One of the joys of having a website is that of people sharing their creations, discoveries, and thoughts.

One such is the online book Ceramics! The Art of the Future: A History and A Theory by Paul Mathieu, ceramist, educator and critic, available for FREE online on YOUTUBE, along with 28 related audio/visual presentations at:

https://www.youtube.com/@paulmathieu9352/playlists

Mathieu explains:

“The subtitle “A History and A Theory” clarifies the content. The title “Ceramics! The Art of the Future?” is significant since, throughout this book, a convincing argument is made that Ceramics as an independent and specific art form, is also an archival material and its role in civilization acts as a “memory of humankind”. This is still true today of the ceramics made now, and in the future just as much, and may provide relevancy for contemporary makers and those who appreciate their work.”

His analysis explores world culture, featuring ceramics and pottery throughout time and from all over the world, from the Neolithic to today. Mathieu develops his framework using seven “aesthetics”: the Classical, Flux, Decorative, Narrative, Simulation, Industrial and Material Aesthetics. To complete this analysis, seven themes are further explored, and they are: Food, Shelter, Hygiene, Text, the Figure, Sex and Death.

While being comprehensive, it is not meant to be a complete history of the field, rather, it offers a broad and inclusive overview, permitting the reader to expand their comprehension and appreciation of ceramics and apply this expanded knowledge for the furthering of their own needs and interests.

Mathieu’s writings are significant not only in their historical context but also in the much needed area of ceramic critical analysis for artists, educators, writers and collectors.