By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship
£23.70£28.50 (-17%)
‘Every page made me wish I was a potter’ Nigel Slater
Florian Gadsby has devoted his life to pottery, refining his technique towards the point of perfection – and as his skill has grown, so has his social media following, which today numbers in the millions. Based at a studio in North London, he releases three new collections per year, characterized by simple forms and sharp edges, which sell out in a matter of minutes.
In By My Hands, Florian tells the story of his artistic awakening, his education in England, Ireland and Japan, and of the sheer discipline which has led him to become the cultural sensation he is today. Arguing for the value in dedicating yourself to a craft, Florian weaves anecdotes about particular pots and processes into the narrative of his life, exploring what he has learnt from specific pieces he was taught to throw during his apprenticeships and how they have informed his philosophy and approach to his work.
By My Hands is an ode to the beauty of small things, such as a simple hand-thrown mug or bowl, which can brighten life’s daily rituals and make them more meaningful – as well as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Particular Books, 1st edition (14 Sept. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0241595819 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0241595817 |
| Dimensions | 16 x 3.5 x 24 cm |
by Ian Howlett
This is probably “Book of the Year” for me! I wasn’t aware of the author, but I went to a fascinating talk he gave in Ely in September 2023, and of course I ended up buying his book.
I am not a potter myself, but I was fascinated by the insight the book offers into the thought processes, the dedication, and the practical approach to pottery that many of us never get to see. It gives a good insight into the mental and emotional landscape of the craftsperson, and how this develops over time as the person’s skills and knowledge deepen. The cast of characters includes the various other apprentices and teachers that the author met along the way, and we get a good appreciation for them too.
For me, the book is an exploration of the heart and mind of a potter. It’s Florian’s personal story, but draws on wider themes and has wider relevance. It’s not a how-to book, although there is plenty of discussion of the craft itself. I was particularly drawn in by the stories of hard work, patience, and the relentless pursuit of perfection: it needs years of dedication and an intimate understanding of materials and processes.
The book does a great job of showing the difference between the artisan’s approach to pottery and the world of mass-produced ceramics. The book shows Florian’s passion for the enduring value and beauty of handcrafted goods, and this passion really came across in the talk he gave too. The book really gives a feel for what it means to be a potter; it makes you an insider.
The book is beautifully designed and printed, with plenty of illustrations and photographs. The designer (Matthew Young) is rightly called out in the acknowledgements. I would have liked a few more photographs in some places, but it really is a work of fantastic quality.
As an author myself, not a potter, this book shows how exploring beyond our own fields of expertise can broaden our horizons and inspire us in unexpected ways. The book Range, by David Epstein, talks of connecting dots between disciplines, and this “By My Hands” is a fantastic example of that.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in craftsmanship and the creative process involved in any art or craft. It gives a fresh perspective that has relevance for all creative people, far beyond pottery alone.
by Nova
What a lovely book! You can see the passion that’s gone into making it. A very inspiring and beautiful book! Would recommend this to any potter or ceramic enthusiast!
by Amazon Customer
The book is beautifully put together, you can definitely see the level thought and care put into its pages. Florian has an engaging way of telling the tale, full of great detail and anecdotes. A must have!
by happy_shopper
Best book ever ????
by Lovebooks
I’m half way through, and trying to slow down and savour the second half as it’s so beautifully written! So interesting to hear Florian’s pottery journey and I love the details he gives about making his pots, hoping to pick up some top tips to help improve my pottery!
by Kindle Customer
I absolutely loved Florian’s book. I learnt so much but his story is fascinating even if you’re not a potter. Well done Florian!
by Agatha747
I’m relatively new to pottery, but already in love with this amazing (and amazingly frustrating) craft. There is so much to learn and I’ve been doing a lot of reading. By My Hands is my favourite book so far. It’s the perfect mix of story and process. You learn an immense amount of technical detail, history, firing processes, technique, different styles, glaze options, how a pottery studio works, even detailed instructions on how to throw your first pot. And it’s all delivered as an engaging story that carries you along – so much so that you don’t realise just how much you’re learning as you go. If you love pots, you’ll love this book.
by laurie
Gadsby is quite easily one of the most influential potters of our time and this book is an extension of that. He’s not only an incredibly talented ceramicist but also a delightful human being and teacher through YouTube / Instagram content. This book is beautifully crafted just like his work.