Are you looking for a bit of extra inspiration to get your creative juices flowing? Well, you’re in for a treat! We’ve rounded up six fabulous reads that are bound to inspire you, whether you’re a seasoned ceramic artist or just starting your clay journey. 

These books are packed with gems of knowledge and inspiration, just waiting to be discovered. Once you start reading them, be warned: you won’t be able to put them down! You’ll find yourself lost in a world where clay becomes a magical substance, capable of transforming into breathtaking sculptures and vessels. In this curated list, we’ve handpicked six ceramic books that have earned a special place on our bookshelves (and our hearts). They cover a range of topics, from essential techniques to innovative approaches, and even delve into the fascinating history of the process itself!

The Pot Book by Edmund de Waal and Blanche Craig

This book will be a permanent fixture on your coffee table as you will want to look at it again and again. With stunning large-scale images to pull you in, de Waal and Craig take you on a pictorial journey through the history of vessels. You will discover an extraordinary range of ceramic pots from all periods, presented in an accessible A to Z format. It’s a treasure trove of pottery, showcasing everything from delicate bowls crafted by anonymous artisans in ancient China to the contemporary vases of the one and only Grayson Perry. Trust us when we say that this beautifully illustrated collection has it all! 

The Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes: Glazing and Firing at Cones 4-7 by John Britt

Since its publication in 2014, this book has quickly become a bible for potters and sculptors alike, and with good reason! You’ll find a horde of over 400 glaze recipes for this popular firing range, while exploring every aspect of the glazing process. We’re talking about mixing the perfect concoction, mastering the art of application, nailing the specific firing and cooling cycles, and understanding all the factors that come together to make glazes truly work their magic. It’s like having a glaze guru right by your side, sharing their insider secrets!

If this book has you excitedly pushing your glazing skills to the next level, be sure to check out our workshop with Matthew Blakely, where he’ll teach you how to make glazes from found rocks and minerals!

The Best of 500 Ceramics: Celebrating a Decade in Clay Edited by Linda Kopp

A true feast for the eyes, this book is a compilation of artist works from Lark Craft’s popular 500 Series. 

Juried by a selection of acclaimed artists, each and every piece in this definitive collection is a testament to the incredible possibilities that ceramics hold. They push the boundaries, challenge conventions, and leave you marveling at the artistic mastery involved. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate details, the mesmerizing forms, and the sheer beauty that emanates from these ceramic wonders!

If you are blown away by the surfaces and textures achieved by the artists in this collection, head over to our Surface Effects on Clay workshop with Leslie McInally! You’ll discover exciting techniques for bringing your clay surface to life.

Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists by Chotsani Elaine Dean and Donald A. Clark

Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey into the world of contemporary Black American ceramic artists with this long-overdue celebration. In this book, you’ll discover over 300 stunning photographs showcasing 38 artists’ work, alongside insightful interviews and thought-provoking conversations. You’ll be met with a diverse group of artists, ranging from newcomers to masters, and potters to sculptors.

There’s something for every artistic palate in this homage to the immense talent, creativity, and contributions of Black artists in the world of ceramics. So, step into this vibrant and powerful collection, and let these artists’ voices and masterpieces leave an indelible mark on your artistic soul. 

Sustainable Ceramics: A Practical Approach By Robert Harrison

If you’re on the lookout for inspiration on how to reclaim, reuse, and recycle in your studio or work, look no further! From fuels and alternative firing technologies to energy-saving methods, sustainable approaches to clay collection and usage, and even strategies for dealing with waste materials and conserving water – it’s all covered here. Harrison presents you with simple yet achievable methods to reduce the carbon footprint of your ceramic art, and he does so with an abundance of wisdom, interviews, and real-life examples from practitioners who have already made the leap to reclaiming, reusing, and recycling in their own studios and works.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey towards a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible ceramic practice, this book is your guiding light! 

We can help get you started on building a sustainable practice with our How to Repair and Maintain Your Electric Kiln workshop by Ryan Rakhshan. Keeping your kiln in prime working condition is a great way to start reducing your energy waste.

Ceramic, Art and Civilization by Paul Greenhalgh

Get ready for a captivating journey through time as you explore the enthralling history of ceramics in Paul Greenhalgh’s beautifully illustrated work. Brace yourself, because this is not just a history of pottery; it’s a tale of human civilization itself, from the Ancient Greeks all the way to the present day. Ceramics have played a central role in shaping our lives for thousands of years, touching upon everything from domesticity and business to religion, recreation, architecture, and art. It’s a story that intertwines with the very development of our society.

So, my fellow enthusiasts, get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing tale of ceramics!

We know that you are in for a treat when you open these great books! With each page turn, you’ll be greeted by a symphony of colors, shapes, and textures that’ll make your artistic senses tingle with delight. You’ll discover the secrets of glaze development, witness the evolution of ceramic art through the ages, and dive headfirst into the minds of contemporary masterminds who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So be sure to grab a copy of these books and let them become your trusty companions, your source of inspiration, and your gateway to a world where art and clay collide! 

Do you have some go-to ceramic books when you are looking for an extra dose of inspiration? Be sure to join The Ceramic School so you can share your favorites with our Ceramic Community!

Works Cited

Britt, John. The Complete Guide to Mid-range Glazes: Glazing & Firing at Cones 4-7. Lark Ceramics, 2014. Accessed 14 June 2023.

Dean, Chotsani Elaine, and Donald A. Clark. Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Accessed 14 June 2023.

de Waal, Edmund. The Pot Book. Edited by Claudia Clare and Edmund de Waal, Phaidon Press, 2011. Accessed 14 June 2023.

Greenhalgh, Paul. Ceramic, Art and Civilisation. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020. Accessed 14 June 2023.

Harrison, Robert. Sustainable Ceramics: A Practical Approach. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2020. Accessed 14 June 2023.

Kopp, Linda, editor. The Best of 500 Ceramics: Celebrating a Decade in Clay. Lark Crafts, 2012. Accessed 14 June 2023.