search  current discussion  categories  philosophy 

functional pottery by robin hopper

updated sat 3 oct 98

 

McCoy, Jack Eugene on wed 30 sep 98

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
will be worth my money.

Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
its features?

Thanks,
Jack

Lyla Kaplan on thu 1 oct 98

i had it out from the library for a while - it is very good for PRACTICAL
functional pottery and gives good "rules." it seems to be a very good book
for those who are beyond the beginning stages and need to begin focusing on
functional forms. i referred to it often and it would be a good one to
have in the ol' library. i think the criticism is that he does not seem
to perceive rules as simply being guidelines, in other words, it is
somewhat old-fashioned.
***************************************
http://hsrd.durham.med.va.gov/queri/default.htm

Lyla Kaplan, MS
QUERI Stroke Program Coordinator
VAMC (152)
508 Fulton Street
Bldg 16, Room 70
Durham, NC 27705

919-286-0411, xt. 7104
919-416-5836 (fax)

lpskeen on thu 1 oct 98

McCoy, Jack Eugene wrote:
> I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin Hop

Jack, Jack,Jack!!!!!

Why in the world would you want to support a conglomerate that does not
care about you or your needs, when you can support a small, potter-owned
bookstore, (still pay by credit card),get great service, and PROBABLY
get it faster? Drop an email to Steve Branfman (fellow Clayarter and
owner of The Potter's Shop in Needham, MA) at sbranfpots@aol.com . He
can get you the book and maybe even at a better price!

--
Lisa Skeen ICQ# 15554910
Living Tree Pottery & Soaps
http://www.uncg.edu/~lpskeen
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful
words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of
the good people." -- Dr. M. L. King, Jr. 4/16/63

Kim Marie on thu 1 oct 98

I found this to be a truly exceptional book. Filled with valuable info,
lots of drawings and photos. Well worth the money. I keep it in my studio
for quick reference.
kim

At 09:10 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
>Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
>description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
>will be worth my money.
>
>Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
>its features?
>
>Thanks,
>Jack
>
>

Kris Baum on thu 1 oct 98

Jack -

I sympathize with your dilemma because I, too, have ordered books
unseen and been disappointed when they've arrived. I do have
Funtional Pottery by Robin Hopper and have found it to be one of the
most useful books in my small (but growing) library.

Along with the history and origins of functional pots and their
shapes, he goes into extensive detail on the geometry and
interrelationship of forms, the golden triangle, Fibonacci series,
etc. There is much discussion of the details of pots - rims,
lips, handles, etc. One of the most useful tables for me has weights
and measures for basic production items - a great start when you
don't know how big a "typical" item is, such as a pitcher, cup,
dinner plate, etc. The book is chock-full of photos and drawings -
mostly B&W with a few color plates. The back of the book has a
portfolio showcasing the work of eight potters who make functional
ware.

I would highly recommend this book. If you need more information
before ordering, e-mail me privately and perhaps I could send you a
photocopy of the table of contents.



> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
> Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
> description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
> will be worth my money.
>
> Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
> its features?
>
> Thanks,
> Jack
>
Kris Baum
Shubunkin Pottery
Gaithersburg, MD
USA

mailto:shubunki@erols.com

Jean Stephenson on thu 1 oct 98

I think it's a great book and I use it a lot. It's very detailed re/
function, shapes, history of, proportions, and what type of lip,foot, lids,
etc. could be used for different types of ware. The weights and measures
page was very helpful to me and it was also interesting to see the various
approaches other potters took in making their ware. I like it.
-----Original Message-----
From: McCoy, Jack Eugene
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 1998 6:16 AM
Subject: Functional Pottery by Robin Hopper


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
will be worth my money.

Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
its features?

Thanks,
Jack

Pamela & Evan Kohler-Camp on thu 1 oct 98

Dear Jack,

For me, this book has beena bible as I learn about my functional pottery/art.

Just my .02cents

Pam

At 09:10 AM 9/30/1998 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
>Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
>description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
>will be worth my money.
>
>Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
>its features?
>
>Thanks,
>Jack
>

Potterman on fri 2 oct 98


-----Original Message-----
From: McCoy, Jack Eugene
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 1998 6:11 AM
Subject: Functional Pottery by Robin Hopper


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by Robin
Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the book, and the
description is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't know if this book
will be worth my money.

Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary of
its features?

Thanks,
Jack



Jack,
buy the book! I checked it out from our local library and it was several
month's overdue before I could give it back! Excellent philisophical
discussion on both form and function, with interesting drawings and pictures
(most are B&W). It is more aesthetics rather than practical instruction,
but that is why I liked it so much!

Karsten

Rick Sherman on fri 2 oct 98

----------------------------Original message------------------
I'm trying to decide whether to buy the book "Functional Pottery" by
Robin Hopper via an online bookstore. Because I cannot inspect the
book, and thedescription is limited to the book's subtitle, I don't
know if this book will be worth my money.

Have any of you read this book? If so, can you give me a short summary
of
its features?

Thanks,
Jack

-------------------response-------------------------------------------

Jack:
I agree with Joyce Lee's suggestion that you consider getting the tapes
by Robin. He is an excellent presenter and you really get an intensive
workshop on tape.
However, I think is book on Fucntional Pottery is a fine addtion to any
potter's library. Robin writes well and the illustrations and content
are well thought out. His first chapter considers what function ia all
about - sources, form, surface, evolution and more. He then goes into
the elements and aesthetic considerations of form and realtionships
between forms within a pot as well as the mannner in which it will be
used - how it fits to those who use it. He discusses details of
technical considerations like the shape of a foot or handle and the
interior. He addresses concerns for different types of vessels and
their handles and lids. Then, he ends with an analysis of different
ways of working. There are a great many photographs and drawings to
support the text. This is a brief synopsis. This text came to mind as
folks were disucssing the size of a foot for a goblet.
I must put in one disclaimer. Robin Hopper is a friend, therefore I
have my own slant. I proposed a panel on functional potter - one of the
few - at NCECA and he was kind enough to serve as moderator. It was a
success and he can really helped it along.

Rick Sherman
San Jose, CA USofA
sherman@ricochet.net