In conjunction with DIY Network—where crafters know to go for the latest and greatest information—television personality Bill van Gilder offers a fun and entertaining introduction to the potter's art.
Anyone who has ever imagined plunging bare hands into a block of cool, moist clay and shaping it into an elegant vase, graceful platter, or distinctive tile can now experience the real pleasure of pottery. Lifelong potter Bill van Gilder has a bounty of time-tested advice on all the basics, from tools and equipment to safety issues and working with clay, as well as a plethora of fantastic techniques. That means novices will enjoy the advantages of a master teacher guiding them through each stage of the process—while intermediates will eagerly soak up every new idea and hint he has to offer. With van Gilder's help, beginners can try hand building, and then progress onto the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. They'll get expert tips on shaping spouts, handles and feet; adding texture, color, and luster; and combining techniques to create a variety of attractive projects, from bowls and plates to sculptural forms.
A production potter for more than 30 years, Bill van Gilder, host of DIY Network's Throwing Clay, has traveled around the world to learn, teach, and exhibit his craft. He is a regular contributor to Clay Times magazine, and is on the faculty of The Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2000, he founded the Frederick Pottery School in Maryland.
