Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching, Coiling, Extruding, Molding, Slip Casting, Slab Work (Lark Ceramics Book) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Kathy Triplett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Series: Lark Ceramics Book

Aimed at beginners, this is an illustrated guide to all aspects of clay and ceramic work which do not require a potter's wheel. It includes information on all the major handbuilding techniques and features the work of leading practitioners.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For those who equate pottery with the finely turned symmetrical products of the potter's wheel or the slip mold, the creative variety of hand-built ceramics is truly astonishing. Triplett offers a guide to basic techniques, from pinch pots to slapwork, with color illustrations of tools and techniques and instructions for eight projects of planters and pitchers. Tending toward the colorful and whimsical, these projects are a delight to see, but their placement cuts into the practicality of the book; the instructional illustrations almost get lost in the profusion of pictures. Still, this is a good guide overall to the topic.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"For both inspiration and instruction, this is an extremely valuable resource, yet it is still beautiful to enhance any coffee table." Clay Times." --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1st edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887374299
• ISBN-13: 978-1887374293
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book on handbuilt ceramics I've ever seen., April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching, Coiling, Extruding, Molding, Slip Casting, Slab Work (Lark Ceramics Book) (Hardcover)

This book is actually three books in one. First, it contains a large collection (310 images) of beautiful color plates showing a huge variety of ceramic work in a wide variety of styles that is nothing short of inspirational. This alone is worth the price of the book. It is the equal of any museum exhibition or juried ceramics show book I've seen. Secondly, it is an excellent basic-through-advanced 'encyclopedia' of handbuilt terms, techniques and materials written in a clear, unambiguous style with carefully photographed examples that clearly illustrate the topic being discussed. The text and photos combine to make this book an absolute pleasure to read. You never have to scratch your head and wonder if you understand -- everything is clearly and perfectly explained. And finally, the book contains a series of eight projects which serve to thoroughly introduce the basics of handbuilding with clear, 'how-to' photographs accompanying the text which serve to demonstrate exactly what is being talked about. There is also a materials list and a step-by-step discussion of problems, pitfalls, and the techniques involved. This book would be a bargain at three times the price.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent phtographs and detailed instructions., July 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching, Coiling, Extruding, Molding, Slip Casting, Slab Work (Lark Ceramics Book) (Hardcover)

This is one of the best instructional books I have purchased on handbuilt pottery techniques. It contains beautiful color photographs and excellent detailed instructions for numerous handbuilding projects. It also contains several glaze recipes as well as problems and solutions in the glazing and firing processes. This is, by far, my favorite pottery reference book as I have not mastered the wheel-throwing process. This book will inspire every handbuilding potter.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for both experienced and new potters, March 17, 2002

By 

Buffalogal (Wichita, KS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching * Coiling * Extruding * Molding * Slip Casting * Slab Work( A Lark Ceramics Book) (Paperback)

I turned to this book after being "stuck" with wheel throwing--I just can't think of anything to make on the wheel that appeals to me right now. The pictures and techniques have freshened my creativity and inspiration, and are leading me to explore new techniques and develop new skills that I will eventually combine with wheel-thrown pieces. My favorite aspect of the book is the variety of styles that are shown in the beautiful pictures--there really is something for everyone in here. The directions are comprehensive and clear. Thank you, Kathy, for bringing back the excitement I felt when I first started working with clay. An amazing book! I'm not allowed to come to class without it, and other class members have made trips to the book store to pick up their own copy.