Clay
A Human History
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Orion Publishing Co
Published:25th Jul '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This book offers an insightful exploration of how clay has shaped human history, culture, and creativity, revealing its profound significance throughout time.
In Clay, the author explores the profound relationship between humanity and this versatile material, tracing its significance throughout history. From ancient civilizations to contemporary art, clay has been a medium of expression, creativity, and communication. The book delves into how clay has shaped human culture, serving as a canvas for storytelling and a vessel for our shared experiences. As the author eloquently articulates, every object made from clay carries the weight of history, reflecting the lives and stories of those who crafted them.
The narrative weaves together archaeological findings, historical anecdotes, and personal reflections, illustrating how clay has been integral to human existence. The author emphasizes that clay is not merely a substance; it is a conduit for connection, bridging the gap between the past and present. Through various examples, readers are invited to appreciate the artistry and significance of clay objects found in museums and homes alike, each telling a unique story about our collective journey.
Clay is ultimately a celebration of this ancient material, revealing its role in shaping human identity and creativity. The book invites readers to consider the spiritual and practical implications of clay, encouraging a deeper understanding of its impact on our lives. By examining the ways in which clay has been used throughout history, the author highlights its enduring legacy and the infinite possibilities it holds for the future.
I read this book and immediately went out to buy some clay. Fascinating and powerful * Brian Eno *
Clay is a joy to read... it made me want to learn to be a potter all over again * Florian Gadsby *
An engrossing history of the deep connection between humans and clay, electrified by a ceramicist's passion * Katherine May, author of Enchantment *
I thought I knew a lot about pottery, but I didn't, not as much as I do now. From the earliest earthenware to the history of porcelain, along with the author's own progress working with different clays and glazes, I have loved learning from every chapter in this beautiful and affecting book * Vashti Bunyan *
Jennifer Lucy Allan - an amateur potter herself - has written a mesmerising history of the practical, spiritual and artistic uses of clay, a deceptively simple material that has, in many ways, helped shape human history. Ranging across time and place, this wonderful book opens up a world of wonder. I learned so much from it - and couldn't put it down * Jennifer Higgie, author of The Mirror and the Palette *
Alchemical, magical, alive: Clay inspires me to make things; a deeply engaging work about artists and their process, told through the stories of true outsiders and eccentrics, including Allan herself, whose vibrant and visceral musical language made me completely obsessed with a subject I knew nothing about * Heather Leigh *
Allan's writing goes beyond the physical, revealing not only how we shape and adapt clay, but the profound meaning at the heart of it . . . will inspire you to look upon your pots with new insight * Caught by the River *
A captivating exploration of humanity's relationship with the material . . . this book is a love letter to clay * Ceramic Review *
An absorbing work from such an original, enthusiastic writer * Saga Magazine *
It is this freshness of perspective, a new slant on a familiar medium, that makes Clay so compelling * Crafts Magazine *
ISBN: 9781399607643
Dimensions: 226mm x 150mm x 34mm
Weight: 520g
320 pages