TESTIMONIAL
Pottery Making Resources
For the aspiring potter, I'm compiling a listing of some good sources of information of making pottery. Feel free to contact me if you know of a resource that will be helpful to aspiring potters and I'll gladly add it!
Video
One of the best sources I've found on the web for functional pottery making tutorials can be found on YouTube by potter Simon Leach. He has put up hundreds of videos, which are unedited and quite primitive in the filming technique - which is actually really refreshing! He is a wonderful teacher, and I've learned a trick or two from him by watching how he creates his pottery. These mostly focus on wheel throwing techniques, though he does touch on glazing and firing from time to time. You can check out Simon Leach's YouTube channel here. He's really good at wheel work, and although I question his safety sense from time to time, (who, after all, would fire a raku kiln inside the studio? Or mix glazes without a mask? Ouch...) I still recommend his videos for his throwing instructions. Enjoy, but please use common sense in regards to safety in your studio!
Guy Wolff has been seen on Martha Stewart and makes wonderful large and small garden pots. Very informative videos - check out Guy here.
Magazines
Books That I Find Useful
Functional Pottery - Robin Hopper - ISBN 0--87341-817-4 This book really helps you think about the end use of the piece you are making. Many photos, an excellent all around guide to making functional pottery.
The Ceramic Spectrum - Robin Hopper - ISBN 0-8019-7275-2 This book focuses on helping you to understand how glazes are formulated, and how to work with a formula to get the final look you are after.
Clay and Glazes for the Potter - Daniel Rhodes/Robin Hopper - ISBN 0-87341-863-8 Robin Hopper updates the classic text.
The Art Of Firing - Nils Lou - ISBN 1-889250-11-2 If you are firing any non-electric kiln, this small book will help you understand how to get the best out of your kiln and how to fire it properly. Also includes plans for kilns, and great info on using ITC coatings.
The Complete Guide to High Fire Glazes - John Britt - ISBN 1-57990-425-4 An excellent collection of glaze recipes and variations, for those firing in the cone 10 reduction range. Great information on glaze materials.
The Kiln Book - Frederick Olsen - ISBN 0-8019-7071-7 If you want information on how to build your own kiln, this book is indispensable. Includes plans for kilns, burners, and burner systems, including a fast fire wood kiln.