I often get asked for recommendations on the best pottery books, so I thought I would put together a list of a few of my favorite pottery books and share them with you all.
Although there is a world of ceramics information online, nothing beats having a collection of trusted ceramics books in your reference library. I organized this list of the best pottery books into a few different categories to help you find the one that suits you most! - Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor
Best
Pottery Studio Manual
Clay: A Studio Handbook by Vince Pitelka
If you are looking for a solid ceramics textbook, Vince Pitelka's Clay: A Studio Handbook is widely regarded
as an indispensable resource for ceramic artists, educators, and enthusiasts alike. A comprehensive and authoritative guide, this handbook covers virtually every aspect of working with clay, making it a must-have for anyone serious about exploring
the depths of ceramic artistry. As a seasoned potter and educator, Pitelka brings decades of experience to this book, providing readers with a deep understanding of both the technical and conceptual aspects of ceramics. Clay: A Studio Handbook is an essential ceramics book that belongs on the bookshelf of every ceramic artist, educator, and student.
Best
Pottery Book on Form, Aesthetics, and Function
Functional Pottery by Robin Hopper
The late Robin Hopper’s Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose is a seminal work in
the world of ceramics, offering an in-depth exploration of the art and craft of making functional pottery. It combines technical expertise with a profound appreciation for the aesthetic and functional qualities of pottery. Hopper’s holistic
approach to the craft encourages potters to think beyond the wheel and the kiln, to consider how their work fits into the everyday lives of those who use it. This book is not just a manual but a philosophical exploration of what it means to create
pottery that is both beautiful and functional. For potters looking to elevate their craft and find deeper meaning in their work,
Functional Pottery is highly recommended.
Robin Hopper’s Making Marks: Discovering the Ceramic Surface is an invaluable exploration of surface decoration
in ceramics, a subject that is as broad as it is deep. Published by one of the most respected voices in the ceramic arts, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to the multitude of techniques, tools, and processes involved in creating dynamic and
expressive ceramic surfaces. With his vast experience as a potter, educator, and writer, Hopper provides a wealth of knowledge that is both technical and inspirational, making this book an essential resource for ceramic artists of all levels.
And if you wish to delve deeper in to glaze chemistry, Hopper's other book, The Ceramic Spectrum, is one of
the best ceramics books on glaze chemistry!
Best
Pottery Book for Potters Who Fire Electric Kilns
Electric Kiln Ceramics, 4th edition by Frederick Bartolivic and Richard Zakin
The fourth edition of Electric Kiln Ceramics by Frederick Bartolovic and Richard Zakin is a comprehensive and
authoritative guide to understanding and mastering the use of electric kilns in ceramic practice. Widely regarded as a staple resource for ceramic artists, this book builds on the solid foundation laid by Zakin in previous editions, with Bartolovic
expanding and updating the content to reflect contemporary techniques, materials, and practices. This edition is an indispensable resource for both beginners and experienced ceramicists who use or are planning to use electric kilns in their studios.
Clary Illian’s A Potter's Workbook is a masterclass in the art of pottery, offering a deeply insightful and practical
guide for both novice and seasoned potters. As a seasoned potter trained under the legendary Bernard Leach, Illian brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of traditional pottery techniques. Her book is not just a step-by-step manual;
it is a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between form, function, and the potter's touch. Whether you are looking to refine your throwing techniques, develop a deeper understanding of design principles, or find your unique artistic voice,
Illian’s book offers the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to elevate your work to the next level.
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Published Oct 2, 2024
I often get asked for recommendations on the best pottery books, so I thought I would put together a list of a few of my favorite pottery books and share them with you all.
Although there is a world of ceramics information online, nothing beats having a collection of trusted ceramics books in your reference library. I organized this list of the best pottery books into a few different categories to help you find the one that suits you most! - Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor
Clay: A Studio Handbook by Vince Pitelka
If you are looking for a solid ceramics textbook, Vince Pitelka's Clay: A Studio Handbook is widely regarded as an indispensable resource for ceramic artists, educators, and enthusiasts alike. A comprehensive and authoritative guide, this handbook covers virtually every aspect of working with clay, making it a must-have for anyone serious about exploring the depths of ceramic artistry. As a seasoned potter and educator, Pitelka brings decades of experience to this book, providing readers with a deep understanding of both the technical and conceptual aspects of ceramics. Clay: A Studio Handbook is an essential ceramics book that belongs on the bookshelf of every ceramic artist, educator, and student.
Learn more!
Functional Pottery by Robin Hopper
The late Robin Hopper’s Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose is a seminal work in the world of ceramics, offering an in-depth exploration of the art and craft of making functional pottery. It combines technical expertise with a profound appreciation for the aesthetic and functional qualities of pottery. Hopper’s holistic approach to the craft encourages potters to think beyond the wheel and the kiln, to consider how their work fits into the everyday lives of those who use it. This book is not just a manual but a philosophical exploration of what it means to create pottery that is both beautiful and functional. For potters looking to elevate their craft and find deeper meaning in their work, Functional Pottery is highly recommended.
Learn more!
Making Marks by Robin Hopper
And if you wish to delve deeper in to glaze chemistry, Hopper's other book, The Ceramic Spectrum, is one of the best ceramics books on glaze chemistry!
Learn more!
Electric Kiln Ceramics, 4th edition by Frederick Bartolivic and Richard Zakin
The fourth edition of Electric Kiln Ceramics by Frederick Bartolovic and Richard Zakin is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to understanding and mastering the use of electric kilns in ceramic practice. Widely regarded as a staple resource for ceramic artists, this book builds on the solid foundation laid by Zakin in previous editions, with Bartolovic expanding and updating the content to reflect contemporary techniques, materials, and practices. This edition is an indispensable resource for both beginners and experienced ceramicists who use or are planning to use electric kilns in their studios.
Learn more!
The Best All-Around Pottery Book
A Potter's Workbook by Clary Illian
Clary Illian’s A Potter's Workbook is a masterclass in the art of pottery, offering a deeply insightful and practical guide for both novice and seasoned potters. As a seasoned potter trained under the legendary Bernard Leach, Illian brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of traditional pottery techniques. Her book is not just a step-by-step manual; it is a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between form, function, and the potter's touch. Whether you are looking to refine your throwing techniques, develop a deeper understanding of design principles, or find your unique artistic voice, Illian’s book offers the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to elevate your work to the next level.
Learn more!
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Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
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