About the Author

Ben Carter is a studio potter and workshop instructor based in Santa Cruz, California. He received his BFA in ceramics/painting from Appalachian State University and his MFA in ceramics from the University of Florida. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts in Asheville, North Carolina, Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado, and the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. From 2010-2012 he served as the Education Director of the Pottery Workshop in Shanghai, China. He has lectured and presented workshops at universities and craft centers in the United States, China, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and exhibited internationally in numerous invitational and juried shows, including the Australian Ceramic Triannale Exhibition, Shanghai University International Residency Exhibition, and Mastery in Clay at The Clay Studio. Ben's work has been featured in the Australian Journal of Ceramics and Pottery Making Illustrated.Ceramics Monthly andPottery Making Illustrated named him Ceramic Arts 2016 Yearbook Artist of the Year.

Reviews

"Ben Carter's 'Mastering the Potter's Wheel'...takes readers through all of the basics, from centering to mastering the basic forms. What pushes this book beyond the competition, however, are the techniques offered in the chapters that follow. From a variety of methods for throwing large objects out of clay, such as pitchers and platters to alterations, darting, and paddling, this book offers potters a world of possibilities. With inspirational guest features from today's top working artists, this book is the new gold standard for potters and pottery studios everywhere."
*Alan Petrucelli, Examiner.com*

"If I had a book like Mastering the Potter's Wheel when I was a student, I might have had a shot at becoming a passable potter rather than a curator and writer."
*Garth Johnson, Curator of Ceramics, Arizona State University Art Museum Ceramics Research Center*

"Ben Carter's varied experiences working as an independent studio potter, educator, podcast host, arts administrator, artist in residence, and production potter in several countries have given him a unique perspective on different approaches to wheel throwing. In this book he enthusiastically shares the knowledge and tips that he has gathered over the years, providing readers with a wide range of approaches to learn basic skills and then to build on them to create a strong, individual style."
*Jessica Knapp, Editor,Ceramics Monthly; Associate Editor, Pottery Making Illustrated*

"The ultimate 'how to pot' book, this is a must read for anyone pursuing his or her craft through a mindful and holistic approach. Gorgeously photographed process steps, paired with examples of wares by emerging and distinguished makers, contextualize the various processes of potting and set this book apart."
*Sarah Millfelt, Director, Northern Clay Center*

"Mastering the Potter's Wheel is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about handmade pottery. The book provides clear instructions, thoughtful insights, and includes beautiful images of work from some of the best potters in the field."
*Steve Lee, Director, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts*

"Ben's thorough knowledge and extensive experience in ceramics comes to the fore in this comprehensive book - helpful advice for beginners with loads of tutorials, well-considered guidance for those with more experience, and galleries of examples to inspire into the future. This book deserves a place on the bookshelf in every ceramics studio."
*Vicki Grima, Editor, the Journal of Australian Ceramics*