Books are amazing resources for any ceramic artist. They provide reference to specific techniques and wide-reaching guidelines for your practice. Here is a list of five of my favorite go-to books when I need inspiration or to find specific information. I would not recommend books that I have not read, and these five have taught me so much that I know others will find value in their pages.
There are links to find each book on Amazon so you can get one for yourself or as a gift for an artist you know. As a disclosure, this article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission.
Disclosure done. Now let’s check out some amazing books!
The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes: Glazing & Firing at Cone 10
John Britt has compiled his knowledge of glazes into this comprehensive guide. What is great about this book is the pictures of the glazes on various pots and, possibly even better, test tiles. Britt has many years of experience with mixing, testing, and using glazes which are represented in a single book. If you have experience with high fire pottery, or even if you are just starting, this is the perfect book with practical advice and information as well as countless recipes.
This is a perfect choice for potters who are looking to grow their glaze catalog and their understanding of glazing. Britt dives deep into high fire glazes for both reduction and oxidation. There is tons of information about firing schedules, mixing and testing glazes, and of course, pictures!
Amazing Glaze: Techniques, Recipes, Finishing, and Firing
Gabriel Kline has put together a book all about glazes and it’s amazing. What I love about this one is the organization. Each chapter builds off of the previous, covering everything from setting up your glazing station to when you open the kiln. Included in the pages are dozens of glaze recipes with pictures as well as several slips.
This is the perfect book for someone interested in mixing their own glazes. It teaches you how to approach the topic of glazing, even down to planning the look you want on your finished work.
The Beauty of Everyday Things
This is one of my all time favorite books. Soetsu Yanagi writes about craft and objects in such a beautiful way. In this book, he dives into craft objects and processes and traditions. All of the content relates to the Japanese Mingei craft movement, which Yanagi was a key player in forming.
This book changed how I look at what I would consider mundane parts of my life and the world to appreciate them. Yanagi’s book is perfect for makers of any craft, not just pottery, to really think about how they approach their work.
A Potter’s Book
Bernard Leach is one of the biggest names in English and even Japanese pottery. Often considered the father of British studio pottery, he helped combine Western and Eastern traditions and philosophies regarding pottery. This book contains information and advice for establishing a successful pottery studio practice.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in tradition and history. It contains information about kilns, glazes, decoration and production. What is great about this book is that it proves the value and validity of traditional techniques. These traditions continue to influence contemporary potters and artists.
The Potter’s Bible: An Essential Illustrated Reference for both Beginner and Advanced Potters
Marylin Scott has compiled a wonderful tool ideal for every potter. In this book, you will be able to grasp several techniques from forming a vessel to decorating and firing. I refer to this book when I need an extra tip or inspiration for another decorating technique quite often.
This is the perfect book for anyone making pottery. Whether you have an established studio practice, or are looking for ways to start making pottery, this is an amazing resource. My favorite part of this book is the tutorials that accompany all of the descriptions of techniques.
Further Reading
Looking for a simple way to photograph your pottery? Read this guide: How to Photograph Your Pottery: Take Professional Quality Photos with Minimal Equipment – Online Pottery School
Read why local Denver artists love pottery and ceramics: Why Pottery? A Simple Yet Powerful Question For Local Artists – Online Pottery School