Sculpting and Handbuilding

A practical introduction to handbuilding with clay using techniques such as coiling and slab-building.

Handbuilding with clay offers a unique opportunity to experiment, requiring few tools, and allowing intuition and imagination to come to the fore. In this overview of a fast-developing practice, artist Claire Loder teaches you time-honoured methods of handbuilding, as well as introducing you to the fascinating new approaches of contemporary ceramicists.

Explore the basic techniques, from coiling and pinching to working with slabs, with practical instructions and helpful accompanying images. Get advice on equipment, clay bodies, and studio practices. Then, through the work of today's makers, discover and find inspiration from new methods of building by hand, including mixed media work, sculptural methods, vessels and surface decoration, illuminating a wide variety of forms and styles.

Sculpting and Handbuilding is an essential guide for any ceramic artist or student wishing to learn the basics of handbuilding, or seeking inspiration to integrate and adapt conventional methods.