About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

This book is both a satisfying read for those who simply like sculptural art, but also a great source of ideas, inspiration, and the provocation of thought for those who are engaged in making ceramic art. I firmly believe functional potters can also benefit greatly from a perusal of these expressions of form and concept in clay.



Pros

• Great collection full of ideas to pursue.
• Broad range of techniques represented.

• Fine display of ceramic problem-solving in many of the chapters.

Cons

• Collection of articles already published in magazine form; may be redundant for some readers.

Description

• 8.5" x 11" paperback, 135 pages. Published May 2009 by the American Ceramic Society.
• Edited by Anderson Turner. 29 chapters comprised of articles formerly published in Ceramics Monthly magazine.
  
• Very well illustrated with color and some b&w photographs. Includes some glaze, clay, and slip recipes.

Guide Review - Review of the Book, "Ceramic Sculpture: Inspiring Techniques"

This book really lives up to its title. It is both full of the work by some 29 ceramic artists as well as being full of artistic and technical inspiration. Although Anderson Turner (editor) does say in his preface that his own ceramic work has developed into a distinct style, his further declaration of enjoying all styles of ceramic art is well borne out. He has done an admirable job of representing a wide range of sculptural styles and ceramic techniques.

Techniques explored range from coil and slab building to rapid prototyping using computers and 3D scanners. Many of the chapters include photos of work in progress, so we can see the steps and techniques that result in such stunning sculptural forms. Several techniques that I have tried out were included.

Techniques such as coating fabric in slip can be difficult to manage. Several of the articles give great ideas on how to solve the technical problems inherent in the creative process. For example, in slip coating fabric, we can turn to the chapter on Jen Champlin and her slip-coated wedding dress.

I definitely feel this book has a lot to offer. Whether you are a functional potter, a sculptor, a ceramic artist, or someone who simply loves art, this book will be sure to have something in its pages for you. Inspiration...Technical know-how...Ceramic Sculpture.