In this book, Michael Hardy looks at the traditional handbuilding methods-pinching, coiling, slab building, and pressmolding-and explains how to do them. For many years these methods were eclipsed by throwing on a potter's wheel which came to dominate as a making method. However, in the past 30 years handbuilding has once again become a preferred technique among ceramic artists. These artists are engaged in exploring the creative possibilities that handbuilding offers, experimenting fully with and combining techniques in an effort to achieve their artistic vision. The results have brought forth some of the most exciting ceramics today.