Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor
Ceramics Masterclass is a great book for anyone looking for inspiration and ideas in pottery and ceramic art. The book examines 100 contemporary and historical ceramic artworks by different artists, and includes advice and tips on the ideas, vision, and techniques behind each piece. Anyone can benefit and learn from this book, but it seems especially relevant to intermediate and advanced artists looking to take their work to the next level.
Two-page spread on Quantum Pocket II by Elizabeth Fritsch.
The 100 artworks are divided thematically into six sections: Vessel, Decorative, Function, Figurative, Conceptual, Installation. Within each section, each artist/artwork has a two-page spread with great images, an analysis of the work pictured, a short bio, and short bits on surface, process, material, or other aspects of the work.
The book also has about 30 pages on materials, tools, and techniques, and finishes with a few short pages with glaze recipes related to the works in the book. It is so helpful to break a work down by idea and materials and glazes, as sometimes the ceramic process can be so opaque.
Published in 2020, the book is by Louisa Taylor, who also writes the popular guidebook The Ceramics Bible. All in all, Ceramics Masterclass is well organized, practical, and inspirational book that deserves a spot on just about everyone’s bookshelf. It’s a great introduction to 100 different artworks and artists, and I hope there will be another volume with 100 more artists.
Ceramics Masterclass by Louisa Taylor
288 pages, published 2020 by White Lion Publishing
Listed at $30 but typically available for hardcover $28 or flexicover ($14-$28)
More images from the book
Title page
Table of contents
Elisabeth Kley
Magdalene Odundo
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Matt Wedel
Linda Sormin
Have you read the book? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.
