Ceramic Transfer Printing

Abstract

This is one of the first books dedicated to the creative practice and research of ceramic transfers or decals with a focus on the creative potential for studio-based artists or designer-makers. A ceramic transfer allows pictures, patterns or text to be transferred onto ceramic forms - 2D and 3D. This added layer of meaning might have artistic or commercial ends. Importantly, print can achieve distinct aesthetic effects on ceramics that are not possible by using other decoration methods such as hand painting. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, Kevin Petrie offers a focused analysis of the potential of ceramic transfer printing as a creative medium. He traces the history of the subject and explains the distinctive visual qualities of a range of transfer printing methods. Petrie’s research into the specific materials and techniques for making versatile screen-printed ceramic transfers are explained with an emphasis on water-based systems. Other approaches by artist researchers (UK, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Germany) are also brought together for the first time and recent developments with digital transfers appraised. A range of case studies shows the potential and diversity of approach in this area, which extends beyond ceramics to include enamel on metal and glass. During preparation the publishers decided to increase the scale of the book and launch it through a new series, `The new ceramics’. The book was subsequently accepted by The American Ceramic Society, Ohio, for simultaneously publication in the UK and USA. Since publication the book has sold c2000 copies. Aspects of the book have been expanded and published in an article for ‘Ceramic Review – The International Magazine of Ceramic Art and Craft’