Helpful Books for when you first start Pottery

I’ve put together a list of helpful books for when you first start pottery, because starting out can be overwhelming at first. When I first started taking pottery classes, I didn’t quite know where to begin. I didn’t know how to build up my knowledge base of ceramics, and there were soooo many new techniques to learn. So I started buying a LOT of books, and I’ve now made a list of (some) of them below – my absolute favourite ones that were the most helpful when I first started out.

1) Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans by Amber Creswell Bell

This is a very simple book – there are no in depth explanations about techniques or methods, but it helped me to see a lot of work and artists from around the world really quickly, and become familiar with some of the forms I could make. This was a really helpful book when I first started pottery BECAUSE it is so simple, beautifully written and printed, and has lots of inspiring photos to keep you interested.

Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans can be found on Amazon here.

Helpful Books for when you first start Pottery Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans by Amber Creswell Bell

2. New Wave Clay: Ceramic Design, Art and Architecture by Tom Morris

This book similar to the above, only it is more in-depth, and covers more conceptual ideas and experimental processes. I found this a really helpful book for when I first started pottery because it introduced me to a lot of contemporary artists working with galleries, and what was happening in the art world. This book definitely leans more toward ‘contemporary art’ and university level art students, but it is easy to understand and is great inspiration for when you start pottery regardless of what direction you want to take down the track.

New Wave Clay: Ceramic Design, Art and Architecture can be found on Amazon here.

3. Mastering the Potter’s Wheel: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Potters by Ben Carter

This is one of my top helpful books for when you first start pottery for obvious reasons – learning how to throw on the wheel! Throwing is a pottery skill that is nuanced, and takes time. It requires building up muscle memory in your hands. It takes time for you to mentally grasp all the steps and be able to recall them when you’re actually sitting at the wheel. This book doesn’t just cover the basics of throwing. It also covers things like attaching molds to the wheel, throwing WITHOUT bottoms, throwing very large shapes and throwing in sections.

Mastering the Potter’s Wheel: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Potters can be found on Amazon here.

4. Amazing Glaze: Techniques, Recipes, Finishing, and Firing by Gabriel Kline

I just HAVE to include this on my list of helpful books for when you first start pottery, because glazes are SO confusing. I felt overwhelmed by all the different options to begin with. This book is great for showing you different options and what is possible. It also explains the process really well and in a simple way. I bought several other glaze books which I have NOT included in my list of helpful books, because they are difficult to understand and far too scientific for the average person. This book uses wording for ‘normal’ people and is easy to understand. It explains why certain problems and issues occur, and builds up solid understanding of glazes in a quick amount of time. It is definitely worth getting. It also includes over 60 glaze recipes at the back of the book that are easy to understand. 60 sound like a lot, but I actually wish there were a few more.

Amazing Glaze: Techniques, Recipes, Finishing, and Firing can be found on Amazon here.

5. Vitamin C: Clay and Ceramic in Contemporary Art by Phaidon Press

It’s hard to find reasons not to include this on my list of helpful books for when you first start pottery because it is SO well researched and put together. This book is image heavy, with a short but thorough paragraph on each artist featured. It features a HUGE amount of contemporary ceramic artists. It also briefly covers some ceramic history at the start of the book. This is perfect for when you first start out and aren’t sure of what your style is, or are just looking for inspiration. I know that this is the kind of book and I will keep flicking through over and over in years to come. It’s the kind of book where you find something new in it every time.