Design and Create Contemporary Tableware: Making Pottery You Can Use

In this visually appealing if daunting guide, ceramicists Bloomfield (Colour in Glazes) and Pryke show how to make pottery tableware inspired by the “simple shapes with clean lines” of modern Scandinavian design. The authors outline their approach alongside photos showing the principles in action, suggesting that readers limit their palette to a few soft colors and providing images of bowls in white, gray, and pale pink and blue. Brief instructions on how to make bowls, mugs, plates, and teapots will leave novices in the dark, though. For example, the authors contend that “pinch pots can be made larger by adding coils, scoring the rim of the pot and adding slip to attach each coil,” but they neglect to explain how to score clay or add coils. However, the bountiful photos illustrating the major steps of each project are useful if incomprehensive. Additionally, experienced potters will appreciate the helpful nuggets sprinkled throughout (to add handles to a pot, the handle and pot should be at the same state of dryness when joined), as well as the in-depth survey of methods for applying finish (to make a matte glaze more glassy, the authors suggest adding quartz to it). This is best suited for experienced ceramicists looking to elevate their craft. (Apr.)