Contemporary British Studio Pottery: Forms of Expression

Pots have existed for thousands of years, and this book explores how contemporary makers use them to convey contemporary ideas. It is a visually rich and critically in-depth focus on the work of twenty-four potters, revealing how pots can be powerful forms of expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

For countless centuries, pots have graced the world and diverse cultures, serving as vessels for countless purposes. In this captivating volume, we delve into the fascinating ways in which contemporary makers harness the timeless language of the pot to convey contemporary ideas, spanning from the sculptural and painterly to the ecological and satirical. This meticulously crafted book presents a visually stunning and intellectually profound exploration of the work of twenty-four exceptional potters. Serving as a companion to Contemporary British Ceramics: Beneath the Surface, it unveils the extraordinary power of pots as potent forms of artistic expression.

The history of pottery is ancient and spans across many cultures and continents. It has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including cooking, storage, and artistic expression. Today, pottery is still made by skilled artisans around the world, and it continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and materials.

One of the most notable features of pottery is its versatility. Pots can be made in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, from functional household items to decorative art pieces. Potters use different techniques to create their work, including hand-throwing, wheel-throwing, and slip-casting. Each technique has its own unique characteristics and results in different styles and textures of pottery.

One of the most popular styles of pottery today is functional pottery. Functional pottery is designed to be used in everyday life and is often made from durable materials such as clay and porcelain. It can be used for cooking, serving, and storing food and drinks, and it is often decorated with beautiful patterns and designs. Functional pottery is also often made with a focus on sustainability, using materials that are renewable and biodegradable.

Another popular style of pottery is decorative pottery. Decorative pottery is designed to be beautiful and visually appealing and is often made from more delicate materials such as porcelain and stoneware. It can be used for decorative purposes, such as adding a touch of elegance to a room or as a gift for a special occasion. Decorative pottery is often decorated with intricate patterns, designs, and colors, and it can be made in a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, pottery also has a rich cultural significance. It has been used throughout history to convey messages, tell stories, and preserve cultural traditions. For example, in many indigenous cultures, pottery is used to create ceremonial objects that are used in religious ceremonies and rituals. In other cultures, pottery is used to create functional objects that are essential to daily life.

Despite its many benefits, pottery also has some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the durability of pottery. Porcelain and stoneware, in particular, are prone to breaking and chipping, especially if they are not handled properly. This can be a problem for potters who want to create durable and long-lasting pieces of pottery.

Another challenge is the cost of producing pottery. The materials used to make pottery can be expensive, and the process of creating pottery can be time-consuming. This can make it difficult for small-scale potters to compete with larger manufacturers who can produce pottery at a lower cost.

Despite these challenges, pottery continues to be a popular and valuable art form. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of potters around the world, and it continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and designers. As we continue to explore the world of pottery, we can expect to see new and innovative techniques and styles emerge, and we can expect to see pottery continue to play an important role in our cultural and artistic heritage.

In conclusion, pottery is a fascinating and versatile art form that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of potters around the world, and it continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and designers. Whether you are a seasoned potter or a newcomer to the art form, there is always something new and exciting to learn and discover about pottery.

Weight: 1192g
Dimension: 288 x 222 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719842429