The Penland Book of Ceramics: Masterclasses in Ceramic Techniques [Hardcover]

Lark (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Lark Ceramics Book | Publication Date: March 28, 2003

“This book is valuable for its insights into the working techniques and philosophies of established ceramic artists.”—Library Journal. “One of those rare publications that actually meets its claim to give ‘master classes’ in ceramic technique. As a context for enjoying the inventive ways in which these artists make their ceramics, it is difficult to see how the formula could be bettered.”—Ceramic Review.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1 edition (March 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990338X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579903381
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,332,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read for an experienced potter, August 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Penland Book of Ceramics: Masterclasses in Ceramic Techniques (Hardcover)

This book is great to learn special techniques from Masters in Clay. One does need significant background in clay such as throwing techniques, slab making, coil building etc. These are not discussed in detail, but great pieces of work have been demonstrated in extreme detail assuming basic knowledge.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Masterclass with incomplete information, August 4, 2006

By 

Leslie J. Wentzell (Racine, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Penland Book of Ceramics: Masterclasses in Ceramic Techniques (Hardcover)

The title of the book leads one to expect to receive the technical information needed to try any of the techniques demonstrated. The book does not always live up to this promise. For example, the multilayered slip technique presented by Mary Barringer demonstrates the use of slips before and after bisquing. The most critical factor here would be the composition of the slip to accommodate the shrinkage of the bisque. Granted, there are many slip recipes out there, but not all will work here. I don't need to see pictures of her brushing the slip on. That is the stuff of beginner books (if even) not "Master classes". The physical techniqes of building , modelling and shaping are well illustrated, and so the book does have its value. Michael Sherril's use of extruded clay to make his fantastic sculptures was eyeopening, and well demonstrated.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars penland book of ceramics, June 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Penland Book of Ceramics: Masterclasses in Ceramic Techniques (Hardcover)

The pictures were great, also I liked the instructional part. The example of how to tell if the glaze is deflocuulated by putting your hands in and watch how it flows was so visual, I have used it every time I defluculated a glaze.
It also shwed a different way to have your way with the clay, like those things that look like bananaas, how do you do that with clay, the book explained it in enough detail for your to copy,in your own style. I am very pleased with this book.