Ceramics have been made and valued by humans for centuries. Quite simply, ceramics are objects created by heating and sculpting clay. Often, it is also decorated and painted, or glazed. Traditionally ceramics have been used as containers, decorations or as kitchen and dining ware. Many people also enjoy making ceramics as a hobby. It is a wonderful means of creating a useful piece of art.

History

• Historical Ceramics (PPT) – View a presentation on properties of ceramics through history.
• Persian Ceramics – Browse through images and explanations of ancient ceramics from Iran.
• Chinese Ceramics – Learn about ceramics from the Song Dynasty.
• Native Indian Pottery – Read how American Indians created ceramic objects since early times.
• Spanish Ceramics – Some sculptors still practice traditional techniques in Spain to preserve their customs.
• Pottery and Archaeology – In many excavations, pottery holds many clues to past civilizations.
• Peruvian Pottery – The Moche community created new ways of working with ceramics thousands of years ago.
• American Ceramics – In America, ceramics have been made and used in many different ways.
• Prehistoric Pottery – Evidence of ceramics can even be traced back to 30,000 years ago.
• Ancient Egyptian Ceramics – Ancient Egyptian ceramics were decorative as well as useful.

General Information and Tips

• Uses of Ceramics – Ceramics are used for many things apart from simply pottery.
• Identifying Ceramics – See how historians classify and study ceramics.
• Cast Ceramics (PDF) – Download a manual on creating cast ceramics.
• Ceramics Glossary – Use this glossary to look up words related to ceramics.
• Ceramics Care – There are certain techniques and methods for preserving ceramics.
• Ceramics Techniques – Compare the different techniques of making ceramics creations.
• General Tips – Browse through various tips for beginners and pros alike.
• Studio Safety – Make sure to practice safe habits when working with ceramics.

• Beginners’ Tutorial – Follow some easy tutorials on how to make ceramics from scratch.
• How to Start – Beginners can achieve basic steps on their own before taking a class.
• Advanced Techniques – Advanced potters can try other methods of glazing, decorating and firing.
• Tips for Serious Potters – Try some special techniques to create unique ceramics.
• Working with Clay – A solid knowledge of clay is key in order to manipulate it properly.
• Glazing Recipes – Experiment with different combinations for a beautiful glaze.
• Throwing Clay – Use a step-by-step guide to learn how to sculpt with a wheel.

Guilds and Organizations

• The American Ceramic Society – The ACS has been operating since 1898.
• International Ceramics Festival – This three-day event is held in Wales each year.
• Museum of Ceramics – A museum dedicated to historic ceramics is based in Ohio.
• Institute for Archaeological Ceramic Research – The IACR is a non-profit group, investigating historic ceramics.
• Archie Bray Foundation – This non-profit group is dedicated to the education of ceramics arts.
• Baltimore Clayworks – Anyone is welcome to visit and learn about ceramics at this non-profit center.

• NCECA – The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts hosts several related events each year.
• Clay Art Center – This New-York-based center supports the education of ceramic arts.
• Carbondale Clay Center – The Clay Center promotes ceramics arts education within the local community and outside.
• The Studio Potter – This non-profit publishes a ceramics arts magazine twice yearly.

Ceramic Magazines

• Ceramics Monthly – This magazine is geared towards advanced sculptors and ceramics artists.
• Clay Times – A magazine covering trends and techniques in ceramics art.
• Ceramic Industry – Follow the latest news and trends in industrial ceramics.
• Ceramic Review – This is an international magazine focused on artistic ceramics.
• American Ceramics – A ceramics arts magazine that looks at historic and contemporary ceramics.

Supplies

• Big Ceramic Store – Find discounted supplies for creating pottery and other ceramics.
• Axner Pottery Supply – Look for different types of clays, glazes and other raw materials.
• Bailey Ceramic Supply – Apart from raw materials, potters can also find related books and instructional videos.
• Atlantic Pottery Supply – This Florida store offers plenty of supplies for kilns and pottery.
• Ceramic Supply Inc. – An East coast store holds workshops for customers and kids.
• Dogwood Ceramics – Dogwood is one of the largest suppliers for hobbyists and professionals.
• Clay Planet – Search through hundreds of tools, materials, and instructional books.
• Alpha Ceramics – This California store also holds in-house classes and workshops.
• Capital Ceramics – Buy ceramic supplies at retail, wholesale, or school group prices.
• Tucker’s Pottery Supplies – Tucker’s has existed since 1975 and offers the top brands in ceramics supplies.