Clay: A Studio Handbook
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.
An Experienced Wood Firer Shares Kiln Plans for a Small Instructional Wood Kiln
In this post, experienced wood firing potter John Thies tells us about an instructional wood kiln he designed and shares his kiln plans. Plus, one of John’s students shares her experience using the kiln.
Clay Workshop Handbook: Knowledge and Techniques for the Pottery Studio
Welcome to your workshop! Whether you’re a wheel thrower, a handbuilder, a glaze-testing geek, or all of the above, we’ve pulled together several ceramic projects and references you can use in your own studio. The articles in Workshop Handbook: Clay Projects and Studio Resources are a selection of project ideas that are meant to be a ceramic workshop in print—except you can take this one into your own studio and refer back to the clay projects as needed.
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 aintenance, 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 clays and glazes guarantee successful results.
Soda, Clay and Fire
For anyone interested in soda or salt firing, Soda, Clay and Fire covers the topic in great detail. The technical research and presentation surpass all existing literature on the topic, and the rich, vibrant examples of finished work are stunning and sure to inspire. With soda firing, the creative process continues until the kiln is turned off. Nichols’ book discusses the principles behind this technique and delves into clays, glazes, loading protocols, firing schedules and more. Also included are profiles of other artists working with this technique and examples of their work.
Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques
In Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques you’ll discover some of the most beautiful alternatively fired work, as
well as extensive how-to techniques and step-by-step instructions to help you duplicate the processes in your own studio. Explore dozens of techniques and discover the many special effects available using these ancient firing methods. You’ll love the experience of working with glowing red-hot pieces in a raku kiln, uncovering pots from a pit fire or peeling the aluminum foil off your latest saggar experiment.
Raku Firing: Advanced Techniques
This updated and revised Ceramic Arts Handbook edition of Advanced Raku Techniques contains information on forming, glazes and glazing, kiln construction and firing, as well as inspirational stories from some of the most influential raku artists working today. For any potter who has experienced the excitement and immediacy of the raku process, this book is a must.
Electric Firing: Creative Techniques
In Electric Firing: Creative Techniques you’ll discover the contributions of studio artists who use electric kilns. They eagerly share the results of their experiments, their research and their artistic successes. Build on what they’ve learned through the up-to-date information on processes, glazes, tools, materials and techniques they provide.
Hugh Jenkins’ Volcano Kiln: Recuperating Waste Heat for Efficient Firing
As a studio artist, it is often hard to spend large sums of money, even if doing so would pay off in the long run, so glass artist Hugh Jenkins set out to determine just how well he could do with a home-built heat recuperator.
