Slab Techniques

Although this is essentially a very simple subject, slabs can be used to make the most basic of forms to the most complex. This broad approach to slab work shows a wide variety of building methods and shows the work of many high-profile ceramic artists in this area.

The book explores and explains most of these methods through step-by-step images and text, using a varied range of both pots and sculpture. There are often several techniques that could be used to achieve the same result and this book shows that no one method is correct, but there will be one which is appropriate for the potter, the clay and the firing process. The reader is encouraged to experiment and develop their own ideas.

The book covers all the basics, such as making your slabs and joining well, simple building methods, use of supports, creating textures, decorating with slips and ways to avoid disasters during firing. It also looks at many innovative and original approaches, as well as building large-scale pieces and the problems associated with it.

The book aims to encourage the reader to experiment and find the methods most suited to them, while fantastic images of finished work are offered to show what is possible.

About the Authors

There are two authors. Jim Robison is the author of our Large-scale Ceramics handbook, he is very well-known as a slab builder, and has made many public works using textured tiles and slab constructions. Ian Marsh is the co-author, although less well-known as a maker, he has also taught ceramics and currently edits the Northern Potters Newsletter.