Book Description
In this new, revised edition of Ceramic Form (1988), the author explains the working methods of more than 150 contemporary potters and considers their approaches to design and decoration of bowls and bottles through the use of color, patterns, and texture. A unique directory of forms in profile make this at once a history and guide for collectors, an inspirational library of forms for potters, and an invaluable illustrated source for collectors.

About the Author
PETER LANE is well known for his books Studio Porcelain (1980) and Studio Ceramics (1983).  He is a distinguished lecturer and his own ceramics have been exhibited in Europe, Australia and North America.
 
 

Reviews
Midwest Book Review
Porcelain is prized for its vivid whiteness; but those creating it have been well aware of its quirky qualities. Lane provides a strong history and celebration of porcelain in the last two decades of the 20th century, examining technical achievements and working practices common to cermacists who work with porcelain. Numerous black and white and color photos of porcelain explore its many qualities and artistry.

Customer Comments
love@themix.radio.com from England , July 21, 1998
an excellent insight into the points of porcelain.
I feel that this book helped immensly with my work in porcelain, it helped me to understand its qualities and form better. The book is well written and very helpful, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
 
 

Reviews
Booknews, Inc. , March 1, 1995
A practical introduction to every aspect of handling and firing this unique clay. Discusses preparation, storage, and reclamation, and techniques for handbuilding and modeling, molding, and decoration. Other topics covered include kiln packing and firing, and the coloring, mixing, and application of glazes, lusters, and enamels. Illustrated with color and b&w photos. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
 
 

Reviews
From Booklist , December 15, 1995
Zakin concentrates exclusively on methods of hand-building clay forms, with no instruction given for throwing pots on the potter's wheel. After a brief history of hand-formed vessels and sculptures, Zakin answers the questions that bother beginning potters, particularly those who are interested in producing sculptural forms. A good deal of text explains processes and procedures, with step-by-step illustrations provided. More effectively represented is the work of numerous ceramic artists, supplying plenty of inspiration and ideas. Pottery making remains a popular pastime, and Zakin's guide will probably be most helpful in assisting students who have not yet become proficient at technical aspects of the craft and need to be reminded of things they are still learning. Alice Joyce Copyright© 1995, American Library Association. All rights reserved

Midwest Book Review
Hand-Formed Ceramics: Creating Form And Surface presents potters with a global survey of various artists' techniques for creating sculpture, vessels, and wall pieces. Richard Zakin combines his expertise with that of artists from around the world to give potters insight into working with clay, the basics of the hand-forming process, and creating surface imagery. Advantages and disadvantages of forming methods are discussed, with instructions for pinch forming, coil forming, slab forming, drape forming, and solid forming -- plus tips on combining forming methods. Processes for texturing pieces by stamping, engraving, carving, and combing surfaces are also explored. Three hundred b/w photos and sixteen pages of color illustrations visualize these methods. Hand-Formed Ceramics would be a valuable and appreciated addition school art department or community library pottery reference collection.
 

Customer Comments
Willard Spence presents the technical side of ceramics as poetry. He is forthright (sp?) and non-intimidating in his presentation of the nature of clay, pottery, and man's perceptions and use of both. There are general statements about the nature of clay, but the refinements include specifics, down to glaze test methodology and glaze formulae. I bought this book as a present to my wife's lover, but so valued it's insight that I bought another copy for myself.
 
 

Reviews
From Booklist , March 15, 1997
Tangible bits and pieces of our lives can be captured more or less permanently by the art of mosaics.  Of greatest use to beginners here is the description and step-by-step illustrations of four different assembly processes, from pique assiette (French for "stolen plate") to the application of tesserae ("small units") to a sculptural shape. The dozen projects will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art without much frustration; designed by professionals, each includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips (such as "less is better" when applying adhesive).
Barbara Jacobs Copyright© 1997, American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Comments
A reader from MD , July 11, 1998
A great resource for the mosaic artist. Has all the basics, plus more. Great photos.

A reader from USA , July 8, 1998
Overall a good beginning tutorial with excellent photos.
Pros
1) Writing is friendly and encouraging.
2) Good beginning tutorial for several mosaic techniques.
3) Loaded with excellent photos of works in a wide variety of styles, by some very skilled artisans.
The examples and designs in this book are above average.
4) Great project section in back of book. Designs and writing in this section are above average.

Cons
1) Expensive. It would have been nice if the publisher had printed the book in paperback, especially if it came with a wire-o binding, so you could lay it flat and read while you experiment.
2) Gallery photos are interspersed with descriptive text in first part of book, making it harder to read. It would have been better to have just the tutorial text and accompanying instruction photos in the first part of the chapter, and end each chapter with a gallery of examples.
3) Tutorial text in early chapters does not have numbered steps, although the projects section is formatted this way.
4) Writing throughout the book, especially in the first section, could be more clear.
5) No resource listings. It would have been nice if the authors had compiled a list of places to buy tools and materials.
6) Glossary and index are sad. Glossary defines seven words. Index is probably complete, but is loaded with undefined references (47, 51, 72, etc.).

A reader , November 18, 1996
one of the most comprehensive books on the subject of mosaics.
Dierks has carefully chosen an outstanding selection of mosaic artists to delight the reader's eyes.
Certainly has some interesting projects that anyone can do given the time, space and inclination to do them. Helpful tips for the novice are included. Step by step photos of some of the techniques certainly make this book more helpful than others.
 

Editorial Reviews

Card catalog description:
The Best of New Ceramic Art features the 100 winning entries - chosen from almost 1,000 submissions - for the Monarch National Ceramic Competition, North America's premiere showcase for new ceramic art. The book serves as an exhibition on paper, showcasing a splendid collection of diverse objects that are a testament to the strength of ceramic art as a modern art form. The superb illustrations are a rich source of inspiration as well as a permanent reference. This book will be welcomed by practicing artists throughout the world, along with those who find pleasure in looking at and collecting ceramics.

Reviewer: stephanie-ann (see more about me) from brooklyn, new york
                     ... well illustrated with photos of every type of shape and form... a picture book for potters! A fun
                     reminder of forms often forgotten when busy producing a "type" of piece. Broken down into seven
                     sections; including holloware, flatware and decorative, and further sub-sectioned by pages
                     specifically for lids, handles and feet... each page has a color-coded technique key, as well as a
                     photo example and drawn example of each shape or form. This well layed out and easy to follow
                     book is a definite asset to any potter's library. Also includes term glossary.

ceramic decals - glass decals - waterslide decals - custom decals
3400 Midland Avenue, Unit 7. Scarborough, Ontario, Canada  M1V 2M9
Tel:(416)292-8452  Fax:(416)292-9101 Toll Free: 1-888-90-DECAL(33225)
Email: books@decalcraft.com
[ Home | Decals | Artwork | Stock Decals | Gen Info | FAQ | Products/Services | Site Map ]