3 Years of 'Creative Pottery'

/ Rat City Studios/

A must for every potter’s library! ~ Erin Elisabeth Allen

This June marks the 3 Year Anniversary of
Creative Pottery by Deb Schwartzkopf!

Creative Pottery was released on June 2nd, 2020.
Its 192 pages are full of innovative techniques, perspicuous step-by-step projects, and insightful advice to help potters of any level grow.

In Creative Pottery, join ceramic artist Deb Schwartzkopf and grow as a functional potter, whether your background is in wheel-throwing or handbuilding.

Take yourself on a self-guided journey in which you can choose the techniques and projects that interest you.


Learn how to throw bottomless cylinders, alter forms with darting, and combine pieces to add complexity to create stunning forms. This is a book for potters ready to learn new skills and unlock their creativity.

In addition to in-process and finished work by Deb, there are a host of remarkable potters whose work is featured in this book. Included potters range from individuals who are well-known and those who are newer to the field. They exemplify techniques or showcase ingenious ways of working with clay that are sure to inspire.

Whether you are developing a body of work in art school, just beginning to work with clay, or a studio potter working solo in your own space, this book offers an exploration that will build your skills and ideas. I wish you an inspired journey. Remember that taking risks is good. Stay playful!

~ Deb Schwartzkopf

What people are saying about Creative Pottery:

One of the best project-based art books I have ever used. I really enjoyed Deb's personal story and her approach to ceramics. The book is a step-by-step look into her complex and biomorphic designs. She even supplies templates that folks can use to replicate the demonstrated products. She is generous with credit and showcases some very nice work by friends and colleagues.
~ Ian Jones

 

Image from amazon reviewer, Billye
Spoons inspired by ‘creative pottery’ project

One of my most favorite things about Deb's book is how she manages to include information that is helpful for a very beginner as well as someone who is very experienced in a way that is precise, detailed and encouraging. It is like she is in the room with you, explaining very patiently how to proceed. The photographs and explanations are very clear and she is so generous with her techniques and her patterns (included). I like seeing the inclusion of many artists work as examples. The whole experience of her book is positive; encouraging a person to explore their own ideas and directions with clay while learning loads of skills through the projects she presents. ~ Marie Tornow

Three years ago, in June of 2020, we were in the height of covid. It was an intensely stressful time for me. My book came out and it gave me something positive to focus on. And it gave me a way to connect with people. It’s become a fabulous support tool as I teach in person and online. I loved writing the copy and sharing clay working techniques I have grown into over the years. I hope it sparks ideas for you!

~ Deb Schwartzkopf

/ Rat City Studios/ /

Deborah Schwartzkopf

As a studio artist, she makes fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Deb was inspired by the guidance of amazing mentors along the way. These important relationships fostered her desire to engage and build community through clay. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to form a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.

In 2013 Deb established Rat City Studios in her hometown of Seattle, WA. RCS is her home and personal studio, as well as, a creative space for multiple studio members working independently. In 2022 she opened a sister studio, Rain City Clay in West Seattle. RCC is a community art center focusing on experiential learning through ceramics classes of all levels.

With over 15 years of experience, a Master’s of Fine Art at Penn State, artwork included in collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection, numerous publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine, she has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker.

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