Ceramics Monthly Articles (Simple)

Jean White, an award-winning ceramic artist based in the UK, focuses on creating pieces that raise awareness about critically endangered bird species, merging her passion for clay with an interest in birdwatching.

Originating from Japan’s Edo period, maneki-neko dolls, also known as lucky cats, embody good fortune with various legends surrounding their creation.

Starting with humble beginnings in a basement studio, Sam Taylor learned from experienced colleagues and friends, leading to a lifelong passion for pottery.

Dendritic slip decoration is a delicate, fine-lined slip pattern that looks like a complex series of tree branches or seaweed. Learn the science behind the process, then discover how to try it on your own.

Rich Brown highlights the importance of connection in his studio practice, leaning on fellow artists for inspiration, technical advice, and mentorship, showcasing the collaborative and supportive spirit within the ceramic arts community.

Marney McDiarmid’s studio in Kingston, Ontario, nestled in a renovated garage overlooking a downtown park, blends nature, community, and creativity.

Deadlines for exhibitions, fairs, and festivals.

After extensive sailing, Tanya Gomez discovered parallels between the sea’s fluidity and clay’s adaptability.

For Matias Braun, establishing a studio was a conscious decision to prioritize quality of life and creativity over financial success.

Looking for a weathered, crackle surface? Check out Sam Taylor’s slips for atmospheric firing. Inspired by potters who use local materials? Read how Matias Braun uses materials sourced near his studio in Costa Rica.

Akira Satake shares his journey from a career in music to one as a full-time potter, emphasizing the benefits of experimentation, embracing mistakes for creative growth, and the usefulness of adapting to industry shifts.

Home studios often struggle with costly plumbing solutions. Hannah Watts shares clever, open-source instructions she used to transform a camping table with a built-in sink into a budget-friendly setup for her garage workspace.

I love using commercial brushing glazes for their wide selection and potential for glaze combinations, but I want to have a clean look, which is often achieved from dipping glazes.

This issue focuses on Working Potters, artists who make a living through their ceramic practices.

I was in love with every little idea when I first found ceramics—I wanted to try everything, from mold making to glaze mixing, handbuilding, and wheel throwing.

I start by researching antique textiles and wallpaper. Surveying the motifs and patterns, I create my own interpretations of the decorative elements found in these furnishings.

My ceramic research concerns the intersection of gay identity, fetish, kink, and symbolism—themes not typically discussed in “polite” society.

The comparison to quilts is very fun to me—my work can definitely have the same kind of fluid movement as cloth—but unlike a quilt, which is soft and warm, my work is cold and hard to the touch.

Through constant evaluation and experimentation, the work naturally comes along. I also enjoy finding historical pieces that interest me, learning about the ways they function, and borrowing proportions I find interesting.

My work explores themes of immigration, identity, and culture, weaving a narrative shaped by my personal experiences.