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 13, 2009
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.
February 1, 2009
The Printed Pot
Three dimensional printing can be used to create ceramic-art objects, out of three different types of slip bodies, and can be finished using standard ceramic equipment and processes.
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.
January 2, 2009
Ceramics Decorating Video: Using Paper Stencils for Precise Underglaze Decoration
We're kicking off 2009 with a how-to ceramics video about using paper stencils and underglaze for surface decoration. The video features ceramic artist Eva Kwong and was filmed during the recent Potters Council workshop "Surface, Form and Substance" in Indianapolis, Indiana.
December 16, 2008
sprigging
Surface decorating technique in which small coils or balls of clay are affixed to the damp or leather-hard surface, usually with a layer of slip.
December 5, 2008
Bourry-box
Type of wood-kiln firebox where primary air enters at top of firebox, passes down through wood, and combustion occurs at level of grates or hobs, and is supercharged by the heat of the coal bed.
December 5, 2008
borax; sodium tetraborate
Na2O×2B2O3×10H2O—a major LT alkaline flux, available in granular or powdered form.
November 21, 2008
Handbuilt Pottery Video: Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons
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 ...
November 5, 2008
China Paint & Overglaze
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.
September 12, 2008
Ceramic Handbuilding Video: Get Into the Artist’s Head - An Interview with Ceramic Sculptor Tom Bartel
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 29, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: Throwing Altered Vase Forms on the Potters Wheel
Today's video comes to us from potter Benjamin Gufford of Goldsboro, North Carolina. After visiting two much-admired potters this summer, Benjamin was inspired to take his work in a new direction. The technique he demonstrates in the video is the result of this new inspiration.
When you can't get out to visit other ceramic artists in their studios, remember to check in with Ceramic Arts Daily to keep you inspired in your studios. Even if we don't realize it at the time, looking at other artists' work - at all types of work - informs our own creative processes. I hope that this video, and all the great stuff in the video archives and features archives, helps keep your creative juices flowing. In ...
June 6, 2008
Wheel Throwing Video: Throwing in Sections
If you want to throw big forms, but think you don’t have the muscle for it, this Video Tip of the Week is for you. For me, large pots are a challenge because of the strain they can put on my wrists and arms. So I am always looking for techniques that can help reduce throwing fatigue. Today, Syracuse, New York, potter Tim See demonstrates how to make larger forms in sections to reduce stress and strain on muscles. -Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
July 5, 2007
Creative Ideas for Clay Artists
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.
June 5, 2007
Pottery Making Techniques
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.
April 5, 2007
Pottery: A Life, a Lifetime
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.
