Mastering the Potter's Wheel: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Potters

by Ben Carter, Linda Arbuckle (Foreword by)

Overview

Master the potter’s wheel with this comprehensive guide that takes you from foundational skills to next-level techniques.

Featuring brilliant tricks of the trade from acclaimed artist and instructor Ben Carter, Mastering the Potter’s Wheel is an essential reference for every potter. Ben breaks down the seemingly complex process of wheel throwing into manageable steps, provides a wealth of options for customizing your work, and gives detailed advice for refining your technique. Richly illustrated with color photography, this inspiring volume includes:

• Essential techniques in wheel throwing, from wedging clay to throwing, centering, shaping, and trimming pots on the wheel, with a section dedicated to troubleshooting common problems
• Advanced techniques and tips for creating feet; making lids, knobs, handles, and spouts; forming bowls, cups, plates, and teapots; altering pots, including paddling and darting; throwing large vessels; and decorating and finishing your pieces
• Skill-building exercises for expanding your range and improving your techniques
• An overview of studio safety, including silica dust mitigation, handling toxic materials, correct body posture to avoid injuries, and stretching exercises
• Artist features and inspirational galleries with photos of work from today’s top working artists, including Kyle Carpenter, Sam Chung, Chandra DeBuse, Julia Galloway, Martha Grover, Ayumie Horie, Forrest Lesch-Middleton, Kristen Kieffer, Kathy King, Matt Long, Alex Matisse, Lorna Meaden, Doug Peltzman, Mackenzie Smith, Shawn Spangler, and many more

Take your skills—and your work—to the next level with Mastering the Potter’s Wheel.

The Mastering Ceramics series is for artists who never stop learning. With compelling projects, expert insight, step-by-step photos, and galleries of work from today’s top artists, these books are the perfect studio companions. Also available from the series: Mastering Hand Building, Mastering Kilns and Firing, and Amazing Glaze.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780760349755
Publisher:	Harvard Common Press
Publication date:	06/01/2016
Series:	Mastering Ceramics Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Ben Carter is a studio potter and workshop instructor and the author of Mastering the Potter’s Wheel. He received his BFA in ceramics/painting from Appalachian State University and his MFA in ceramics from the University of Florida. He has lectured and presented workshops at universities and craft centers in the United States, China, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and exhibited internationally in numerous invitational and juried shows. Ben’s work has been featured in the Australian Journal of Ceramics, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Ceramics Monthly; Pottery Making Illustrated named him Ceramic Arts 2016 Yearbook Artist of the Year. Since 2012, he has been hosting and producing the popular podcast, Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. Ben lives in New Jersey.

Instagram: @carterpottery
Website: carterpottery.com
Podcast: talesofaredclayrambler.com

Editorial Reviews

"Ben Carter's 'Mastering the Potter's Wheel'...takes readers through all of the basics, from centering to mastering the basic forms. What pushes this book beyond the competition, however, are the techniques offered in the chapters that follow. From a variety of methods for throwing large objects out of clay, such as pitchers and platters to alterations, darting, and paddling, this book offers potters a world of possibilities. With inspirational guest features from today's top working artists, this book is the new gold standard for potters and pottery studios everywhere."

—Alan Petrucelli, Examiner.com

"If I had a book like Mastering the Potter's Wheel when I was a student, I might have had a shot at becoming a passable potter rather than a curator and writer."

—Garth Johnson, Curator of Ceramics, Arizona State University Art Museum Ceramics Research Center

"Ben Carter's varied experiences working as an independent studio potter, educator, podcast host, arts administrator, artist in residence, and production potter in several countries have given him a unique perspective on different approaches to wheel throwing. In this book he enthusiastically shares the knowledge and tips that he has gathered over the years, providing readers with a wide range of approaches to learn basic skills and then to build on them to create a strong, individual style."

—Jessica Knapp, Editor,Ceramics Monthly; Associate Editor, Pottery Making Illustrated

"The ultimate 'how to pot' book, this is a must read for anyone pursuing his or her craft through a mindful and holistic approach. Gorgeously photographed process steps, paired with examples of wares by emerging and distinguished makers, contextualize the various processes of potting and set this book apart."

—Sarah Millfelt, Director, Northern Clay Center

"Mastering the Potter's Wheel is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about handmade pottery. The book provides clear instructions, thoughtful insights, and includes beautiful images of work from some of the best potters in the field."

—Steve Lee, Director, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts

"Ben's thorough knowledge and extensive experience in ceramics comes to the fore in this comprehensive book - helpful advice for beginners with loads of tutorials, well-considered guidance for those with more experience, and galleries of examples to inspire into the future. This book deserves a place on the bookshelf in every ceramics studio."

—Vicki Grima, Editor, the Journal of Australian Ceramics

From the Publisher