In
Painted Clay, graphic arts and the ceramic surface Paul Scott proposes
an alternative version of ceramic history.... one where form and
function are not dominant, but where painting and the graphic development
of ceramic surface are the prime concerns. Covering a range from
Pre-Dynastic Egyptian painting on pots, Chinese porcelain, Persian
Minai ware, Maiolica, to the blue and white of the industrialised
west he charts the development of increasingly sophisticated painted
and graphic works.
The book takes an extensive overview of today’s contemporary
(graphic) ceramic scene, and the figures and movements that have
influenced it. In exploring the use fine artists like Picasso,
Miro, the Cobra Group, Conrad Atkinson and others have made of
ceramics, it also examines the relationships artists have had
with the pottery industry, from Soviet Revolutionary Propaganda
ware,
to collaborations at the Wedgwood Pottery Company. It highlights
a wide range of work by contemporary ceramic artists, painters
and printmakers from around the world.
Painted Clay, graphic arts and the ceramic surface, Paul Scott
A&C Black, (ISBN 0 7136 4754 X) Watson-Guptill USA ( ISBN
0-8230-3921-8) 2000.
What they said about it:
If someone shows you an alternative view to established facts
and you immediately recognise and understand what they are saying,
it is a sure sign of this person’s power of insight. Paul
Scott’s new book is one such case.
In a number of areas this book is very impressive – Scott’s
collation of texts and images is outstanding.
An invaluable reference book
The range and nature of the visual material is rich and highlights
some lesser known but fascinating pieces, many breathtaking in
their expression and virtuosity.
This book is a celebration of the narrative power of ceramics,
historically an important area within the discipline that has been
suppressed for too long.
Aylieff Felicity in Ceramic Review 59, July/Aug 2001 p59
It is evident that Scott is fascinated by ceramic materials
and their use; he writes with feeling on painting in enamel colours,
its recipes and artistic manifestations on European porcelain…
The book is stimulating and unites a generous field of international
work.
Coatts, Margot Crafts Magazine 61, July/Aug 2001 p 62-62
An excellent
overview of a huge subject. The text is supported by many fine
photographs with substantial captions describing the makers’ intentions
and methods.
A useful and timely contribution to the literature….
Petrie, Dr Kevin in Printmaking Today summer 2001 p 33
.…an
important contribution to the ceramics debate
Scott offers a refreshing and colourful look at ceramics, which
acknowledge and undermine conventions and tradition.
Scot has a sweepingly internationalist outlook, confronting the
reader with an irreverent juxtaposition of chapters….
Studio pottery purists will no doubt object to Scott’s
reckless championing of political and satirical comment expressed
in vases plates, panels and tiles….
The message of this highly enjoyable book is that paint and other
graphic decoration is not superficial, but totally integral to
the global understanding of ceramics.
Vincent, Paul book review in Contemporary Ceramics in Society
Spring 2001 p 5.
Beautifully researched and very interesting…
Marianne
de Trey, personal communication.
A wonderful book….
Dr Irmela
Franzke, Badisches Landesmueum, Karlsruhe, Germany (personal
communication).
f
In
Painted Clay, graphic arts and the ceramic surface Paul Scott proposes
an alternative version of ceramic history.... one where form and
function are not dominant, but where painting and the graphic development
of ceramic surface are the prime concerns. Covering a range from
Pre-Dynastic Egyptian painting on pots, Chinese porcelain, Persian
Minai ware, Maiolica, to the blue and white of the industrialised
west he charts the development of increasingly sophisticated painted
and graphic works.