By My Hands
A Potter's Apprenticeship
Published on 14. September 2023
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-0-241-59581-7 (ISBN)
Description
'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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
By My Hands is a fascinating and insightful book, written with the same quiet dedication to detail Florian puts into his calm and beautiful ceramics. Every page made me wish I was a potter -- Nigel Slater Florian Gadsby's ability to describe tactile, subtle, physical acts is remarkable, as is his ability to imbue them with emotional meaning. I loved reading this book, and whether pottery is a passion for you, or a curiosity to be discovered, you will love reading this book too -- Seth RogenMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 36 mm
Weight
1060 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-59581-7 (9780241595817)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
09/2023
Penguin
€14.99
Available for download
Person
Florian Gadsby is a ceramicist currently working in High Barnet, North London. He produces ranges of reduction fired functional pottery and sculptural objects that are refined, simple and carefully crafted. Alongside his physical work Florian has been documenting his pottery and apprenticeships online since 2014. He has more than three million followers across various platforms that have accumulated more than a billion views on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.