December 5, 2009
Edited by Anderson Turner When potters are ready to go beyond dipping, pouring and brushing the sam e palette of glazes onto their work, they'll find the alternatives to surface decoration offered here to be an excellent jumping-off point. In this collection, thirty of the most innovative and talented contemporary ceramic artists share the techniques and processes that make their work unique and expressive.Already Registered? Please sign in.
December 1, 2009
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.July 10, 2009
How to Make a Pinch Pot: Using a Pinch and Paddle Method to Create Large Pots
Kristin Doner produces pinch pots on a larger-than-usual scale. She began with 2 or 3 pound balls of clay but she wanted larger forms so she increased the clay and developed new forming strategies. After opening with a usual pinching method, she expands the pot by rhythmically paddling the outside. For more great handbuilding techniques, download your free copy of Three Great Handbuilding Techniques: How to Make Pottery Using the Pinch, Coil and Slab Methods! My journey with clay ...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, ...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.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
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 7, 2008
If anyone was looking for proof that ceramics really does cross over into all sorts of creative endeavors, this week's video is that proof of that assertion. Barbara Hanselman demonstrates how to make hollow clay beads using a few dowels, a small amount of clay, simple tools and a bit of imagination. Even if you don't want to make beads, this is a great technique. I first saw Mitch Lyons use it (watch for his video coming soon) to make full-size vessels. So give this technique a try and let us know what you come up with!— Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyNovember 5, 2008
From the casual ceramic artist to the lifelong china painter, China Paint & Overglaze is the essential text for anyone interested in exploring these techniques. This ground-breaking book, the first to showcase the work of traditional china painters and studio ceramic artists together, includes many unique features on every aspect of this exciting and colorful medium. It contains a comprehensive history of porcelain and overglaze decoration as well as discussions on tools, equipment, mediums, solvents, chemistry, brushes and more. Professionals demonstrate their step-by-step methods on a variety of techniques.November 5, 2008
Explore the rich culture of ceramic musical instruments and the wide variety of instruments being made today. Barry Hall discusses the history of clay instruments; clay instrument types, including percussive, wind, string and hybrids; technology issues dealing with clay as a medium for instruments; and five step-by-step projects for making selected instruments. In addition to examples throughout, Hall includes a gallery of profiles of contemporary artists and their work. Also included is a CD with 43 sound tracks of artists performing on many of the instruments shown.October 17, 2008
Have you ever set out to make something ugly on purpose? It can be pretty liberating. It's a great way to remove restrictions and experiment—and you may just end up with something that is not, in fact, ugly. Dave Henry, of previous CAD video fame, provides a great way to get started with a simple mug project that you can easily tailor to your own studio, tools and imagination. In addition to the video, we've put together a series of images depicting the process. They may lack the smooth, relaxing tones of Dave's voice, but they are a nice snapshot for quick reference. Enjoy!—Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts DailyAugust 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.July 2, 2008
Today’s Video Tip of the Week is a good follow up to Mark Peters video from last week. Lisa Bare Culp demonstrates a similar technique to Mark’s stamped rim technique, but on a simple vase form. I think it can valuable to see similar techniques on different forms because each shape has its own challenges. Also, every artist does things a little differently and you can always learn from getting multiple perspectives. I hope this will get you thinking about other forms to tackle with bisque stamps. -Jennifer Harnetty, editor.June 20, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Make a Citrus Juicer on the Potters Wheel
Making citrus juicers on the wheel is a fun and deceptively simple little project. Juicers are handy additions to any kitchen and make great gifts too. In today’s Video Tip of the Week, Simon Leach demonstrates his juicer throwing technique. After a student had requested a juicer demo, Simon obliged and decided to put it on video. If I heard him correctly, I think this is the first juicer he has attempted - pretty darn good for a first try. If you have any tips on making juicers that you would like to share with Simon and everyone else, post them in the comments! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.June 13, 2008
Today’s video comes from my good friend and instructor Lisa Bare Culp. In this video, Lisa gives a refresher course on throwing good strong bowls on the potter’s wheel, but then reminds us that round isn’t always best. Sometimes alterations to thrown forms can take a good pot to an even higher level! Use Lisa’s demonstration as a starting point and see what other interesting shapes you can come up with. Jennifer Harnetty, editor.May 30, 2008
Today Simon Leach shares another technique with us from his sunny studio in Spain. The “squashed vase” or “purse pot,” as he calls it, is a great form to try if you have grown tired of making round pots. Who said wheel-thrown pots have to be round? Watch the video, then give this technique a whirl! –Jennifer Harnetty, editor.May 22, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw Split-Rim Vases on the Potter’s Wheel
This week’s Video Tip of the Week comes to us from Ceramic Arts Daily subscriber Rikki Grace of Bluffton, Ohio. In this video, Rikki demonstrates a technique for creating split-rim vases. This easy-to-follow technique adds a touch of elegance to any vessel creating plenty of opportunities for glazes to pool and break.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.November 5, 2007
British potter John Mathieson provides a clear and concise overview of the raku process, covering all the essentials—clay types, post firing reduction methods, and equipment. You'll also enjoy the tips and techniques shared by 30 experts on topics spanning the entire raku process from conception to final reduction.July 6, 2007
For many potters, wood is more than just a source of heat for a kiln, it is a process. Wood firing can provide a link for ceramic artists to their surroundings and to pottery¹s beginnings thousands of years ago. This new handbook shares the experiences of individual potters who have sought to reconnect with a basic technology in our hi-tech society and who want to explore and master all the possible variables that this technique provides for the creative process. This book describes some of the technical, safety, and physical challenges of wood firing through first-hand accounts and interviews with potters. These are their personal stories, and in telling them, they share their lessons learned and much of their technical ...July 5, 2007
Studio Practices, Techniques and Tips is a collection of articles, suggestions, and questions and answers from the Ceramics Monthly archives. Potters share their knowledge on a full range of topics including designing a studio, making and using tools and equipment, photographing work, marketing and sales, kilns and firing. Also the stories of problem solving, insightful solutions, and the individual stories of challenges and successes. This is a must-have book for any potter or clay artist setting a course for pursuing clay beyond the casual past-time.April 5, 2007
This is a book about Mel Jacobson’s experiences as a potter during the past four decades—as a student, an apprentice, a teacher, and an avid participant in all things ceramic. Each chapter of this autobiographical account relates to a different facet or technique of pottery making, with instructive text and illustrations as well as entertaining stories from his time in Japan and candid opinions from the Clayart listserve.April 5, 2007
The Extruder Book, by Daryl E. Baird, is an extensive how-to book that emphasizes creative ways the clay extruder is being used in pottery studios. With a foreword by John Glick, The Extruder Book covers, in great detail, all commercially available extruders and associated equipment on the market today, ceramic artists using extruders, and includes a beautiful 96-page full-color gallery exhibit of works created with the extruder.January 29, 2007
Slipware has a long tradition of being used for commemorative wares has played an important part in marking historical events both for individuals and nations. This extra role makes this book essential reading both for potters and for ceramic collectors and historians alike. Mary Wondrausch on Slipware is a valuable reference tool as well as a lively read.
