Handmade pottery on the Wheel

Pottery on the Wheel [Paperback]

Product Description

A classic guide to using the Handmade pottery wheel--back in print at last!

* Step-by-steps plus 270 close-up photographs

* Not only how to do each technique, but why it works

* Great for potters at every level, from beginner to advanced

Take the mystery out of throwing Handmade pottery clay! Now beginning and advanced potters can learn throwing techniques to create perfectly symmetrical basic forms. This classic book, out of print for many years, is frequently cited as the definitive book on using the wheel. This exciting new edition shows why it has remained a favorite. Step-by-step instructions plus more than 270 black-and-white Handmade pottery photographs clearly illustrate how to throw cylindrical and open shapes as well as explaining advanced throwing for teapots, pitchers, and more. With techniques and tools from basic to esoteric, plus appendices on clays, glazes, kilns, and firing, and a glossary of terms, Handmade pottery on the Wheel is the essential guide for any potter with a desire to learn and to develop a signature style.
About the Author
Elsbeth S. Woody, a master Handmade pottery , has showed her work in many solo and group exhibitions, including the Museum of Art in Los Angeles. She lives in South Africa.

Customer Reviews

As a student potter, I've looked at a lot of beginner's books. I bought one when I bought the wheel, some at the local bookstore, and some more at the local ceramics supply store. This one I got from the library and liked it so much I ordered it to keep as a reference. It has all the stuff in the detail that I wish the others had - detail sufficient to be of immediate use, but not so complex as to be difficult to understand. There is even more detail that will be of value when I gain more experience.

The book points out typical beginner's errors - I made 'em all - and how to prevent them. It discusses the sequence of pulling the clay to make a pot while maintaining center. Each chapter also has an outline at the end of the main points/steps that were the focus of the chapter so the reader will be sure to learn the most important considerations of that particular topic.

The text is clear, easy to read and understand, and the many photographs, in my opinion, could not be better - they are close-up, in focus and large.

I bought this book for my wife who had just finished ten weeks of throwing lessons. She read the book and was able to improve her work in just a few practice sessions. She is so pleased with her new knowledge and skill. The fine detail and the pictures of sectioned pots were easy to follow. The accompaning text was clear and the summeries allow for quick reference.

We can only recommend this fine book to anyone that wants to improve their skill.

The text is detailed, but easy to understand and the Handmade pottery pictures do an excellent job of reinforcing the concept. I have been throwing for about a year, but reached a point where I was "stuck" and couldn't seem to move forward. After only ONE day of using the techniques in this book, I was able to double the amount of Handmade pottery clay I could successfully throw and the results were better than anything I had previously produced. This is the best book there is on throwing.