BOOK REVIEW & Interview by MBW
Modern Maiolica by Lisa Katzenstein | Self Published | 42 pages | £25
Modern Maiolica by Lisa Katzenstein is a richly illustrated book that serves both as a retrospective of her ceramic work from the 1990s to today and as a practical guide to the maiolica technique. It’s designed to be accessible for complete beginners while offering depth for experienced ceramicists who want to explore this vibrant medium. Lisa Katzenstein’s book is a joyful celebration of colour, storytelling, and ceramic tradition. In just 42 pages, she manages to distil decades of artistic practice into a book that feels both intimate and instructive. Her approach to maiolica, rooted in historical technique and at the same time contemporary in style, is a reminder that ceramics can be both serious and playful, precise and expressive.
The book is generously illustrated with images of her work spanning from the 1990s to the present, offering a visual journey through her evolving palette and motifs. Each piece feels like a conversation: between artist and clay, between tradition and innovation, and often, between the object and its viewer.
What makes this book particularly special is its accessibility. Katzenstein writes with clarity and warmth, making the maiolica technique approachable for beginners while offering insights that seasoned ceramicists will appreciate. Her practical guidance is woven with personal anecdotes and reflections, creating a sense of mentorship rather than instruction.
For anyone curious about maiolica or seeking inspiration in surface decoration, Modern Maiolica is a gem. It’s not just a technical manual—it’s a portrait of an artist who has spent years listening to her materials, trusting her instincts, and embracing the joy of making.
It’s described as both a “compendium of my career” and “a guide to the techniques I have developed,” making it part memoir, part manual
What’s Inside Modern Maiolica
- Artist Retrospective A visual and narrative journey through Katzenstein’s ceramic work from the 1990s to today. This section showcases her evolution in style, technique, and thematic focus, with richly illustrated examples of her maiolica pieces.
- Technique Guide Practical insights into the maiolica process, including: Materials and tools used; Surface decoration techniques; Glazing and firing tips; Advice for beginners and experienced ceramicists alike
- Personal Reflections Anecdotes and commentary from Katzenstein about her creative process, inspirations, and the role of storytelling in her work.
- Visual Inspiration Full-colour images of her ceramics, often featuring birds, flowers, text fragments, and whimsical compositions that reflect her distinctive style.
The book can be purchased on Lisa website for £25.00.
Q&A with Lisa Katzenstein
1. (LP) What do you hope readers will take away from Modern Maiolica-both technically and creatively?
Lisa: “The book has arisen from questions I have always been asked when I have exhibited at Craft fairs. Is the decoration hand painted or a print? How is the pot made? Especially relevant to my twist shapes, and what is slip-casting? In this book I have tried to explain my personal techniques that I have developed over 3 decades, but it’s not the last word on maiolica painting as such, there are lots of books out there which cover many other methods of maiolica painting and all are valid”.
2. (LP) What advice would you give to someone just starting with maiolica or painted ceramics?
Lisa: “Unlike painters who “work out their painting” on the canvas or paper, all painting on ceramics whether its maiolica or underglaze has to be fresh and clean, as in watercolour painting. What I mean by this is that you should work out your design on paper first, using the hake and squirrel hair- brushes on some cheap paper such as newsprint which has the same absorbency as bisq or an unfired glaze surface. Also, if you “make a mistake” don’t try to rub it out just go with the flow and work around it. When you become more experienced you won’t need to plan the design, but it’s a good starting point for the beginner”.
3. (LP) Could you share the names of 2 artists who have inspired your work over the years?
Lisa: “There really hasn’t been a single person, as far as artists are concerned William Scott is one and Alan Reynolds. With ceramics its James Tower and William Newland”.
4. (LP) Are there one or two book that have shaped your creative thinking or artistic ceramic thinking?
Lisa: “Not particularly, one book I would cite is Wildflowers of Britain by Roger Phillips, but vintage textile designs have also been influential”.
5. (LP) Anything else you would like to add for our readers and members?
Lisa: “There is nothing which is “not allowed” in ceramics whether you go with a traditional approach as in blue and white Delft, or your own style. Feel free to use all the modern conveniences such as bought in glazes and colours. We are not living in the 17th Century when these were not available and using them is not cheating”.