November 11, 2009
If you're looking for a few great, creative techniques offering loads of potential, look no further. Mitch Lyons, a skilled potter for more than 40 years, presents an expertly produced two-part program where he shares some of his unique handbuilding and decorating techniques.Already Registered? Please sign in.
August 5, 2009
This Ceramics Monthly Handbook is edited by Anderson Turner and features a collection of articles about creative artists, and ideas to challenge you and inspire your work. Pottery, sculpture and finishing techniques are covered. This is a must-read for anyone involved in clay. Whether looking for new designs, new inspiration or renewed creativity, you will find it here through these talented featured artists and their unique approaches to clay.July 17, 2009
David Hendley's DVD video series, "Extrude It! Getting the Most From Your Clay Extruder" covers all aspects of using the clay extruder. Volume I deals with extrusions used as handles, feet, and additions, Volume II covers two-part dies that produce hollow extrusions, and Volume III demonstrates using extrusions for building components as well as the expansion box for large extrusions. Buy each volume individually, or order the whole set for a special price. David Hendley began making pottery in 1972 and quickly started using extruders in his work. Since 1990 he has owned and operated Old Farmhouse Pottery in Maydelle, Texas. He has built several extruders and written articles about extruding for Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated magazines. His work ...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, ...June 3, 2009
Today, ceramic artist Jason Green explains his process for creating ceramic work on an architectural scale.May 18, 2009
Today, ceramic artist Marcia Selsor shows us how to make and use her right angle jig, a simple tool she came up with to make building geometric sculpture easier.April 29, 2009
In Ceramic Sculpture, creative clay artists reveal their techniques and their inspiration for imaginative sculptural works. Some of the work is monumental, some intimate, some site specific but all of it influenced by clay. With each artist providing some aspect of the sculptural process from conceptualization to forming and finishing to the final installation, you’ll find the range of ideas and techniques informative and inspiring.April 29, 2009
Ceramic Art: Innovative Techniques touches on the many creative things you can do with clay. During any stage of forming, decorating or firing, infinite variables allow ceramic artists to explore and expand the vast landscape clay has to offer. For more than 10,000 years, clay has been a medium every artist can use.April 17, 2009
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.January 23, 2009
Ceramics Decorating Video: Inlaying Colored Clay Decoration into Handbuilt Vessels
Way, way back, while I was on maternity leave (such a distant memory now - sigh), Sherman Hall ran a video clip from Mitch Lyon's full length DVD, Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons, in which Lyon's demonstrated the broomstick method of handbuilding pottery. The technique intrigued me and I finally had a chance to check out the rest of the video. And it's a good one. So today thought I would send out a "part deux." In this clip, Lyons demonstrates how he inlays figurative colored clay motifs into his broomstick vases. I have included a step-by-step recap of the technique below, in addition to pointing you toward another great project for colored clay inlay from the Ceramic Arts Daily Feature ...January 5, 2009
In this collection of pottery techniques, you'll discover scores of great ideas, practical information you can use and seeds of inspiration that you can nurture. Pottery Making Techniques showcases more than thirty skilled artists who provide instruction and insights to techniques they use on a regular basis. They've learned from their mistakes, sorted out the good from the bad, and streamlined methods that will work for you. Intermediate to advanced techniques are presented in a well-illlustrated, step-by-step format that will provide years of inspiration.January 5, 2009
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in ceramics, author Vince Pitelka has created the most practical, all-inclusive studio handbook for students, studio artists, educators and all those interested in the art of clay. The ten chapters in Clay: A Studio Handbook address the full range of ceramic processes, and bring a lifetime of ceramic knowledge directly into the hands of potters. Concerned about safe and efficient studio operation, Pitelka pays diligent attention to safety practices.December 18, 2008
A mold, usually plaster, into which moist clay is pressed to crease multiples.December 18, 2008
Forming of multiples by pressing plastic clay into a plaster press-mold.November 21, 2008
I keep a lot of things in my studio that I think may one day be useful for texture or as a tool of some sort. I also cannot bring myself to throw any kind of wood in the garbage. I have a scrap collection that would be the envy of many a woodchuck. The other day, these two passions (let's just call them passions for now) came together in a very useful way. I ran out to the garage and gathered every single dowel scrap I had and transfered them to the studio, thereby fulfilling both obsessive habits (okay, let's call them what they really are). The reason I did this was because I watched the DVD Handbuilding with ...September 12, 2008
Today we are trying something a little different with our video of the week. We are featuring an interview with ceramic sculptor Tom Bartel, who is exhibiting his new body of work at Sherrie Gallerie in Columbus, Ohio. The interview also features a short demonstration of Tom's handbuilding techniques. We thought this would be a great way to not only let those outside of the Central Ohio area experience this fantastic exhibition, but also, to get to know the artist, his motivations and processes. Hope you enjoy it! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor. In addition to what is covered in the video, we have included some more information on Tom's processes and some of his glaze recipes as a free ...August 22, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: Hip to be Square - Making Squared-Off Mugs on the Potter’s Wheel
Today’s video comes to us from potter Keith Phillips of Asheville, North Carolina. Keith takes us through his process of making squared-off mugs, starting on the pottery wheel with a bottomless cylinder and continuing through to the finishing stages, which incorporate some handbuilding techniques. Since there is no narration on this video (just snappy tunes!), Keith has shared some additional thoughts and instruction on this process below. With the visual of the video and the written how-to instruction, you should be all set to try this technique in your own studios! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.April 28, 2008
Stretching the Limits: Slab Building to Create Pots That Look Like Pillows
Today, we bring you the work of Margaret Bohls who stretches the limits of porcelain to explore the ideas of expansion and restraint. Margaret’s vessels have the appearance of soft, cushy upholstery. They seem like they are being inflated from within. She achieves this effect by painstakingly creating each bulge in her slab building process, which author Glen R. Brown elaborates on below.
