Earth & Fire: Modern potters, their tools, techniques and practices

Earth & Fire: Modern potters, their tools, techniques and practices - Kylie & Tiffany Johnson

“Earth and fire: two elements that are the main components of every ceramic work. Clay and heat. Potters have been transforming clay into stone for more than thirty thousand years. In this book, we will introduce you to some of the most interesting contemporary ceramic artists and discuss how they work, what materials they use and their views on this medium.”

The book Earth and Fire serves as both a foundation and inspiration and explores the techniques, processes, and tools of more than forty-five working potters. These artists create everything from wood-fired and fine porcelain products, through sculptural vases, everyday mugs, bowls, and plates to jewelry and wall objects, in a wide range of styles and media in which they create their ceramics. While the methods may differ, it is generally true that the clay and fire used by artists to create their pieces are their greatest masters. The book is divided into two parts: earth and fire. In the section dedicated to clay, the authors explore the process of creating forms from the basic material - clay - and in the section dedicated to fire, they show how the alchemy of heat and surface finishes can create such diverse works.