Ceramics Masterclass

Ceramics Masterclass examines 100 great pieces of ceramics from history and explores how they were made what they do well and what we learn from them. The subject of ceramics is steeped in history and tradition. For thousands of years humans have exploited the versatile qualities of clay as a material to produce items ranging from humble utilitarian vessels integral to family living, right through to exquisite works of art. Louisa Taylor explores this diverse discipline by showcasing 100 of the most innovative and inspiring artists past and present, analysing the techniques and methods used to create the works, and the concepts which underpin their creative process. The book shows how to recreate intricate still-life dioramas like fifteenth-century artist Bernard Palissy, explore narrative like Grayson Perry and convey sensitivity to material like Phoebe Cummings. Arranged thematically, Ceramics Masterclass will include chapters on vessels, form and surface, function, figurative works, one-offs and installations. Explores the artistic process, methodology and techniques of 100 great artists In-depth ceramic techniques section covering skills integral to working with clay Includes historical and contemporary examples Represents a global perspective of the field, including dynamic and ground-breaking approaches to clay Perfect for students, amateur ceramicists and professionals, this book will represent a global perspective of historical and contemporary approaches to clay and be a catalyst for discovery and intrigue.

An easy-to-follow beginner's workshop in creating the human form and self-supporting, standing animals in clay simple. This revised and updated edition includes 4 new projects.

In his major new history, Paul Greenhalgh tells the story of ceramics as a story of human civilisation, from the Ancient Greeks to the present day. As a core craft technology, pottery has underpinned domesticity, business, religion, recreation, architecture, and art for millennia. Indeed, the history of ceramics parallels the development of human society. This fascinating and very human history traces the story of ceramic art and industry from the Ancient Greeks to the Romans and the medieval world; Islamic ceramic cultures and their influence on the Italian Renaissance; Chinese and European porcelain production; modernity and Art Nouveau; the rise of the studio potter, Art Deco, International Style and Mid-Century Modern, and finally, the contemporary explosion of ceramic making and the postmodern potter. Interwoven in this journey through time and place is the story of the pots themselves, the culture of the ceramics, and their character and meaning. Ceramics have had a presence in virtually every country and historical period, and have worked as a commodity servicing every social class. They are omnipresent: a ubiquitous art. Ceramic culture is a clear, unique, definable thing, and has an internal logic that holds it together through millennia. Hence ceramics is the most peculiar and extraordinary of all the arts. At once cheap, expensive, elite, plebeian, high-tech, low-tech, exotic, eccentric, comic, tragic, spiritual, and secular, it has revealed itself to be as fluid as the mud it is made from. Ceramics are the very stuff of how civilized life was, and is, led. This then is the story of human society's most surprising core causes and effects.

Building on the success of the original volume, this revised edition of The Ceramics Bible features new techniques, terms, images, and artist profiles—as well as the tried-and-true step-by-step instruction and comprehensiveness that students, instructors, artists, and collectors have all come to appreciate. Since its debut in September 2011, The Ceramics Bible has been the go-to guide for anyone interested in this flourishing art form. The revised edition updates a quarter of the original content, while keeping the visually rich format and straightforward instruction that make the book such a valuable tool for makers and artists. Featuring a diverse array of contemporary artists, and a comprehensive guide to the best ceramics galleries, suppliers, residencies, workshops, and studios all over the world, this volume will teach you everything you want to know about making ceramics. AN EVERGREEN ART FORM: Ceramics and pottery never go out of style—in fact, these art forms continue to grow in popularity year after year. Whether you're a seasoned ceramicist searching for a reliable reference volume, or a new artist working your way through beginner techniques, this book is one you'll return to again and again. NEW AND IMPROVED: From social media marketing to 3D clay printing, the topics covered in this updated edition captures the technological and social changes that have shaped the practices and products of working ceramics artists. MORE THAN A HANDBOOK: With a plethora of gorgeous full-color photographs—including profiles of contemporary ceramics artists and examples of their work—The Ceramics Bible is both beautiful to behold and easy to use. This book will be equally at home on a living room coffee table as it is in the workshop. Perfect for: • Art and design students • Makers, craftspeople, ceramics artist, and pottery enthusiasts • Art instructors, educators, and collectors