Nigerian Pottery by Sylvia Leith-Ross Book Review

Nigerian Pottery is a 1970 catalogue by Sylvia Leith-Ross. The books includes a few short essays, along with images and information about pottery from different regions of Nigeria. The book was based on the collection of pottery at the Jos Museum, along with research conducted by Leith-Ross.

I have seen the book cited by a few different contemporary artists, but as the book is long out of print, it can be hard to track down. There are occasionally used copies available, but I recently was able to check out a library copy. There are a lot of amazing vessels pictured in the book, including the striking spherical vessel on the cover.

If you are curious to look for used copies of this book, here are a few shopping links:

More Images from Inside the Book

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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Review: Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters is a classic book by Robert Beverly Hale. Known for his teaching on artistic anatomy, Hale was also curator of American Paintings and Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and taught at the Arts Student League of New York, Columbia University, and other schools.

Presented as a series of lectures on 100 drawings, Drawing Lessons takes students through different topics including Line, Light and Planes, Mass, Position, Anatomy, and then bringing all the skills together.

Each topic / chapter begins with an introduction and proceeds through example illustrations. Each illustration, presented in black and white, has a full page image and a smaller detail image where various points are highlighted in the text.

Overall, this is a great resource if just for the illustrations. While it’s a product of its time—the focus on all male “great masters” is dated—the book is useful for anyone looking to deepen and expand their understanding of drawing.

Originally published in 1964, the more recent 1989 edition is still available new or used at various online bookstores.

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters: 100 Great Drawings Analyzed / Figure Drawing Fundamentals Defined
By Robert Beverly Hale
Published 1964 (Paperback edition 1989) by Watson-Guptill Publications
Listed at $25 but available for $5-15 used

Keep reading below for more images and info from the book.

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Images from the Book

Group of Figures by Luca Cambiaso

Standing Figure of a Nude Woman by Annibale Carraci

The two-page spread on Head of a Man by Albrecht Dürer

Tabulae Sceleti Et Musculorum Corporis Humani, 1747, by Bernard Siegfried Albinus

De Humani Corporis Fabrica, 1543, by Andreas Vesalius

Male Nude from Sistine Ceiling by Baccio Bandinelli

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Robert Beverly Hale on Drawing

From the introduction:

Drawing, like so many other skills, is a matter of being able to think of several things at once. Since the conscious mind seems to be able to think about only one thing at a time, the subconscious mind must take care of a good deal when we draw. So the process of learning to draw demands that we acquaint the subconscious mind with a certain amount of material, so that the subconscious can largely take over the control of our hand.

Actually, I am inclined to think that no artist can be called an accomplished craftsman until all matters of technique are so well learnt that they are part of his subconscious equipment. I know it is very difficult for an artist to express himself adequately unless this has been done.

Students and laymen, of course, are apt to confuse that technique is but na means to an end, and should never be confused with the end itself.

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Table of Contents

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Have you used this book or other drawing books? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Are there any recently published ceramic technique books that you use? Let us know in the comments.