10 Best New Pottery and Ceramic Books for 2024

There are a lot of great new books focusing on ceramics and pottery this year. This posts covers ten new books on ceramic artists and technique that were published in 2024, and a few from the very end of 2023.

Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors by Ben Carter

An excellent introduction and guide to the world of low-fire glazes by Ben Carter, host of the Red Clay Rambler podcast and author of the popular book Mastering the Potter’s Wheel. This new book covers all aspects of mixing glazes, and includes numerous full-color images of example work along with a variety of recipes.

Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors
By Ben Carter
Hardcover, 176 pages
published September 2024 by Quarry Books
Listed at $30 but usually available for $27

Magdalena Suarez Frimkess: The Finest Disregard

Image of art catalog The Finest Disregard covering the work of Magdalena Suarez Frimkess. The red book has pink text and in front of the lettering is a Suarez Frimkess ceramic sculpture inspired by Minnie Mouse

Catalogue from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art retrospective of ceramic artist Magdalena Suarez Frimkess. The 95-year-old artist is definitely having a moment this year and this wonderful catalogue is full of images of work, mostly from the past 10 years, along with essays and more.

Check out this post on the catalogue as well.

The Finest Disregard
Published by Los Angeles County Museum of Art and DelMonico Books, 2024
Hardcover, 128 pages
Listed at $49.95

Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within

Another exhibition catalogue that is a worthy addition to any library is Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within, which accompanies the traveling exhibition of the same name. A long-due exploration of the artist, who lived from 1922 to 2011, the catalogue includes essays, lots of full-color images, and even some writings by Takaezu herself. The catalogue includes many examples of the “closed forms” which Takaezu is known for, along with other ceramics, paintings, and more.

Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within
By Glenn Adamson and others
Published by Yale University Press
Hardcover, 368 pages
Listed at $65 but usually available for less

Glazes for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor

Glazes for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor book cover image featuring a variety of cylindrical ceramic vessels in muted colors on a green pedestal on a dark green background

Louisa Taylor is a ceramic stalwart now, having published multiple editions of The Ceramics Bible and Ceramics Masterclass in 2020 (Check out a full review of Masterclass here). In her latest book, Taylor covers everything you need to get started with glazing. Chapters include “Establishing Your Glaze Practice,” studio setup, firing, and more, along with 200 illustrated recipes. Not as specific as the Low-Fire book mentioned above, this is a more general guide for getting started at all temperatures of firing ceramics.

Glazes for the Contemporary Maker
By Louisa Taylor
Published March, 2024 by The Crowood Press
144 pages
Listed $29.99 but usually available for less

Magdalene Odundo: A Dialogue with Objects

Magdalene Odundo: A Dialogue with Objects featuring a black ceramic vessel by Odundo on a white background

Magdalene Odundo is a Kenyan-born, British artist known for elegant vessels that draw on traditions ranging from Aztec to Chinese to African pottery, and are in dialogue with contemporary traditions including modernism. In this survey work, potter and art historian Sequoia Miller provides a new perspective on Odundo’s work, and includes an in-depth look at Odundo’s prints and sketchbooks. The book includes a foreword by Susan Jefferies and contributions by Nehal El-Hadi, Elizabeth Harney, and Barbara Thompson.

Magdalena Odundo: A Dialogue with Objects
By Sequoia Miller and others
Published September 2024 by Princeton University Press
Hardcover, 112 pages
Listed at $49.95 but usually available for less

Thrown by Lilly Maetzig

Thrown by Lilly Maetzig cover image

Following up 2023’s Handbuilt, Maetzig returns with a new book in a similar format, this time focusing on the pottery wheel. The book includes 20 projects ranging from dinner plates to lamp shades, and includes making, decorating, and firing instructions. If you are a fan of the artist’s Mae Ceramics line, or just looking for an inspirational book, this is a good introduction to functional homewares made on the wheel.

Thrown
By Lilly Maetzig
Published October 2024 by Quadrille Press
160 pages
Listed at $29.99

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists From Japan

Accompanying an exhibition of the same name, this catalogue explores 36 women artists from Japan who have made ceramic work in the past 50 years. Richly illustrated with short texts on each artists, this is a beautiful overview of recent work from Japan. The exhibition was at the Art Institute of Chicago last year, and is currently at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, and will travel to The Ackland Art Museum at UNC Chapel Hill in 2025.

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists From Japan
Edited by Joe Earle
Published Novemeber 2023 by the Art Institute of Chicago
128 Pages
Listed at $30 but often available for less

Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape

Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape book cover with a black and white image of a man holding a ceramic vessel against a wall of large pottery vessels

The book focuses on the firm Architectural Pottery, which launched in 1950 with modernist ceramic objects designed for the new houses being built in America. Accompanying an exhibition at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, Calif., this book includes numerous black and white and color images. A must for any fan of midcentury modernism, this work also provides a historical background to the numerous artists and companies making large-scale ceramic furniture and planters today.

Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape
By Daniel Chavkin, Jeffrey Head, and Jo Lauria
Published September 2024 by The Monacelli Press
256 pages
Listed $59.95 but usually available for less

Tecla Tofano: This Body of Mine

A small monograph on the Venezuelan artist Tecla Tofano (1927–1995), this book includes essays and images on this innovative artist. Tofano’s work is often totemic but also domestic, and explores issues of maternity, sexism, and socioeconomic status.

Tecla Tofano: This Body of Mine
Published February, 2024 by James Cohan Gallery
112 pages, softcover
Listed at $35 but often available for less

Dried Peyote and 7 Up: The Work and Vision of Michael Frimkess

Dried Peyote and 7 Up: The Work and Vision of Michael Frimkess book cover

A limited-edition book (edition of 250), this book focuses on Los Angeles ceramist Michael Frimkess (and spouse of Magdalena Suarez Frimkess). This is the first monograph on the artist’s 60-year plus career.

Dried Peyote and 7 Up: The Work and Vision of Michael Frimkess
Paperback
$100

Two Poems by Arthur Sze

Two poems mentioning clay from The Glass Constellation, a collection of poems by Arthur Sze. Both poems were originally published in Sze’s 2019 book, Sight Lines. Sze is a National Book Award Winner and also received the 2024 National Book Foundation Science + Literature Award for The Glass Constellation.



 

Doppler Effect

Stopped in cars, we are waiting to accelerate
along different trajectories. I catch the rising

pitch of a train—today one hundred nine people
died in a stampede converging at a bridge;

radioactive water trickles underground
toward the Pacific Ocean; nickel and copper

particulates contaminate the Brocade River.
Will this planet sustain ten billion people?

Ah, switch it: a spider plant leans toward
a glass door, and six offshoots dangle from it;

the more I fingered the clay slab into a bowl,
the more misshapen it became; though I have

botched this, bungled that, the errancies
reveal it would not be better if things happened

just as I wished; a puffer fish inflates on deck;
a burst of burnt rubber rises from pavement.



Salt Song

Zunis make shrines on the way to a lake where I emerge and Miwoks gather me
out of pools along the Pacific the cheetah thirsts for me and when you sprinkle
me on rib eye you have no idea how I balance silence with thunder in crystal you
dream of butterfly hunting in Madagascar spelunking through caves echoing with
dripping stalactites and you don’t see how I yearn to shimmer an orange aurora
against flame look at me in your hand in Egypt I scrubbed the bodies of kings
and queens in Pakistan I zigzag upward through twenty-six miles of tunnels
before drawing my first breath in sunlight if you heat a kiln to 2380 degrees and
scatter me inside I vaporize and bond with clay in this unseen moment a potter
prays because my pattern is out of his hands and when I touch your lips you
salivate and when I dissolve on your tongue your hair rises ozone unlocks a
single stroke of lightning sizzles the earth.

The Glass Constellation: New and Collected Poems
by Arthur Sze
Published 2021 by Copper Canyon Press

The DIY Ceramics Degree

It’s now possible to create your own do-it-yourself ceramics “degree” by utilizing online and text resources. Most of this content is new in the past 5 to 10 years, giving those interested in this medium an unprecedented ability to learn the techniques, history, and critical theory necessary to understand the field of ceramics.

This post will detail videos, books, and more that I believe can give you much of the technical and historical references you might find being taught in an undergraduate ceramics program.

That’s not to say that a DIY program is a complete replacement for in-person learning. I still spend part of each week teaching and demonstrating in academic studios, and the things that happen there are important to one’s development as an artist. These include group discussions and critiques, getting real-time feedback on technical challenges, and learning and sharing from others who are at the same stage.

So with the very large caveat that I believe in-person experiences are vitally important to growth as an artist and maker, here are the resources I believe would make up a DIY ceramics degree:

Techniques and Tutorials

Videos and books to get you up to speed on materials and techniques.

Understanding Pottery series from Washington Street Studios

Understanding Pottery is a 43-part YouTube series posted in 2020 that starts with the video What is Clay? and proceeds to cover every part of the ceramics process in great detail and depth in an approachable lecture format. Even seasoned ceramic artists (talking about myself here!) will learn a few things when watching these videos. Think of these videos as a replacement for a clay and glaze class.

The videos were produced by Washington Street Studios in Bolivar, West Virginia USA.

Click here to see the entire Understanding Pottery playlist.

Washington Street Studios has a few other playlists which can be found here.

John Britt Online Glaze Course

Noted author and glaze formulator John Britt has a 34-part and growing Online Glaze Course posted on YouTube. Started in 2020, Britt continues to expand and update the playlist with more videos. A wealth of knowledge is shared via these videos, and gives a sense of what you might encounter in Britt’s books and in-person glaze classes, and if you watch the whole series, you will most likely have covered more glaze information than is taught in an undergraduate ceramics program!

Click here to see the entire John Britt Online Glaze Course.

Florian Gadsby: Beginner’s Guide to How to Throw a Pot

Florian Gadsby is one of the most popular potters on YouTubes, and is known for numerous, high-quality instructional videos about making pottery and glaze. One playlist, A Beginner’s Guide to Throwing a Pot, is a multi-part series that covers all aspects of getting started on the pottery wheel.

The first video is posted above, or check out the entire playlist here.

Other online references

In addition to the three playlists cited above, there are numerous YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other online videos that cover just about every aspect of the ceramic process including handbuilding, loading kilns, centering, etc. There are too many to list here, but just search your favorite platform and you’ll be sure to find the advice you need.

Glazy.org is an amazing website full of user-generated glaze recipes and photos. If you are ready to mix your own glazes or are looking for reference images, it’s a great source.

Digitalfire.com is an expansive website written by Tony Hansen. Full of tips, techniques, formulas, recipes, and more, it’s like an ever-expanding ceramic textbook. It’s not necessarily ideal to just browse, but is extremely useful if you have specific questions or are struggling with technical glaze challenges. Just search the site for whatever you are trying to figure out, especially with glazes, materials, and firing.

Textbooks, Ceramic History, and more

Sometimes (often?) it’s better to have a physical reference. Below are a few practical books to start building a reference library in your home and studio.

The Workshop Guide to Ceramics

Academic textbooks focusing on making ceramics are mostly out of print, but you can still find them available used. One of my favorites is The Workshop Guide to Ceramics by Anthony Quinn and Duncan Hooson from 2012. It’s a comprehensive and well-illustrated text that covers all the basics. It seems that a 2017 paperback edition of the book that is the same information but is called Ceramics: The Indispensable Guide, is still in print.

For more textbook recommendations, check out this guide to Ceramic Textbooks from 2020.

The Ceramics Reader

Originally published in 2017, this is a great overview of important texts and ideas relating to contemporary ceramics. I wish this had been around when I was in school! To me, the existence of this book helps solidify the critical foundation of the field of ceramics and hopefully helps build and maintain serious discourse around this medium.

Edited by Andrew Livingstone and Kevin Petrie, the book seems to have limited available at some online shops. Hopefully it stays in print!

 

Paul Mathieu lectures on the history of ceramics

Departing from books a bit, there is great series of 14 lectures on the history of ceramics from artist and educator Paul Mathieu. The YouTube playlist is titled “Ceramics! The Art of the Future?" and is equivalent to a semester-long ceramic history lecture series. View the first video below or click here for the full playlist. (Mathieu is also known for his great 2003 book Sex Pots: Eroticism in Ceramics)

Ceramic, Art & Civilisation

This 2021 book by Paul Greenhalgh is thicker than most art history textbooks and while it is sort of an academic text, I found it to be a very approachable and entertaining read that covers the entire history of the ceramic medium. With amazing images throughout, Greenhalgh is an engaging companion on this journey that should appeal to anyone interested in clay and ceramics.

Artist Profiles and Conversations

Too numerous to mention them all, but there are now lots of catalogues of museum shows, video interviews, and podcast conversations that can provide you with detailed information about individual ceramic artists from throughout history and today. It is truly a golden time to be interested in learning about this medium.

Here are a few places I check often:

The Brickyard Network: A collection of podcasts (currently 8) produced by the Bray, including Tales of Red Clay Rambler, Clay in Color, For Flux Sake, and more. brickyardnetwork.org

Craft in America: Videos from the PBS show, which features artists from a variety of mediums: youtube.com/user/craftinamerica

Art 21: Videos made for PBS and also direct to online: www.youtube.com/@art21org

For more, check out this list of Ceramic Podcasts from 2022.

Conclusion

If you take the time to watch, listen, and read all the resources detailed above, you’ll be well on your way to “earning” a DIY Ceramics Degree! But there is always more to learn and share. If there is something that you think would make a great addition to this list, let us know in the comments.

The 14 Best New Pottery and Ceramics Books of 2023

Lots of great new titles focusing on pottery and ceramics were published in 2023 and late 2022. Our top picks are below, including a mix of technique and art history books.

For more books, check out these posts from last year:

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship by Florian Gadsby

Florian Gadsby has been documenting his ceramic journey since his student days via Instagram, YouTube and other social media sites. A dynamic, exacting potter and engaging instructor via his videos, in By My Hands Gadsby shares a behind-the-scenes look at his journey in his first book.

Hardcover, 400 pages, published Fall 2023 by Ten Speed Press, $35

Handbuilt: A Modern Potter’s Guide by Lilly Maetzig

Lilly Maetzig is a potter who has built a strong following online for instructional videos (search for Mae Ceramics) and in her first book, introduces more than 20 projects that you can do without a wheel including a pedestal bowl, pinched teapot, and nest plates.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published spring 2023 by Quadrille Publishing, $24

Form and Surface: African Ceramics from the William M. Itter Collection by Diane Pelrine

This book celebrates the African ceramics held in the collection of the Sidney and Lois Eskinazi Museum of Art at the University of Indiana.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published Fall 2023 by Scala Arts Publishers, $50

Ceramic Artist on Creative Processes by Miguel Ángel Pérez Arteaga

In this book, 25 ceramic artists from around the world describe their art making methodology and practice in their own words. Richly illustrated, it offers a deep insight into the minds of professional artists.

Hardcover, 304 pages, published Fall 2023 by Hoaki, $40

Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery by Andrew Nairne

Published to coincide with a UK exhibition of Rie’s work, this catalogue includes five new essays examining Rie’s work and career and includes more than 150 images in full color.

Hardcover, 240 pages, published September 2023 by Kettle’s Yard, $45

Beginner’s Guide to Decorating Pottery by Emily Reinhardt

A thorough guide for beginners, this book covers glazes, inlay and surface decoration, lusters, patterns and mark making, and more in an easy-to-follow format. Part of a series of beginner’s guides to ceramics.

Paperback, 160 pages, published September 2023 by The Quarry Books, $25

Kate Malone: A Life in Clay by Emma Crichton-Miller

One of the UK’s leading ceramic artists, this monograph examines the work and career of Kate Malone, born 1959. With essays, color photographs and more, this book will be sure to delight fans of Malone’s work and others, who may have seen Malone as a judge on the Great Pottery Throwdown.

Hardcover, 252 pages, published by Skira, December 2023, $60.


Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio by Shinya Maezaki

This book takes a deep and comprehensive look, for the first time in English, at the Kyoto studio of Seifū Yohei, who was the first ceramist to be named an Imperial Household Artist. The book includes essays and images of 100 artworks, as well as discussion of technique, forms, and glazes that were unique to the studio.

Paperback, 216 pages, published September 2023 by Giles, $30


Promise Me The Earth by Kristin Morgin

This monograph examines Los Angeles artist Kristin Morgin who makes unfired sculptures from a mixture of clay, glue, wood and other materials. Known for her wit, craftsmanship, and ability to twist pop art to her own ends, this book includes a lengthy interview with the artist as well as numerous illustrations. Each copy is signed by the artist and includes a small drawing.

Hardcover, 120 pages, published Marc Selwyn FIne Art, late 2022, $60.

Earth & Fire: Modern Ceramicists, Their Tools, Techniques, and Practice by Kylie Johnson and Tiffany Johnson

Earth & Fire explores the techniques and practices of 45 ceramic artists, ranging from potters to sculptors to jewelers and more. The book includes more than 300 color photos and illustrations, illuminating a wide variety of ceramic techniques.

Hardcover, 272 pages, published by Thames and Hudson, September 2023, $50

Ash Glazes: Techniques and Glazing from Natural Sources by Phil Rogers and Hajeong Lee Rogers

Updated and edited by Hajeong Lee Rogers, this classic by Phil Rogers explores the history of ash glazes, how to test and mix the, and how to apply them to get the best results. With images of potters who use ash glazes from around the world, this new edition provides inspiration for ceramic artists interested in exploring and reinventing this age-old tradition.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published October 2023 by Herbert Press, $40

Nina Fránková: Hollow by Nina Fránková

The first monograph on the Czech artist, who was born in 1987, the book includes numerous images and five essays.

Paperback, 160 pages, published fall 2023 by Onomatopee Projects, $18

Ceramics in America 2023 edited by Robert Hunter

The latest edition of the yearly journal, the 2023 edition includes essays on backwoods North Carolina potter John Wesley Carpenter, contemporary artist David Mack, a snuff box made in London in the 18th century from American clay, and more. Richly illustrated throughout.

Hardcover, 240 pages, published Fall 2023 by the Chipstone Foundation, $65

Roger Capron: Céramiste by Pierre Staudenmeyer

(Book is in French) A vastly expanded reprint of a 2003 monograph that examines the life and career of French ceramic sculptor and ceramic manufacturer Roger Capron, 1922–2006. This richly illustrated edition includes text by Pierre Staudenmeyer and an interview between Capron’s wife Jacotte Capron and Flavien Gaillard.

Hardcover, 208 pages, published October 2023 by Editions Norma, $60 (French language edition)

Are there any recently published ceramic books that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

For more books, check out these posts from last year:

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

Best Ceramic and Pottery Podcasts

There’s a wide variety of podcasts focused on clay, pottery, and ceramic art. Here’s a guide to the top ceramic podcasts. And following that, there’s a list of one-off podcast episodes that touch on ceramics and art.

These can all be found on your favorite way to listen to podcast (Apple, Spotify, etc) so when possible, the link goes to websites dedicated to the shows.

 

#1: Tales of a Red Clay Rambler

The OG of pottery podcasts, Tales of a Red Clay Rambler is 10 years old and now has more than 400 interviews with potters, curators, and gallerists with the goal of documenting the variety of approaches to pottery and clay. Hosted by Ben Carter, who also wrote Mastering the Potter’s Wheel, the podcast is informative and entertaining. And with such a massive catalog, you’ll be sure to find a starting point that interests you.

Learn more at talesofaredclayrambler.com.

#2: The Ceramics Podcast

The Ceramics Podcast, hosted by artists Cammi Climaco and Gustav Hamilton (and sometimes with guest hosts) has long-form interviews with ceramic artists along with intros where the hosts discuss life in the studio and answer listeners questions. It’s free form, entertaining, and opinionated. The show archive contains more than 40 episodes, with new podcasts coming out every month or so.

Learn more at cammiclimaco.com/theceramicspodcast.

#3: Clay in Color

Hosted by curator Angelik Vizcarrondo Laboy and artist Alex Anderson, Clay in Color now has two seasons and more than 20 podcasts that are interviews with artists, with a focus on makers from underrepresented backgrounds. Launched in 2021, Clay in Color is part of the Brickyard Network, which includes 7 podcasts that were developed by Ben Carter (of Tales of a Red Clay Rambler) along with the Archie Bray Foundation.

Learn more at brickyardnetwork.org/clayincolor.

#4: For Flux Sake

Another podcast from The Brickyard Network, For Flux Sake focuses on glaze formulation, addressing issues with making and firing ceramics, studio safety, and more. Hosted by artist Kathy King and glaze experts Matt and Rose Katz, the episodes are fun, informative and focuses, often clocking in at around 30 minutes. With two seasons and more than 30 episodes, For Flux Sake has tons of info that will help you in the studio.

Learn more at thebrickyardnetwork.org/forfluxsake.

#5: The Potters Cast

With almost 900 episodes, The Potters Cast is a stalwart show with so, so much content to dig into. Hosted by potter Paul Blais, the show focuses on interviews with potters and sculptors who work with clay. Billed as “Picking up where the art degree ends,” the Potters Cast has a little bit of everything.

Learn more at thepotterscast.com.

#6: The Slip Cast

Hosted by Clare McGibbon and Aimee McLaughlin, the NYC-based Slip Cast has more than 30 interviews with potters and sculptors, and discussions of studio practices. The Slip Cast seems to have a particular focus on the hot Instagram potters such as Recreation Center, Lolly Lolly Ceramics, and Ceramicism.

Learn more at instagram.com/theslipcast.

#7: The Mud Peddlers: Ceramic Art Behind the Scenes

Hosted by Lindsay M. Dillon and Donte Earth Nation, this podcast focuses on the nitty-gritty of pottery production, along with interviews with potters. With more than 60 episodes and more being added each month, this is one to put on your podcast list.

Learn more at lindseymdillon.com

#8: Trade Secret

Trade Secret, another great podcast from the Brickyard Network, is hosted by Adam Charles Chau and features conversations between Chau and a mix of artists, critics, curators, and more people who make the art world run. With one season so far, each episode focuses on a different topic. Here’s hoping there will be more seasons to come!

Learn more at brickyardnetwork.org/tradesecret.

More podcasts to investigate:

The Shotcallers, another podcast from the Brickyard Network

The website CFile has stopped making updates, but an archive of their podcasts can be found here.

Wheel Talk with Ryan Durbin and Becca Otis.

The Kiln Sitters focuses on the Canadian ceramic scene.

One-off Podcasts on Ceramics

In addition to podcasts focused exclusively on pottery and ceramics, there are podcasts that occasionally touch on clay.

What Pottery Can Tell Us About Culture, from The Dave Chang Show, 2019. Dave Chang in conversation with potter Adam Field. A great episode about Adam’s experience apprenticing in Korea.

Cooking as an Art, Vol 2, from The Dave Chang Show, 2019. Dave Chang in conversation with New York Times critic Roberta Smith, including a discussion of Korean ceramics.

Hyperallergic partnered with The Gardiner Museum in Toronto, Canada for a series of 4 podcasts.

The podcasts:

Shary Boyle’s Exploration of the Fantastic and Political Lives of Clay, released July 23, 2019

The Largely Unknown History of Blackface in Canada, released August 7, 2019

Kent Monkman’s Mission to Decenter the Colonial Museum, released August 9, 2019

The History, Context, and Legacy of an Ancient Maya Plate, released September 3, 2019

Are there any podcast series or episodes that should be included in this list? Let us know in the comments.

14 Best New Ceramic History Books and Artist Monographs

There are so many great new books on pottery and ceramics history! Here’s a round up of 14 top books from 2021 and 2022.

You might also enjoy our list of New Pottery and Ceramic Technique books.

Ceramic, Art and Civilisation by Paul Greenhalgh

A major new history by Paul Greenhalgh, this textbook-sized book traces the evolution of ceramic art along with culture and civilization, looking at every aspect of the medium from ancient art to contemporary ceramic art. Even if you have read other histories of ceramics, this fresh take deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

Hardcover, 512 pages, published March 2021 by Bloomsbury Visual Arts, $50.

Shapes From Out of Nowhere: Ceramics From the Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection by Adrienne Spinozzi, Glenn Adamson, and Robert A. Ellison

This catalog documents Ellison’s collection and donation of 150 works of non-representational ceramic art to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum. It’s an interesting collection, inspired by George Ohr’s vessels and including lots of information on contemporary makers such as Kathy Butterly, Betty Woodman, and more. Along with essays by Glenn Adamson and others, it’s full of images.

Hardcover, 272 pages, published February 2021 by August Editions, listed at $69.95 but usually available for less.

Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists by donald a clark and Chotsani Elaine Dean

This survey combines interviews and info on 38 contemporary Black ceramists, along with historical information and over 300 images. An important book that will fill in many gaps in ceramic scholarship, this book will be published in October of 2022.

Hardcover, 256 pages, published October 2022 by Schiffer Craft, $60.

 

Listening to Clay: Conversations With Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Artists by Alice North, Halsey North, and Louise Cort

This volume shares interviews with 18 Japanese ceramic artists who have been working for decades; the subjects range in age from 62 to 92. Sharing their stories, processes, and ideas about clay, this is an excellent introduction to Japanese ceramic art in the Post World War II period to present times.

Hardcover, 352 pages, published February 2022 by The Monacelli Press, $65

 

Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery by the Pueblo Pottery Collective, Elysia Poon, and Rick Kinsel

This survey of more than 100 pieces of historical Pueblo Pottery was selected by Pueblo potters, artists, and community leaders. This group of 60 was then invited to comment on the pieces in prose, poetry, or any form, resulting in this amazing book that examines the rich history of ceramics in Pueblo communities.

Hardcover, 288 pages, published September 2022 by Merrell Publishers, $70.

 

Commeraw’s Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner by A. Brandt Zipp

This book presents the life and story of Thomas Commeraw, a New York City potter who was also an abolitionist, craftsman, and near the end of his life, a founder of a new Africa republic. Written by A. Brandt Zipp, a partner with the auction house Crocker Farm, this is the first major survey of Commeraw’s life and work.

Hardcover, 311 pages, published September 2022 by Crocker Farm, $95.

 

Gifts from the Fire: American Ceramics, 1880-1950: From the Collection of Martin Eidelberg by Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen and Martin Eidelberg

Another entry from the Met, this book covers more than 180 ceramic works donated to the Met by Eidelberg from a 70 year period that ranges from the Arts & Crafts period through Modernism to abstract work from the mid-20th century. Lusciously illustrated along with essays, this is an excellent overview of Eidelberg’s collection and work from that era.

Hardcover, 256 pages, published November 2021 by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, $65

Morten Løbner Espersen: Triumph and Catastrophe by by Morten Løbner Espersen, Jan de Bruijn, and Glenn Adamson

Colorful and variegated glaze surfaces are built on a variety of vessel forms in Espersen’s work, and many are included in this first monograph surveying the artist’s multi-decades long investigation of the ceramic vessel.

Hardcover, 160 pages, published June 2022 by Nai010 Publishers, $45

Jamaican Ceramics: A Historical and Contemporary Survey by Norma Rodney Harrack

Spanning from pre-history to the present day, this survey covers all aspects of ceramics in Jamaica including European influences and African Jamaican work. The book is by Norma Rodney Harrack, a ceramic artist and professor in Kingston, Jamaica.

Paperback, 212 pages, published April 2022 by The University of the West Indies Press, $50.

 

Unearthed: Twentieth-Century Ceramic Art from Portugal by Pedro Moura Carvalho

Portugal is known for azulejos, or blue and white tiles, but this new survey shows all the other developments in ceramics by Portuguese artists. With a deep focus on the the 1950s and 1960s, this is the first book to examine the complete history of ceramics in Portugal in the 20th Century.

Hardcover, 312 pages, published January 2022 by Arnoldsche Verlagsanstalt, $70

 

Griot Potters of the Folona: The History of an African Ceramic Tradition by Barbara E. Frank

A story of resilience and cultural heritage, this book traces more than 700 years of pottery history in Mali through a focus on the Folona women potters of Southeastern Mali. Using a comparative analysis of styles and techniques, Frank traces the history and evolution of this style of pottery.

Paperback, 526 pages, published February 2022 by Indiana University Press, $40

 

Mutable: Ceramic and Clay Art in India Since 1947 by Sindhura DM, Kristine Michael, and Annapurna Garimella

The first major survey of ceramic art in India, this book grew out of a 2017 exhibition and includes information on potters, industrial ceramics, and ceramic art and sculpture. The book also examines clay within the post-independence craft revival. Throughout, the mutability of clay and its varied contexts are a main focus of the book.

Paperback, 204 pages, published June 2021 by Mapin Publishing, $45.

 

Pewabic Pottery: The American Arts and Crafts Movement Expressed in Clay by Thomas W. Brunk

The most extensive study to date on the famed Michigan pottery, Pewabic Pottery examines the entrepreneurs who founded the company, the unique glazes, and the pottery’s contribution to the Arts & Crafts Movement. Written by the expert on Pewabic Pottery, this book is must for anyone who is interested in the exquisite forms and glazes produced at Pewabic.

Hardcover, 496 pages, published May 2021 by Michigan State University Press, $56

 

Alice Mackler by Matthew Higgs, Kelly Taxter, and Joanne Greenbaum

The first monograph on this New York artist who was born in 1931, this book covers Mackler’s work in painting, collage and especially ceramic sculpture. Still pushing the medium forward and creating new work, the book also includes writings by Mackler and an interview with painter Joanne Greenbaum. It’s a lovely book that celebrates the exuberance and beauty of Mackler’s work.

Hardcover, 184 pages, published February 2021 by George R. Miller and Company, $45

 

You might also enjoy:
14 Best New Ceramic Technique Books 2022
Ceramic Textbooks and Guidebooks
A Potter’s Workbook by Clary Illian

Any recent ceramic histories or monographs that you have enjoyed?

Let us know in the comments.

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The 14 Best New Pottery and Ceramics Technique Books of 2022

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

Creative Pottery 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

Carve Your Clay book cover by Hilda Carr with three fluted ceramic vessels

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

Pottery for Beginners book cover 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

Boy in a China Shop cover with Keith Brymer Jones sitting in front of shelves of freshly made greenware clay pots

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

Contemporary Raku by Stephen Murfitt book cover with a flaming-hot vessel on the cover

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

Wild Clay book cover with natural elements arranged in a circle

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

Amazing Glaze Recipes and Combinations book cover by Gabriel Kline with a colorful blue and green bowl image

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

Pinch Your Pottery by Jacqui Atkin book cover with pastel colored pinch pots on the cover

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.