Articles on pottery techniques chosen from the early issues of Pottery making illustrated.

Clay body additions can introduce remarkable new forms and textures in ceramic work. With an emphasis on creativity and experimentation, ceramicist Kathleen Standen reveals a range of possible effects, and profiles the extraordinary work of contemporary makers using additions in their practice.Beginning with an introduction to collecting local clay and making your own clay bodies, the book moves on to cover the array of additions being used by artists today, from hard materials like stones, glass and rust, to combustible matter and fibre, metals including wire and mesh, and colour in various forms. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with both unique making methods and the beautiful finished works of ceramic artists from around the world.Additions to Clay Bodies is an inspiring introduction to the art of using additions and an essential companion for any artist wishing to expand their practice.

Demonstrating four different clay-firing techniques, this book illustrates the diverse results that each can produce.

Book Description: Electric kilns are a wonderful thing! They're so readily available and simple to install that any artist can take advantage of the incredible potential this tool has to offer. Nearly every ceramic artist now uses one in some capacity in their studio because electric firing offers a control and dependability not found with any other type of firing. As the popularity of electric kilns has increased over the past few decades, manufacturers and suppliers made this tool even more versatile. Advances in controllers, energy efficiency, materials and safety make it possible for studio potters to take advantage of this tool for relatively little investment. In Electric Firing: Creative Techniques you'll discover the contributions of studio artists who use electric kilns. They eagerly share the results of their experiments, their research and their artistic successes. Build on what they've learned through the up-to-date information on processes, glazes, tools, materials and techniques they provide. At one time you could make Low-Fire Electric Reds by mixing your own. David Gamble explores the new types of commercially-available reds that will add zing to your work. Gail Kendall demonstrates her step-by-step for decorating colorful work using a variety of methods in Low-Fire Surface Decoration. DaNisha Sculpture is the collaboration of two talented artists, Nisha and Dan Ferguson. The electric kiln allowed them to concentrate on their elaborate forms and decoration. Using the vessel for narrative storytelling inspires Jitka Palmer, who says she enjoys painting on curved surfaces because it makes the images more dramatic. See examples of Using Colorful Underglazes in a variety of ways by top artists. Each winter Kesl and Tilton collaborate on work and their story is intriguing. You'll get a rare look at a sustained involvement of a passionate team. Scott Bennett finds inspiration in jewelry and explores what happens when you make brooches, pins and rings monumental in size. V'Lou Oliveira uses commercial glazes for the brilliant colors that enhance her playful iconclastic approach to her work. China Paint is at the lowest end of the temperature range in ceramics and Paul Lewing guides you through the basics to get you started. Joan Takayama-Ogawa uses china paints to decorate her unusual teapots and constructions sometimes taking up to 9 firings to finish a piece. Versatile Recipes for engobes, slips, glazes and self-glazing clays can add a lot of character to your work. Looking at one of the most influential potters of all time, John McQuistion pays Homage to Palissy in his artistic work. Palissy would be amazed at the modern twist. When it comes to Surface and Form Kelly King achieves a personal and contemporary sense of design sure to inspire you. Faith Rahill shows you that Creating Neriage Blocks provide a great way to work three dimensionally with patterns and images. Laura Kukkee reveals how her subtle change in a technique lead her to impressive results with her slip decorating. Paul Wandless maintains that Testing Your Clay provides you with information you can observe, touch and feel firsthand in your own environment. You can expand the capabilities of your electric kiln with gas by Building a Gas/Electric Kiln. It's all about hybrids now. We live in an era of recycling so it makes sense to have a description for Converting an Electric Kiln for Wood or Gas Firing. If you missed the lecture on kilns, you'll appreciate this refresher course on the Ten Basics of Firing. And much much more!

The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23" or 28" electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. The book provides a detailed description of the theory, construction process, parts required with sources, and the basic tools needed. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results. For those who want to continue exploring and learning in an environment of less certainty, reduction firing can be a fun path. Reduction firing requires gaining experience with firing schedules, reduction techniques, and glazes - commercially available or your own mixing.

"In Electric Studio: Making & Firing, you'll discover how to select the kiln that's right for you, understand how to maximize its potential, learn how to maintain it and make simple repairs, and explore various firing techniques to achieve spectacular results once reserved only for large fuel-burning kilns. In addition, this Ceramic Arts Handbook provides you with information on clay and glaze materials developed for electric firing, as well as glazing and firing techniques that are sure to expand your creativity."--