Expressing the human form through ceramics.

This extraordinary photographic collection features 500 contemporary figurative pieces from today’s most accomplished ceramists. The diverse and captivating work displayed here decisively demonstrates why no artistic subject is as intriguing or as powerful as the human figure.

For as long as there has been art, the human form has been its centerpiece. And for nearly as long, ceramics have been among the most powerful mediums through which artists have expressed their creativity. Nowhere will you find such strong evidence of this than in 500 Figures in Clay. It presents some of the best figurative studies created by more than 250 contemporary ceramists from around the world.

These remarkable designs, selected from thousands, span a multitude of artistic styles, from realistic to abstract, representational to surreal, and starkly minimalist to flamboyantly narrative. The figures-- grouped into such categories as Body Details, Couples & Multiples, Caricature, and Heads & Busts--are shown in striking color photographs. Many of the images are accompanied by the artist’s commentary on why and how the piece was created...

Introduction

The Figures

 Heads & Busts

 Torsos

 Body Details

 Figurines & Statues

 Couples & Multiples

 Caricature

 Metamorphosis

 Two-Dimensional Works

Acknowledgments

Artists Index