There’s a lot of info out there on how to grow and improve in ceramics and pottery, but sometimes the best resource for learning new techniques is a well put-together book.
Here’s a round up of some of the best books published in 2021 and 2022 (and a few favorites from 2020 as well).
Boy in a China Shop by Keith Brymer Jones will be published in fall 2022. (shop at Amazon)
Creative Pottery: Innovative Techniques and Experimental Designs in Thrown and Handbuilt Ceramics by Deb Schwartzkopf
Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.
Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2020 by Quarry Books, $30
Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay: A Guide to Capturing the Human Form for Ceramic Artists by Christina Córdova
This richly illustrated guidebook will take you through the steps needed to sculpt a figure in clay starting with sketches, various techniques to build a hollow form that can make it through a firing, and then patterns and instructions to make larger forms. Written by acclaimed sculptor Christina Córdova.
Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2022 by Quarry Books, $35
Carve Your Clay: Techniques to Bring the Ceramic Surface to Life by Hilda Carr
This popular book covers a variety of carving techniques including scraffito, etching, inlay, wire cutting, and more with more than 20 inspiring projects. With step-by-step instructions, this is a great technique book from the London-based studio potter, Hilda Carr.
Hardcover, 144 pages, published August 2020 by Quarry Books, $27
Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases, and More by Kara Leigh Ford
Aimed at beginners, this book covers handbuilding and wheel throwing, as well as how to set up a workspace. Filled with projects, tips, and ideas, this book is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to get started with clay.
Paperback, 192 pages, published October 2021 by Page Street Publishing, $23
Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones
Fans of The Great Pottery Throwdown and potters will love this book by Brymer Jones, judge on the popular BBC series. In a series of chapters inspired by significant objects (usually pots), Brymer shares stories and insights from his life and work.
Hardcover, 352 pages, published October 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, $29
Contemporary Raku by Stephen Murfitt
This new publication is a complete guide to raku firings and techniques, as well as sources of inspiration. It’s got information on tools and equipment, health and safety measures, and more. The book is by Stephen Murfitt, a British studio potter who also wrote The Glaze Book, from 2002.
Paperback, 176 pages, published September 2022 by The Crowood Press, $43
The Beginner's Guide to Hand Building: Functional and Sculptural Projects for the Home Potter by Sunshine Cobb
For those who might just have access to a table at home, this is the book for you. Written by Sunshine Cobb (who also wrote 2018’s Mastering Hand Building) this book is focused on projects that can be made just about anywhere, whether it’s a kitchen table or studio. With a focus on skill building, this book covers projects ranging from a scoop to a citrus juicer to small animals and sculptures.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published by Quarry Books, October 2022, $25.
Wild Clay: Creating Ceramics and Clazes from Natural and Found Resources by Matt Levy, Takuro Shibata, and Hitomi Shibata
Finding your own clay—especially for use as a glaze material or to augment a commercial clay body—is increasingly popular and this book is a guide to finding, testing, and using wild clay.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published October 2022 by Herbert Press, $40
Amazing Glaze: Recipes and Combinations: 200+ Surefire Finishes for Low-Fire, Mid-Range, and High-Fire Pottery by Gabriel Kline
A follow-up / companion to Kline’s 2018 book Amazing Glaze, this volume delves into more glaze recipes, combinations, and modifiers with recipes and images for all firing temperatures and styles. A great addition to your glaze library, and based on Kline’s decades of experience as a potter and instructor.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published August 2021 by Quarry Books, $30
The Ceramics Bible Revised Edition by Louisa Taylor
First published in 2011, this revised edition of The Ceramics Bible includes new techniques, images, artist profiles, and more. This book has become a studio standard and the revised edition only makes it better. Written by Louisa Taylor, a British studio potter.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published by Chronicle Books, January 2022, $45
Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor
Also by Louisa Taylor, author of The Ceramics Bible, this 2020 book explores 100 works of ceramic art and discusses techniques, methods, and concepts behind the works. Presented as a two-page spread per artwork, this is a great book for experienced makers who enjoy a deeper look at ceramics.
Hardcover or Flexbound, 288 pages, published August 2020 by Frances Lincoln, $30
Pinch Your Pottery: The Art & Craft of Making Pinch Pots by Jacqui Atkin
A seemingly simple clay technique, pinching can be used to make just about any form. Starting with basics, this book has 35 project ideas for taking pinched clay to the next level. Written by Jacqui Atkin, a British potter who has written numerous books on ceramic techniques.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published June 2021 by Quarry Books, $25
Kintsugi: The Poetic Mend by Bonnie Kemske
This is not exactly a technique book, but instead is history and meditation on the Japanese technique of repairing broken vessels and highlighting the repairs with gold. The book explains kintsugi, gives current and historical examples, and examines how the technique developed. Full of images and illustrations, this is a beautiful examination of kintsugi.
Hardcover, 176 pages, published April 2021 by Herbert Press, $38
The Beginner's Guide to Wheel Throwing: A Complete Course for the Potter's Wheel by Julia Claire Weber
An introductory guide for those looking to start on the potter’s wheel, The Beginner’s Guide to Wheel Throwing covers bowls, cups, clay bodies, tools, and everything else needed to get started on the pottery wheel. Focused on skill building while introducing tips and tricks, the book also has a gallery of examples by contemporary potters. Written by Julia Claire Weber, a potter based in Asheville, North Carolina.
Hardcover, 144 pages, published December 2021 by Quarry Press, $27
Are there any recently published ceramic technique books that you use? Let us know in the comments.
