The Ceramics Bible Revised Edition

The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques

Louisa Taylor

• Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781797215143
• eBook ISBN: 9781797220352
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art General

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

SECTION 1 Materials and tools

Types of clay

Other materials

Clay recipes

Preparing clay

Cut and stack wedging step by step

Ram’s head wedging step by step

Spiral wedging step by step

Drying overview

Drying step by step

Raw materials

Oxides

Stains

Storing ceramic materials

Tools

Kiln furniture and accessories

Studio equipment

Glazing equipment

Safety procedures

Decanting ceramic raw materials using a scoopxs

Types of clay

There are hundreds of clays available to the ceramicist. All have their positive aspects and their limitations, so choosing the right one can be difficult. Consider variables such as the applied working method and whether the piece is intended to be decorative, functional, or sculptural. Having a basic understanding of firing temperatures and clay properties will help determine the most suitable body to use.

Low-fired clay

Low-fired clay relates to a clay body with a firing point of less than 1832°F (1000°C). This can include local-dug clays that contain a high amount of iron and that melt into a liquid if temperatures exceed 2012°F (1100°C). These clays are often used for smoke- or pit-firing processes.

Terra-cotta

Terra-cotta clay (also known as red earthenware) is very plastic and versatile. It contains a high iron content (between 5 and 8%) that produces a rich orangey brown color when fired between 1832 and 2102°F (1000–1150°C). Terra-cotta was traditionally used for utilitarian items such as water carriers, garden pots, and roof tiles.

Earthenware

Earthenware clay is relatively inexpensive to buy, easy to work, and can be used for a wide range of ceramic processes. The temperature required for bisque firing is between 1976 and 2048°F (1080 and 1120°C). After bisque, earthenware remains soft and porous. Glaze has to be applied all over to ensure that it is completely watertight; it is then fired at a lower temperature of between 1922 and 2102°F (1050 and 1150°C).

Conor Wilson (UK)

Double Chambered Vessel, 2008
H: 11in (28cm), W: 8in (20cm),
D: 6in (15cm)
Handbuilt, terra-cotta

Yo Thom (Japan/UK)

Chawan, 2008
H: 3½in (9cm), Dia: 4¾in (12cm)
Thrown and handbuilt, iron slip decoration and Shino glaze over the slip; wood-fired to 2336°F (1280°C/cone 9)

Elke Sada (Germany)

Capriccio Oval Vessel, 2009
H: 8½in (22cm)
White earthenware and body stains; reversed monoprinting; handbuilt

Anja Lubach (Germany)

Madonna Face Vessel, 2010

H: 7in (18cm), W: 10½in (27cm)

Thrown porcelain; the soft clay walls are manipulated with small molds of religious figurative details

Stoneware

Stoneware is a hardy material, resistant to scratching and impenetrable to water. This makes it an excellent choice for domestic ware and outdoor sculptures. It is fired between 2192 and 2372°F (1200 and 1300°C) and is suitable for an oxidized or a reduction kiln.

Porcelain

Porcelain originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It is mainly composed of kaolin (china clay) and as a result produces a distinctive white translucent body that is completely vitrified. Porcelain is commonly fired between 2300 and 2372°F (1260 and 1300°C) and, when reduced, develops a beautiful icy tone.

Jacqui Chanarin (UK)

Rosettes, 2010
H: approx. 6–8in (15–20cm)
Slip-cast porcelain, porcelain paper clay, cut with scissors and as...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Types of ceramic ware
• Section 1: Materials and tools
• Section 2: Forming techniques
• Section 3: Glazing and firing techniques
• Section 4: Decorative and finishing techniques
• Section 5: Resources
• Acknowledgments