Ceramics - Mastering the Craft [Paperback]

Richard Zakin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

This greatly expanded and updated edition features more than 300 beautiful colour photos of the most innovative work being done in the ceramics field today. Works by leading artists are showcased in sections on utilitarian pottery, non-utilitarian pottery, sculpture, and work in the wall piece format. This second edition is a perfect blend of the technical and aesthetic aspects of ceramics, featuring historical background information, analysis of image creation strategies, and numerous technical photos. Several photo essays show such processes as raku, throwing on a wheel, hand forming in a press mould, working with coloured clay, and more. Potters will find invaluable advice on buying and formulating clays, choosing and applying glazes, firing clay bodies, and much more. Includes over 300 stunning colour photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This new edition of Zakin's basic pottery book has been completely rewritten, with new color photographs replacing the mostly black-and-white photos of the first edition. To quote Val M. Cushing's foreword, "a very good book has become an even better book." Zakin, a veteran potter and teacher, discusses all types of fired ceramics, including tiles and architectural pieces. There are several good chapters on glazes and other surface treatments. The numerous photos illustrate techniques and finished work by other artists. An excellent book for potters at all levels, this belongs in academic as well as public library collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2 edition (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873418670
• ISBN-13: 978-0873418676
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practicing the craft...., July 28, 2001

By 

Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ceramics - Mastering the Craft (Paperback)

Generally, I collect ceramics, I don't make them anymore. I was never very adept with the potting wheel where my projects too often became lost in space, but I used to make very nice ceramics. In the process of dabbling with molds, slip and glaze I wondered about other aspects of the craft and over the years I have read and studied the subject informally. This wonderful book is a valuable resource whether you are starting out and want to experiment with different clay projects or want to refresh your memory.

Zakin first explains the building blocks--ceramics-making materials (different combinations lead to different outcomes). He discusses types of clays, feldspars, frits, silica, and other modifying compounds. Ever notice when you hold a cup made from Kaolin (frequently called porcelain) filled with a hot fluid you don't burn your hand whereas the cute cup you bought at the local craft show made from a more porous clay does? Zakin provides a great deal of information about the attributes of clay including plasticity, durability, color, maturity absorption, texture, resistance to warping, and intended use. If you're making a mug, a quiche pan, or a vase (or buying one), you may want to consider these aspects.

Zakin provides the reader with much information about ceramic color, glazes, and mold-making (plenty of tips for success). I was fascinated with the sections discussing glaze making and testing, and kiln loading and firing including some nice photos of the raku process. Section 16 includes a succinct history of ceramics that covers various types generated over the ages (nicely illustrated and clearly written).

The appendices of the book continue the in-depth exploration of the process of ceramics making including ways to analyze your results. This is an informative and well illustrated book containing many examples of ceramics made by the author and other artists working in his field.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely one to have., March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ceramics: Mastering the Craft (Paperback)

This book has a wonderful overview of ceramics for the studio potter. It has wealth of useful information for all skill levels and is one of the best reference books that I have in my collection. Top artists in the field are represented with lots of pictures and glaze recipes. Very well written and easy to understand.