Art of Throwing

by Alex McErlain

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1-86126-484-4
Dimensions: 11.3" x 8.9" x 0.7"
Shipping Weight: 2.17 lbs.

The art of throwing is more than a skillful technique: in order for thrown pots to have meaning, it is vital that the integral role played by materials, process, context and precedent is considered. This book places the practical nature of throwing pots into a wider context, beginning with an examination of some historical examples which provide an inspirational background to the study. It then analyzes throwing as a language of expression, exploring ideas, how they originate and the way artists develop them.

The core of the book deals with the processes, including clay preparation, how to begin throwing, developing skills and dealing with complex forms. Step-by-step photos follow the throwing of various pot types and capture the delicate methods of pulling a handle or fitting a spout. Lavish illustrations of finished work and interviews with leading potters then demonstrate the diverse ways in which throwing is used and the opportunities it presents.

The Art of Throwing is for both potters and enthusiasts to understand not just how pots are made, but why they are made and the factors that influence the way they look. Learning the language of expression that potters use in a lifetime's work: this book provides a place to begin.