Cleo Mussi is a true original taking an innovative path to expressing her own ideas, by creating gestural, figurative mosaics from repurposed ceramic tableware. Working within the folk tradition, Cleo creates elegant, decorative and political pieces that incorporate the inherent properties gleaned from patterns, marks, forms, colour and text into a world of contemporary narratives. These works reflect modern ideas, with both humour and a lightness of touch. Cleoa s work ranges from small intimate pieces to large scale installations of up to 100, life-size works; her mosaics are in private collections worldwide, as well as in many public spaces throughout the UK.

This practical and beautiful book covers a wide range of inventive, decorative techniques and encourages the maker to be adventurous and experimental. By building a repertoire of decorating skills and methods, it shows how the maker can create distinctive marks and surfaces on clay, thereby making their work individual and unique. With so many ideas and clear, practical instruction to the techniques, this book is an essential reference for makers of all skill levels, and is sure to inspire a new and creative stream of work. From embossing, engraving, printing and embellishing the clay surface using coloured slips, underglaze colours, oxides and glazes. Coloured clay and smoke firing effects, as well as the exciting potential of mixed media. The importance of mark-making tools and advice on making a personal collection. With insights from individual makers who generously share their discoveries and decorative experiments Over 450 lavish photos illustrate the techniques and ideas covered

How does a craft reinvent itself as `traditional' following cultural, social and political upheaval? In the township of Dingshu, Jiangsu province of China, artisans produce zisha or Yixing teapots that have been highly valued for centuries. Yet in twentieth-century socialist imagination, handicrafts were an anomaly in a modern society. The Maoist government had clear ambitions to transform the country by industrialization, replacing craft with mechanized methods of production. Four decades later, some of the same artisans identified as `backward' handicraft producers in the 1950s and made to join workers' cooperatives, were now encouraged to set up private workshops, teach their children and become entrepreneurs. By the 2000s ceramic production in Dingshu is booming and artisans are buying their first cars, often luxury brands. However, many involvements of the Chinese state are apparent, from the control of raw materials, to the inscription of the craft on China's national list of intangible cultural heritage. In this perceptive study, Gowlland argues that this re-evaluation of heritage is no less inherently political than the collectivism of the communist regime. Reflecting that the craft objects, although produced in very different contexts, have remained virtually the same over time and that it is the artisans' subjectivities that have been transformed, he explores the construction of mastery and its relationship to tradition and authenticity, bringing to the fore the social dimension of mastery that goes beyond the skill of simply making things, to changing the way these things are perceived, made and talked about by others.

The practice of ceramics is steeped in history and tradition. For thousands of years humans have exploited the versatile qualities of clay as a material to produce items ranging from humble utilitarian vessels integral to family living, right through to exquisite works of art. Ceramics Masterclass explores this diverse discipline by showcasing 100 of the most innovative and inspiring artists past and present, analysing the techniques and methods used to create the works, and the concepts which underpin their creative process. It shows how to recreate intricate still-life dioramas like 15th-century artist Bernard Palissy, explore narrative like Grayson Perry and convey sensitivity to material like Phoebe Cummings. Arranged thematically, Ceramics Masterclass includes chapters on vessels, batch production, sculptures, figurative works, installation and expanded field. Perfect for students, amateur ceramicists and professionals, this book represents a global perspective of historical and contemporary approaches to clay and be a catalyst for discovery and intrigue.

More than 6,000 years ago, ancient civilizations discovered that terracotta was an ideal material for making simple pots; today, it is still highly valued for the production of decorative glazed wares and unglazed garden pots. In Gardenware, potter Martin Lungley first explores the history of terracotta and then shows, through clear instructions and sequential color photos, how to get the best from this wonderfully versatile material. Gardenware covers the selection and preparation of local clays, throwing and decorating, press molding, the production of working molds, and all the specialized techniques involved in the creation of garden pots. Illustrated in color throughout, and with ample step-by-step instruction, this is a unique guide for potters of all levels.

This exquisite gift book explores the phenomenon of 'garnitures', or matching sets of ceramic vases. From the 1650s such sets were used in elite European interiors as an integral part of the decorative scheme; displayed on chimney-pieces, cupboards, tables or over doors, they 'garnished' the interior and so enhanced the status of the owner. The fashion began in Europe using mismatched Chinese porcelain beakers and jars. As imports of Chinese porcelain ceased between 1657 and 1683, European potters at Never and Delft copied the originally exotic forms, unifying the sets with matching patters, or with metal mounts. The fashion continued throughout the 1700s, with almost every ceramic manufactory producing examples, but came to its conclusion during the Arts and Crafts period, when the singular vase became the rage and many sets were broken up and dispersed. This book brings together some of the National Trust's most important sets of garnitures, showing them in their historic context, many have never been published before.

Beau-He-Me-N-Rib explores the unique original paintings, clay creations and poetry of Mary-Susan Kirkpatrick. Viewers will appreciate the personality of this soulful artist, revealing her natural expression and great sense of shape and color combinations. Mary-Susan's work gracefully flows across each canvas. Readers will enjoy the poetry she writes for her paintings. The artist's lifelong distinctive style continues into three dimensions with a selection of her favorite clay sculptures in matte shades of antiquity. A Virginia native, Mary-Susan Kirkpatrick was born and raised in Richmond, where she graduated from Marymount High School. She earned a BA in studio art with a painting concentration from Providence College in 1993. Mary-Susan lives in Lexington, Virginia.

Get inspired and get glazing! Amazing Glaze Recipes and Combinations provides a captivating collection of sure-fire glaze recipes and electrifying combinations for low-fire, mid-range, and high-fire potters. Hundreds of photos and technically-edited recipes ensure you'll get the best possible results. Whether you're searching for excitement at cone 6 or looking for the perfect high-fire shino recipe, you've come to the right place. Join Gabriel Kline, author of Amazing Glaze and founder of Odyssey Clayworks, for page after color-filled page of glazes. Start by learning the keys to success when applying glazes, then choose the temperature range you want to explore first. Gabriel's collection of well-tested recipes draw on his decades of experience as an instructor and leader of a communal arts studio-including current and past student favorites as well as a few timeless gems. Of course he doesn't stop there! In addition to plentiful tiles showing off two-glaze combinations, Gabriel shares multi-glaze combinations developed through years of trial and error. From waterfall blues to eye-popping bursts of red, there's a rainbow of options. Just as in Amazing Glaze, the recipes have all been technically edited and each one has a photo. By controlling specific gravity and application, the goal is always getting the perfect coat of glaze recipe after recipe. Special topics like majolica and raku firing provide welcome detours, and a variety of artist features serve as launching points for new explorations. Stunning galleries from today's top artists provide even more glazing ideas.

This text explains simply, step-by-step, how even inexperienced amateurs can achieve excellent results when they embark on porcelain restoration. Would-be restorers are introduced to the many options available and encouraged to discover which techniques suit their individual circumstances.;Each stage in the process is illustrated and there is advice on the functions and uses of specialist tools. The book should prove of use to the experienced professional restorer as well as the novice.

Ceramics is one of the most vibrant and engaging fields of contemporary British art. This lavishly illustrated book reviews the work of twenty-two artists and celebrates their contribution to its rich landscape. Written from a collector's point of view, it explores what contemporary ceramic objects can mean, what emotions they evoke and how artists draw upon different facets of the art and crafts worlds in their work. A vital visual and critical resource, Contemporary British Ceramics showcases British ceramics as a compelling interdisciplinary practice, attuned to the contemporary world. Featuring more than 280 images, it encourages readers to look beneath the surface, to discover the vibrant contribution that British ceramics makes to the broad field of contemporary art.

Packed with information and glaze recipes, The Glaze Book will enable you to reference hundreds of ceramic surfaces. Each glaze recipe is clearly illustrated so you can see the colour and surface responses it has to offer, and features a description including its firing range, and the uses to which it can be put. The Glaze Book provides easily accessible help on - Methods and Techniques - Raw Materials - Glazing Tools and Equipment - Mixing a Glaze - Methods of Application - Glaze Recipes for Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain

Zsolnay ceramic art from Hungary, featuring over 400 color photographs, covers the three main periods of Zsolnay production: 1868 to 1897--Folklorism, Historicism, Victorian Eclecticism; 1897 to 1920--Art Nouveau; and Art Deco; and 1920 to the present--Modernism. An entire chapter is devoted to Zsolnay marks to help identify the pieces. There are almost 11,000 different forms of domestic Zsolnay art works; 700 were issued in 1900 alone, and there are many undocumented forms imported in England and America. Along with the charming miniature, green-glazed, multi-figural series that Zsolnay is most identified with today, there is a wealth of earlier pieces to be found. A value range is given for each item in the book.

This title gives a clear, thorough and practical account of firing, but goes further and explains the techniques and ideas behind this magical stage of making. It highlights commonly-overlooked details that can lead to disastrous results and shares tips to help you achieve the best from your kiln. With over 100 photos, it also profiles leading makers and shows how their use of kilns contributes to their unique and beautiful work. Whether read from cover to cover by the novice or used as a reference book by the more experienced, this book will be your handbook to successful and confident firing.

Born in Yugan, near Jingdezhen, the birthplace of porcelain, Bai Ming has contributed to the revival of contemporary Chinese ceramics and introduced it to a new worldwide audience through numerous exhibitions. Today he is arguably China's greatest exponent of this most traditional art form. In this book, Bai Ming traces his career, revealing a sensitive yet creative and flamboyant style, built on the most rigorous traditional techniques. Focussing particularly on his blue and white ceramic work, this book, through a large selection of glorious images and the artist's own words, reveals Bai Ming's exquisite style and superb attention to detail.

The Ceramics Reader is an impressive editorial collection of essays and text extracts, covering every discipline within ceramics, past and present. Tackling such fundamental questions as "why are ceramics important?", the book also considers the field from a range of perspectives - as a cultural activity or metaphor, as a vehicle for propaganda, within industry and museums, and most recently as part of the 'expanded field' as a fine art medium and hub for ideas. Newly commissioned material features prominently alongside existing scholarship, to ensure an international and truly comprehensive look at ceramics.