About this item
Join Seattle-based artist Deb Schwartzkopf for a journey that will help you grow as a potter, whether your background is in wheel-throwing or handbuilding. Creative Pottery (Quarry Books / publishing May 26th, 2020) begins with a quick review of where you are in your own journey as a potter. If you need to brush up on the basics, help setting goals, or pointers on how to translate your inspiration into your work, you've come to the right place. The rest of the book is a self-guided journey in which you can choose the techniques and projects that interest you: Go Beyond the Basics and learn how create a bottomless cylinder. Then explore seams and alterations for projects like a vase, sauce boats, dessert boats, and a citrus juicer. Master Bisque Molds to open a new world of possibilities. Make spoons, platters, and asymmetrical shapes like an out-of-round serving dish with molded feet and a thrown rim. Compose with Multiple Shapes to make two-part forms like a butter dish or oil pourer. Make a pitcher out of two simple forms or explore further by making handles and spouts for a teapot. With compelling galleries, artist features, and guided questions for growth throughout, this is a book for potters everywhere that want to go beyond the basics, learn new skills, and unlock their creativity.
About the Author
Deb Schwartzkopf is a studio potter, instructor, and an active community member born and raised in Seattle, WA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alaska. She worked for studio potters in the Anchorage area, which gave her a strong foundation to spring from. Deb focused on glazes for a year of independent study at San Diego State University; after which she completed a Masters of Fine Arts at Penn State. She went on to teach at institutions such as: Ohio University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, University of Washington, and University of Georgia's study abroad program in Cortona. Deb has worked as an artist in residence nationally and internationally at the Archie Bray Foundation (MT) , Mudflat Studios (MA) , The Clay Studio (PA) , Pottery Northwest (WA) , Watershed (ME) , Sanbao in Jingdezhen, China, and the Residency for Ceramics-Berlin, Germany. Since 2002, Deb teaches widely at ceramics centers including Penland School of Craft (May 2019 - NC) , Gaya Ceramics Center (2014, 2019 Indonesia) and she is planning a workshop at IARE (2020 - France) . Her artwork is included in collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection. She is included in numerous publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine. She has contributed to Red Clay Rambler Podcasts and completed a full-length DVD with Ceramic Arts Daily. In 2013 Deb purchased a home and began to establish what is now Rat City Studios - a community pottery studio where she offers adult classes, studio memberships and works with emerging artists who compete for a long-term studio assistant position. Ceramics Monthly awarded Deborah Schwartzkopf Ceramic Artist of the Year for 2019.
