{"title":"Books \u0026 Media \u003e Ceramics","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"crowood-press-glazes-for-the-contemporary-maker","title":"Glazes for the Contemporary Maker","description":"\u003cp\u003eGlaze testing intimidates many ceramicists, but systematic experimentation transforms guesswork into genuine understanding. Louisa Taylor demystifies the process, showing how to develop test protocols that actually reveal useful information and build a cohesive glaze aesthetic rather than accumulating random samples. She covers techniques for creating visual interest through layering, application methods, and surface manipulation, practical approaches that work across firing temperatures and kiln atmospheres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book addresses real studio challenges: matching glazes to specific firing conditions, troubleshooting common faults like crawling and pinholing, and understanding how different kilns and atmospheres affect results. Taylor provides remedies grounded in glaze chemistry without drowning you in formulas, focusing on adjustments you can implement immediately. Whether you fire electric, gas, or alternative kilns, you'll find guidance for achieving consistent results and intentional variations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary makers need glazes that support their aesthetic vision while remaining technically sound. This 144-page guide delivers both perspectives, helping you move beyond following recipes to understanding why glazes behave as they do and how to shape that behavior toward your own work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crowood Press","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":47973659017445,"sku":"16013","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"schiffer-practical-pottery","title":"Practical Pottery","description":"\u003cp\u003eCentering techniques that actually work, pulling walls to consistent thickness, controlling wobbles before they become disasters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8.5x11 format provides space for detailed photography alongside instruction, showing hand positions and clay behavior at each stage. You see what successful throws look like and understand why certain movements produce specific results. The authors address common frustrations directly, collapsed walls, uneven rims, pieces that warp during drying, with corrections that make sense at the wheel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis approach suits potters who want to create functional work they'll actually use. The progression from basic forms to refined pieces follows a logical path that respects your learning curve while maintaining reasonable expectations. 192 pages cover enough ground to develop competence without creating reference overload when you're working with wet clay and need quick answers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Schiffer","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":47973703450853,"sku":"43915","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"tuttle-kintsugi","title":"Kintsugi","description":"\u003cp\u003eSimple crack filling for beginners, edge reconstruction for intermediate work, complete reassembly of shattered pieces for advanced practitioners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach repair method connects directly to the philosophy behind the technique. You learn why certain lacquers suit specific ceramics, how metallic powders interact with different surface textures, when to choose subtle repairs versus bold statement lines. Mochinaga's background in traditional Japanese lacquerwork informs every lesson, explaining not just the mechanics but the reasoning behind material choices and application sequences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 128-page format balances detailed instruction with clear photography showing actual repair progression. You see how lacquer builds up in layers, how powder adheres to create that signature metallic finish, how repaired pieces gain structural integrity alongside visual interest. The flapped paperback design provides a sturdy reference that stays open during hands-on work. This transforms broken ceramics from discards into opportunities for mindful craft practice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tuttle","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":47974024282341,"sku":"91941","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"schiffer-publishing-saggar-firing-in-an-electric-kiln","title":"Saggar Firing in an Electric Kiln","description":"\u003cp\u003eConstructing functional saggars, preparing work surfaces with terra sigillata, controlling combustibles, and managing temperature curves that protect kiln elements while achieving those earthy, unpredictable surface effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly 200 photographs document each stage, from saggar construction through firing and results. You'll understand why certain materials produce specific color responses, how clay body composition affects outcomes, and which combustibles create the surface qualities you're after. The guidance balances precise parameters, temperatures, materials, timing, with room for experimentation once you understand the fundamentals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis approach extends your creative range beyond standard electric firing while respecting equipment limitations. Van de Grint addresses practical concerns: ventilation, cleanup, element protection, and troubleshooting common problems. Ceramic artists working in shared studios or home workshops gain access to alternative firing aesthetics without requiring specialized equipment or outdoor space. The 96-page hardcover format (10.5 x 8.25 inches) provides clear reference during actual firing sessions when you need quick answers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Schiffer Publishing","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":47979383488741,"sku":"60546","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/6890\/5701\/files\/s60546.jpg?v=1770335829"},{"product_id":"tuttle-a-beginners-guide-to-kintsugi","title":"A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi","description":"\u003cp\u003eTraditional kintsugi demands patience, precision, and materials that intimidate most beginners. Michihiro Hori strips away those barriers with accessible methods you can actually execute at home using supplies ordered online rather than specialty lacquer-work tools. The book walks through complete repair sequences, from mixing materials to reconstructing missing fragments, using safe, inexpensive alternatives to toxic urushi lacquer while maintaining the aesthetic principles that make kintsugi compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHori addresses practical challenges: reinforcing hairline cracks before they spread, rebuilding handles that need to bear weight again, working with metallic powders without specialized equipment. Step-by-step photography demonstrates staple techniques for severe breaks, proper application of gold leaf, and creative solutions using washi paper when traditional materials won't work. You learn to assess damage realistically and choose appropriate repair methods for pottery versus glass, functional pieces versus display objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 96-page hardcover balances technical instruction with the wabi-sabi philosophy underlying kintsugi, the idea that visible repairs become part of an object's history rather than flaws to hide. As you work through repairs, mixing materials and carefully positioning fragments, the meditative process shifts how you perceive broken ceramics. This isn't just restoration; it's transformation that honors age and imperfection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tuttle","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":48102306676965,"sku":"58543","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/6890\/5701\/files\/s58543.jpg?v=1768579515"},{"product_id":"lark-ceramic-sculpture-making-faces","title":"Ceramic Sculpture: Making Faces","description":"\u003cp\u003eHuman faces demand different skills than abstract forms or functional vessels. This comprehensive guide breaks down facial sculpture into manageable stages, from rough armature to refined surface details. Alex Irvine walks you through the entire process with clear instruction supported by photographs that show models, preliminary sketches, and the developing sculpture side by side, you see exactly how observation translates into three-dimensional form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe progression makes sense: establish basic proportions and volumes first, then refine planes and contours, finally add the subtle details that bring character and expression to life. Irvine explains the anatomical foundations that matter for sculptors without overwhelming you with medical terminology, focusing instead on relationships between features and how light reveals form. Reference photographs throughout help you understand what you're actually seeing when you study a face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gallery of contemporary facial sculpture demonstrates diverse approaches and interpretations, from naturalistic portraiture to expressive distortion. Whether you're working toward realistic representation or using the face as a starting point for more experimental work, this hardcover provides both technical foundation and creative inspiration. The large 8.5×11 format gives photographs and demonstrations room to breathe, making details clearly visible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lark","offers":[{"title":"each","offer_id":48102387384549,"sku":"06678","price":27.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/6890\/5701\/files\/s06678.jpg?v=1768598262"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.texasart.mom\/collections\/books-and-media-ceramics.oembed","provider":"Texas Art Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}