FUNCTIONAL POTTERY Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose

Dust jacket notes: "Functional Pottery is a complex book which analyzes the history, design, and aesthetics of handmade utilitarian pots. It is designed to be of use to anyone who makes or who is interested in making pottery, or who just loves ceramics and wants to further understand some of the qualities to be found in a 'good pot.' Robin Hopper offers a great deal of practical, down-to-earth information gathered during thirty years of pottery making and teaching. His aim here is to encourage the search for a personal style, with emphasis on the 'why to' rather than just the 'how to.' His concerns are with pitchers that pour readily, without clogging, dripping, or splashing; with mugs and goblets that one can easily grasp with wet or slippery fingers, with casserole and teapot lids that stay firmly seated on their galleries. Hopper's concerns are those of all potters who earn a living from their craft by producing tableware, cookware, and storage vessels: the pots of everyday purpose made to be lovely and to be loved - but, above all, made to be used. Functional Pottery is heavily illustrated, with hundreds of photographs and drawings. Special 'museum' sections provide brief pictorial histories of the development of footed forms, pouring forms, lidded forms, handled forms, and pottery in imitation of other materials. Color and black-and-white portfolios showcase the work of eight contemporary potters, from different parts of the world, who make functional objects ranging in style from rustic to space age. Each featured ceramist discusses his or her work in detail, offering insight into the ways that potters achieve personal artistic goals while producing useful wares that are much in demand."