic ink onto a special paper and allows pictures, patterns or text to be transferred onto ceramic forms - 2D and 3D. Importantly, print can achieve distinct aesthetic effects on ceramics that are not possible by using other decoration methods such as hand painting. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, Kevin Petrie offers a focused analysis of the potential of ceramic transfer printing as a creative medium. Discover the specific materials and techniques for making versatile screen-printed ceramic transfers - from the 'low tech' to the more sophisticated. In this book, you can also explore other approaches by artist researchers as well as recent developments with digital transfers. A range of case studies shows the potential and diversity of the transfer printing approach in this area, which extends beyond ceramics to include printing on enamel, metal and glass.

This updated third edition explores new techniques in digital and 3D printing, as well as refreshing older techniques such as mono-printing.Printing has become a common part of the ceramic artist's practice and today there are more possibilities than ever before. From low-tech mono-prints to digital laser decal, it is now possible to employ a range of techniques to print on clay and vitreous surfaces. With the ongoing advancement of new technologies and more developed studio-based transfer processes artists continue to push the boundaries of the medium.In this comprehensive update of his popular Ceramics Handbook title, Paul Scott explains the historical context for contemporary printed ceramics before explaining the principles of core techniques and their application in the studio. He explores photographic processes, as well as the new opportunities presented by digital technology, including digital and 3D printing.Illustrated with brand new images of beautiful works by leading artists working in printed ceramics, Ceramics and Print is a must-read guide for artists and makers interested in this ever-developing field.

An essential handbook for studio potters working towards achieving a fantastic spectrum of colourful glazes.Colour in Glazes teaches you all the methods for achieving colour in glazes, focusing on colouring oxides in detail, including the newly available rare earth oxides. Find out about the types of base glazes and the fluxes used to make them in relation to colour response as well as using colouring oxides to achieve depth and variety of colour, rather than resorting to commercial ceramic stains.Discover the practical aspects of mixing, applying, testing and adjusting glazes, and explore a large section of test tiles and glaze recipes for use on white earthenware, stoneware and porcelain fired in electric, gas and salt kilns.This new edition, fully updated and revised, contains advances in technology and new discoveries in the Periodic Table. It is an infallible handbook to achieving the colour you want, and to help you broaden your palette.