Coming into being, the work of art, this very pot, creates relations—relations between nature and culture, between the individual and society, between utility and beauty. Governed by desire, the artist’s work answers questions of value. Is nature favored, or culture? Are individual needs or social needs more important? Do utilitarian or aesthetic concerns dominate in the transformation of nature?" —from the Introduction
The Potter’s Art discusses and illustrates the work of modern masters of traditional ceramics from Bangladesh, Sweden, various parts of the United States, Turkey, and Japan. It will appeal to anyone interested in pottery and the study of folklore and folk art.