Handbuilt pottery techniques revealed The secrets of handbuilding shown in unique cutaway photography

This is a fun, innovative, but incomplete book on the art of handbuilding pottery. An experienced teacher and writer, Atkin begins with information about the tools for handbuilding and about clays-their types, preparation, and handling. The body of the book covers the basic methods of coiling, pinching, slabbing, and making and using molds. Unique cutaway photographs show the position of the hands on both the inside and the outside of a piece. Projects include coiled baskets, garden sculpture, modeled birds, porcelain boxes, laminated dishes, and low-relief tiles. The book's aim is "to provide the potter with all the necessary technical information to complete the projects demonstrated"; however, Atkin neglects to offer any but the sketchiest information about the critical process of firing. A good book on the subject, but it needs to be used in combination with titles like Jo Connell's The Potter's Guide to Ceramic Surfaces. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.