Monthly Staff Picks

With so much time surrounded by books, videos and tools the staff is bound to run into a few we enjoy. We recommend these items because we feel they are truly worth your time and money.

July 2009 Staff Picks:

Steve Branfman, owner
Large Troy Throwing Stick designed by Jack Troy, $22. "Designed by the godfather of American wood firing. It is beautiful to hold, and to use, smooth, organic, and alive in your hand. One of my favorites."

Jenn Barbe, studio manager
The Potter's Professional Handbook by Steven Branfman, $30. "First, I was not asked to pick this book, nor am I trying to earn points with the boss. I read this book long before I knew Steven and loved it then. I just bought a wheel and set up a home studio and I love the book even more now. Although there is a lot of great information in the book, the chapters on studio planning and building are indispensable. Written with personality and humor, this book needs to be in your library."

Karen Mahoney, staff
Handmade Tiles video set by Frank Giorgini, $50 each. "His book may be out of print, but these videos may be even a bit better since you get more visual cues. Frank discusses each step of tilemaking, how to plan for it, and what to expect. He makes pumping out tons of beautiful tiles look easy."

Raphaella Osborn, staff
Flowerpots: A Seasonal Guide to Planting, Designing and Displaying Pots by Jim Keeling, $30. "So cool, and not just for summer! Flowerpots covers all seasons, from autumn planning to summer flowers! Everything from the design of the garden to frost-proofing the pots. The large sculptures Keeling makes out of flower pots are great, his studio seems like it would be a pretty fun place to visit."

Sarah Whitlock, staff
Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics by Kusakabe and Lancet, $45. "I was lucky enough to meet Masakazu Kusakabe at a recent lecture, and I am sure that his unmistakable desire to impart his vast knowledge and love of his craft is what makes this book such a wonderful resource. It takes all the technical information (and more!) that one would expect from a book on this subject and combines it with lessons in Japanese aesthetics, philosophy, and history. Art appreciation extends to the beauty of the layout and photography throughout the book itself! Kusakabe has attracted the attention of potters around the world with his eco-friendly "smokeless" wood-fired kiln- and this is the book with the computer models, photographs, and accessible instructions on how one is built. I cannot say enough good things about this one, and I urge you to take a look yourself."