Form has always been one of the most important aspects of ceramics. In this book, Peter Lane presents an exploration of the various elements involved in the design and making of ceramics, by concentrating on the two fundamental pottery forms - bowls and bottles. Looking at the work of an international group of artists, he explains the potters' working methods and processes, describes their ideas and sources of stimulus and shows the beautiful work they have done.

Ceramics had a far-reaching impact in the second half of the twentieth century, as its artists worked through the same ideas regarding abstraction and form as those for other creative mediums. Live Form shines new light on the relation of ceramics to the artistic avant-garde by looking at the central role of women in the field: potters who popularized ceramics as they worked with or taught male counterparts like John Cage, Peter Voulkos, and Ken Price. Sorkin focuses on three Americans who promoted ceramics as an advanced artistic medium: Marguerite Wildenhain, a Bauhaus-trained potter and writer; Mary Caroline (M. C.) Richards, who renounced formalism at Black Mountain College to pursue new performative methods; and Susan Peterson, best known for her live throwing demonstrations on public television. Together, these women pioneered a hands-on teaching style and led educational and therapeutic activities for war veterans, students, the elderly, and many others. Far from being an isolated field, ceramics offered a sense of community and social engagement, which, Sorkin argues, crucially set the stage for later participatory forms of art and feminist collectivism.

Through a wide display of functional pottery, this reference book offers information and practical tips as well as international coverage of both the design and aesthetics of ceramics and artists's work.

Delineates basic methodology and suggests variations in the craft of handbuilding with clay, with a study of and illustrations of the work of ten professional ceramicists

Discover how to develop your pottery design skills and bring your ideas to life from start to finish. Covering every technique from throwing pottery to firing, glazing to sgraffito, this pottery book is perfect for both hand-building beginners and potting pros. Step-by-step photographs - some from the potter's perspective - show you exactly where to place your hands when throwing so you can master every technique you need to know. Plus, expert tips help you rescue your pots when things go wrong. The next in the popular Artist's Techniques series, Complete Pottery is the ideal companion for pottery classes of any level, or a go-to guide and inspiration for the more experienced potter looking to expand their repertoire and perfect new skills. With contemporary design and ideas, Complete Pottery Techniques enables the modern maker to unleash their creativity.

Everything You Need to Get Started with Pottery If you ever daydream about delving into pottery but aren’t sure where to begin, this is your book. Professional potter Kara Leigh Ford will be your personal pottery guide, helping you to overcome any doubts about your abilities. All you need are curiosity and a few simple tools to mold stunning stoneware with confidence. Inspiring projects and primers on equipment, technique, clay types and setting up a workspace make pottery approachable for complete newcomers, as well as budding potters who want to hone their skills. Plus, gorgeous photos from Kara’s studio offer visual guidance every step of the way. Enter the wonderful world of ceramics with hand building, the meditative method behind your next mug, spoon set or soap dish. When you’re ready for the wheel, easy-to-follow instructions cover the foundations of throwing bowls, plates, vases and other beginner-friendly kitchenware like a pro. Each stand-alone piece builds upon a skill introduced in the previous project: Craft all ten and you’ve learned pottery’s fundamentals! Tutorials on glazing and decorative techniques will help you discover your own unique style and understand the basics of the firing process—whether in your own kiln or at a community studio—ensuring beautifully finished pieces. Kara’s can-do approach brings handmade ceramic creations fully within reach. Whether you want to make charming home décor or thoughtful gifts for loved ones, you’ll find all you need to embark on your pottery journey.

(back cover) This is a complete course in designing ceramics with confidence. Focusing on the design process and principles of shape, form, surface, and function, it also includes practical instruction in studio techniques for rendering your ideas into reality. A complete range of practical advice is offered, organized into units covering each stage of the design process, from working out a brief and seeking inspiration to drawing up technical plans and developing the design. Design concepts with both practical and esthetic considerations are explored in detail, and real-life case studies give valuable insights into the world of practicing ceramic designers. Whether you want to create functional, hard-wearing pots or decorative fine art pieces, this book will demystify the design process and provide the inspiration and skills you need to design with flair. Anthony Quinn is a freelance designer for the tableware industry. Among his clients are Wedgewood, Royal Worcester, and Denby Pottery. He is a senior lecturer in ceramic design at the renowned Central Saint Martin's College in London and is a visiting tutor at the Royal College of Art. Anthony has recently launched a range of pierced oven and tableware with Hartley Greens pottery, designed in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He has also recently designed the in-flight dining experience for British Airways First Class and Club World. He lives and works in London.