July 9, 2009
How to Make a Coil Pot: Using Flat Coils to Construct Large Jars
Making large ceramic jars with flat coils has been done
for centuries in many parts of Asia. One big advantage with this method
is you can make most any shape because you can change direction as you
build the form, which is next to impossible on the wheel. Once you get
the technique down, you can use the same flat coil technique for a
variety of clay sculpture forms as well.
Making large jars with flat coils has been done for centuries in many parts of Asia and Southeast Asia. Master potters in Korea made thousands of flat-coiled storage jars—primarily used for kimchi, ...
January 5, 2009
Throwing and Handbuilding: Forming Techniques
Throwing and handbuilding are at the core of all studio ceramics techniques. Through imagination and experimentation, some of the most skilled artists and craftsmen can take these basic techniques and often produce extremely creative works of art. With practice and patience, the coil pot or tall narrow form can become works of art suitable for galleries and collectors.
November 30, 2008
The Robin Hopper Collection
Robin Hopper is the author of three of the most highly acclaimed books for the studio potter: The Ceramic Spectrum, Functional Pottery and Making Marks. These three comprehensive books form the core of any ceramic art library because they exhaustively cover three critical areas for the ceramic artist or potter: color development, design and surfaces.
September 5, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: Matt Long - Making a Hip Flask on the Potters Wheel
Today we bring you another video clip from Matt Long off of his full-length DVD
Matt Long: Vessels for Victory. In this clip, Matt demonstrates how to make a hip flask. In addition to clearly explaining how the form is constructed, Matt delves into his design considerations and motivations. For example, when considering the shape of this flask form, he decided he wanted "the form to look like it's kind of drunk" - perfect for a form that is designed to hold a beverage that can make you tipsy!
Thinking through both the form and function of a piece before setting out to make it is a good habit for all potters to get into. It can be what separates ...
September 1, 2008
Ceramics Monthly: September 2008
Focus: College Clay
Our annual Undergraduate Showcase kicks off this issue, followed by
the Regional Student Juried Exhibition (RSJE) from the National Council
on Education for the Ceramics Arts conference. The RSJE is always one
of the highlights of the conference; the work is impressive in scope
and accomplishment.
January 1, 2008
Electric Kiln Ceramics
Ceramists choosing to work in home studios are praising the safety, convenience and economical benefits of the electric kiln. Now in its third edition,
Electric Kiln Ceramics helps the ceramist create work exclusively
intended for firing in the electric kiln. This valuable guide is an
exhaustive review of clays, glazes and techniques designed to benefit
the seasoned professional, as well as the less technically educated
beginner. Renowned ceramist and respected author, Richard Zakin
provides information on kiln construction, routine maintenance, loading
and firing, the influence of firing temperatures and the application of
oxidation surfaces. State-of-the-art health and safety concerns are
also addressed, including the kiln atmosphere and the strengths and
weaknesses of the oxidation atmosphere. Recipes for commercial and
homemade ...
