Ceramics for Beginners Animals & Figures

Ceramists will welcome the return of this classic guide to creating clay figures—now revised with four new projects, updated galleries, and a fresh introduction!
 
With plenty of how-to images, this accessible beginner’s guide teaches the art of making beautiful ceramic figures—both human and animal. Anyone who has ever rolled a “snake” out of clay or pinched a piecrust can easily complete the 12 skill-building projects here. Master teacher Susan Halls explores four basic techniques: pinching, slab building, coiling, and dowel work. Learn how to pinch a pot with a deep bowl shape, and use this technique to construct a plump pig. With the slab building method, you can make an enchanting bird-relief tile or turn a favorite family photo into a delightful diorama. The book also offers invaluable advice on setting up a studio or home workspace, using slips, and choosing a glaze. Galleries featuring a range of ceramic work illustrate the creative possibilities of each featured technique.

Susan Halls received her Masters of Arts in ceramics from The Royal College of Art, London, and now resides in the United Kingdom. She has exhibited widely throughout the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe. Her work can be found in many public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Japan, and York Art Gallery in the United Kingdom. From 1998 to 2017, Susan lived and worked in the United States, where she continues to teach and exhibit.