No comments about Manly.

5 comments about Exquisite Corpse: Surrealism and the Black Dahlia Murder.

1. One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel
   
   The authors...did an incredible job...Surrealism and The Black Dahlia Murder...it supports Steve Hodel's work...proving his father killed Elizabeth Short...



2. There's some fairly interesting visual analysis here, but it's all but buried in overstatement and unsupported innuendo. Similarly, one can also see fragments of a fascinating story, though it, like the stronger visual arguments, tends to get lost.
   
   This is not a true-crime book, and anyone who purchases it expecting one will be disappointed. It's a book about the similarities between the Black Dahlia crime scene and works of avant garde and surrealist art that were made both before and after the murder. Some of these suggested commonalities feel like quite a stretch. (Man Ray's reclining nudes are nearly all corpses to the authors; a 1961 William Copely picture of a long-haired female nude, a doctor, and a set of surgical tools is cited as proof that the murder continued to haunt the artist for a decade and a half.) Others, especially those having to do with Marcel Duchamp's late work, are better supported, and genuinely interesting.
   
   With regard to the personal relationships between the book's principals, the arguments are often much weaker. (The authors spend the book's entire first half establishing surrealism as a bloodthirsty aesthetic whose proponents were entralled with violent criminality and the sliced-up forms of women. Then, after claiming Duchamp for the surrealist movement, the authors suggest that his apparent continuing fascination with the Black Dahlia murder would likely have been the result of a "personal connection" with the killing.) They do, however, do a fine and interesting job of documenting involvement between their suspect and Man Ray.
   
   The most compelling parts of the book are the ones that deal directly with their suspect, George Hodel. His life and predilictions recall Anton LaVey in some ways. Hodel's son, Steve, has also written a book about the Black Dahlia killing. That, I'd like to read.



3. This unusual book argues that the killer of Elizabeth Short aka the Black Dahlia was a Surrealist who worked on the Hollywood scene. It does provide a surprisingly convincing case that the killer was a member of a particular artistic school that had a particularly strong influence on the movies of the time.
   
   The book is very well illustrated with ghastly photos from the crime scene and is recommended to all true crime buffs.



4. 
   KUDOS TO MARK AND SARAH. As relates to the Nelson/Bayliss EXQUISITE CORPSE: SURREALISM AND THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, I would like to add my heartfelt appreciation and high praise for their outstanding research, dedication and documentation. I believe their independent and academic investigation, adds mountains of evidence to my original lay/foundational thesis that suggested surrealism and its art were the key to the DAHLIA crime signatures. Mark Nelson and Sarah Hudson Bayliss have connected the dots and the people and presented them for all of us to see. They have taken the long silent voices of those who knew (or suspected) and by holding up their works (riddles wrapped in mysteries)--HAVE MADE THEM SPEAK!
   
   Steve Hodel
   Los Angeles



5. I was aware of the Black Dahlia murder as one of those notorious, super-mediafied events that was big enough to sorta stay in the public conciousness through the years. It's incredible to me that, after all this time, there is still stuff to discover about the murder. And one might be inclined to say why bother dwelling on it? And, for me, the answer is that this book is about something much more interesting than just the murder: it's about the connection between the murder, the murderer, surrealist art, and some of the major artists of the 20th century. The author's arguments are convincing and the connections they surface are -- to me -- amazing. It says a lot about art and the culture of artists. As an artist myself, I find this particularly interesting.
   
   I read some of the other reviews of this book. I think it'd be best if people who review a book have actually READ the book. Nobody would read this book and give it only 1 star. Even if you don't like the subject, you can't deny that the authors have approached the subject soberly, argue their points well, and that the research/images/writing are good. This is no shrill, sensational supermarket pulp product. It's a good read and an *interesting* read on many levels.
   
   I learned some new things about art, artists, culture and the experience was wrapped in a remarkable bit of art-historian sleuthing about one of the most grisly, notorious murders ever. The fact that one of the most horrific murders in US history was actually part of a dialogue with a major movement in 20th century art is, well, amazing...
   
   I recommend the book. Read it and you'll know what i mean.

5 comments about Art as a Way of Life.

1. This book is a marvelous collection of inspirational writing and enchanting images that combine to create a treasure. It's one of those volumes I keep close at hand and pick up to enjoy a page or two, especially when creativity wanes...



2. I ordered Art as a Way of Life from Heron Dance (along with several other items as gifts) around the holidays. This book is spectacular and an inspiration for all who are creative or searching for their creativity! It is a pleasure to read and see. The layout is as superb as the quality of content. One item I ordered as a gift was slightly damaged. I called and they sent a replacement out same day with postage paid envelope for my return.....AND I got a real person (pleasant and helpful to boot) on the phone. I plan to order more from them. I highly recommend them for their product and what they stand for. Laura ~ Arlington VA



3. Some of us are working/living in high stress situations. When I return to the sanctuary of my home, reading here and there in "Art as A Way of Life" and loosing myself in the wonderful watercolor pictures by Rod MacIver is a wonderful way to unwind.
   
   Jan Penney
   California



4. "When this old world starts getting you down," open this book of beauty. Rod's exquisite watercolors take you to a place of quiet and contemplation, while Ann's well-chosen quotes and her own words of truth will lift you into your own possibilities. And...the format and presentation make this book stand out above others of its kind. I will give this as a gift to all my friends. But I will always keep one for myself.



5. Great words, wonderful art -- a marvelous combination. The art needs the words more than the words need the art. A great compilation, whether you're a lover of words and ideas for your wild soul, or you appreciate nature watercolors -- or both.

No comments about Painting in Renaissance Venice.

1 comments about Busy Teacher's Guide: Art Lessons.

1. If you want a little more depth to your art lessons this is a great book. More than an 'arts and crafts' book - gives background of artists, resources, simple project instructions, and easy to find materials keeps the projects low cost. Super for any BUSY teacher.

5 comments about A Graveyard Preservation Primer (American Association for State and Local History Book Series).

1. If you've ever had a question about preserving a single headstones or need a complete primer to fully restore a historic graveyard, this book tells how. I admit I was unaware the "Association For Gravestone Studies" existed before reading this book, but the AGS has compliled a wealth of information and photos here. The book is concise, less than 200 pages, but proof a book doesn't need be thick and heavy as a 10 Lb. bag of kitty litter to cover a topic thoroughly. The wealth of actual grave marker photos are very interesting in themselves. Dozens of actual photos illustrate, no better way to understand how correct and incorrect methods can damage or beautifully restore 18th and 19th century headstones. For projects bigger than preserving a single headstone or family plot, information is included on everything from understanding symbolism on historic markers to acquiring funding for graveyard restoration, assessment, cleaning, landscaping, rules posting, survey forms, involving voluteers, even legislation proposal. There is also an appendix of sources to contact for Contractors, Conservators and Carvers in your area. This book is well worth the money, and will not end up in your next yard sale!



2. This provides exactly the information one needs to (a) appreciate the historical and material sensitivity of gravestones/markers; and the techniques, tools, and materials available to the interested amateur as well as professional to appropriately salvage, restore and protect these sensitive, often forgotten, resources. Especially useful for 17th-19th century graveyards and markers.



3. You'd think to clean an old gravestone all you'd need is a wire brush and some bleach, right? Or maybe a sand blaster? Turns out, that couldn't be more wrong. A Graveyard Preservation Primer is the most up to date guide for those wishing to conserve the old stones in their local graveyards, without unwittingly causing more damage. Materials and techniques for safely ridding stones of lichen, molds, and just plain dirt are explained, and they turn out to be surprisingly simple. But get ready to apply some good old fashioned elbow grease. As far as conserving/repairing stones that have already incurred damage, this has now become science, and Strangstad warns that it should not be undertaken by amateurs, however well-intentioned. Suggestions for locating professional assistance are included in this comprehensive manual. Anyone interested in cemetery preservation should begin by reading this work.



4. This is a great concise, basic book on graveyard preservation - a real "primer" indeed. Anyone interested in such work should read this through at least once before ever attempting it, then it can be a quick reference after that. Covers briefly yet thoroughly all aspects of gravesite preservation, explaining what you'll have to think about even if it can't give you precise instruction. Lynnette Strangstad, writing for the Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS), does a fine job and includes bibliography and even some possible contacts for proceeding on preservation.



5. The Graveyard Preservation Primer is a must read for anyone interested in the reasons to save old graveyards and how to go about doing so in a respectful and historically accurate manner. Her book is well researched and well written. It is straightforward and simple enough for novices, yet has enough insightful information for even the most informed reader. Her topics range from how to organize volunteers to do gravestone and graveyard cleaning to photographic techniques to get outstanding records of the stones. Her suggestions for cleaning techniques are well researched and very sound. Overall, this is just a superb manual. A must read before any work is done on an old graveyard. It will also enhance the experience of the graveyard afficionado, by exposing them to a whole new set of ways to observe the gravestones and yard.

5 comments about How to Draw Anime & Game Characters, Vol. 4: Mastering Battle and Action Moves.

1. What I like about this book is that it has many angles for a fight style. It offers hints on small details that would make your characters look alive. I recommend that you go checking out this book first at your local library before you buy it because you might not like it. This book only shows fight moves not actual battles between two characters. It is a book for intermediate artist who has mastered some drawing skills. This book is a good reference book because if you drew a character and it look "weird" there are hints in this book that will help you fix the "weirdness."



2. If you view this book as just a drawing book, then I can understand some of the negative reviews.
   
   For example, one of the reviewers complained that the author spent too much time on the drawings for a side kick. And that reviewer was absolutely right.
   
   The reason is: this is really an ANIMATION book. And all those "redundant" drawings that the author is spending time on are the Key Frames and Passing Frames that are ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL for creating great animations.
   
   For example, take Macromedia Flash, draw in those key and passing frames. Then draw in the inbetweens, and you have FANTASTIC animated action sequences. I know, because I've done it!
   
   Viewed as an animation book, this is THE DEFINITVE BOOK for martial-arts, anime animation.
   
   Buy the Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams, along with this book and you will have a complete course on anime animation.



3. If you've gotten Ozawa's other books, then you already know how detailed his books get! This volume is no different and goes a step further by showing you actions in progress such as showing you each movement of a person walking. Then he shows you how to do the same action but at different angles and foreshortening. There's so much info in here that it'll take you awhile to digest all the information in it. It's stacked full of drawings and side notes!
   
   There are quite a lot of action moves in this book, specifically hand-to-hand combat. No instructions on drawing weapons even though the cover shows them.
   
   Quite unlike Martials Arts & Combat Sports and Illustrating Battles editions, this book prep you to think in 3 dimensions and animation-type movement. If you're set on making animations and video games in the future, this book is the best way to learn spatial relations and seeing your characters more than just one or two-dimensionally.
   
   If you're into making manga, getting this book won't hurt at all but you're probably better off getting the Illustrating Battles or Martials Arts & Combat Sports book initially.
   
   Like his other editions, this book is young-reader friendly and covers nudity well using block, wire, and wooden model figures.



4. When I first got this book it looked like it would help me with martial arts and japanese moves. Boy was I wrong. The very fact that this is japanese animation would make the reader ASSUME this was japanese Battling. Instead, I got HUGE Bozos, throwing punches and absolutely no martial arts. In this book, Tadashi was so busy showing the angles of just one kick, that he has absolutely NO variety WHATSOEVER! I'm serious, just one move takes him up to four pages to get his point across. Do yourself a favor and skip Volume 4 MASTERING BATTLE AND ACTION MOVES in Tadashi's work.



5. after getting the first three volumes of this series i admit to being a bit over-expectant of this volume. not to mention i am also guilty of judging it by its cover. as usual it starts off with some useful information about movement or anything it could be covering in this book, which i like very much and has very useful tips. however towards the part of the book where it begins to have illustrations of kicks and punches and stuff, i was utterly disapointed. the cover suggests that the book contains something on sword fighting or knife-fighting, or graceful battles, but was completly off. the battles in this book are like street fights, something i was totally not interested in. All it has is overly-masculine people throwing elbow jabs and drop kicks. there is an even distribution of girls and boys in this book, but none of them seem to be at all related to the kind of battles on the cover or back page. i suggest before buying this book you understand it will NOT give that many battle moves. it never even touches upon knives or swords. and pretty much the only action moves are people going from a walk to a run.

No comments about Art of the Avant-Gardes (Art of the Twentieth Century).

1 comments about Make It in Clay: A Beginner's Guide to Ceramics.

1. When your professor comes over the first day of class and leafs through your brand new book and says, "Where did you get this...it's a great introduction to this class!" then proceeds to tell you he knows some of the potters and works pictured...you know it's a GREAT book. From learning where clay comes from and the techniques from pinching and coiling to the wheel and sculpture, I found great tips and photos to help me along and inspire my "creations." Then came texturing, coloring and glazing and firing techniques. I've actually bought the book as a gift for Mr. Pace (from amazon.com, naturally) and his future students because I found it SO helpful.

1 comments about Dutch Paintings in The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. I purchased this two volume set for my daughter [which she had specifically requested] and had it shipped directly to her. She is a doctoral candidate in Art History at a major university and was absolutely astounded at not only how beautiful the set was, but that it was a very comprehensive representation of the subject matter in one convenient location. The photographic renderings of the paintings were also impressive. A "must-have" for any serious art lover or student of Dutch paintings.