1 comments about i never knew what time it was.

1. I keep going back to this collection, again and again, mining it for its virtues. Antin is a master at talking, and these essays were apparently written first as improvisations, then polished over and over till they attain the shine of fine old silver. He has a way of describing things that make them seem brand new. His mind skips from one thing to another, exploring their connections, and yet he's light on his feet, like a stone skimming across the surface of a beautiful pond. His "manifesto" on postmodern practice turns out to be an account, rather like Mark Twain in comic richness, of himself and his wife trying to buy a bed and not knowing how to select the best one, and the awkwardness of trying out a bed in a furniture store, even with salespeople encouraging you to lie down and get comfortable on their samples. Never explicitly does he explain how this Jean Kerr type story might be an allegory for postmodernism, but Antin is wise enough to let the tale speak for itself.
   
   His memories of figures varied as John Baldesarri and Herbert Marcuse are quite amusing. Best of all is Antin's line, without the benefit of capital letters, and sentences floating in scraps of phrases like comic book dialogue freed of balloon moorning. he approximates the free-floating effect of talking to someone who has absolute authority over thinking, and how liberating it is to submit to such a man. Reading the essays in this book, we long for more of such talk transcription. Apparently there are many, many more talks waiting for publication, and of course Antin happily is still very much with us planning more. He calls these talks "poems" and of course that is his right.
   
   My caveat is that he spends too many pages repeating himself on the zaniness and spiritual emptiness of California, and he seems to be patting himself (and his wife, performance artist Eleanor Antin) on the back for bringing culture to San Diego way back when -- in the 1970s. This thrust seems short-sighted and an insult to San Diego. However, this is a book for the ages and I expect will bring pleasure to anyone who can get into it.

No comments about Dot Dot Dot 13 (Dot Dot Dot).

2 comments about Greenwich Village 1963: Avant-Garde Performance and the Effervescent Body.

1. the coming together of once repressed forces-cagean chance, dada nihilism, artaudian viscerality surfacing as -performance/dance/music/writing/film fused alogically-much like the experiments at black mountain- 1963 may very well have been the culmination and dissolution ? of significant art in NYC. this is a well researched, symapathetic account of that period.



2. In Sally Banes' historical look at the art scene in Greenwich Village in 1963 and 1964, one gets a dense book of information that covers the kind of art made, the creative processes involved, and the key players within this New York season of art. She chooses to look at dance (Judson Church), underground film, the Fluxus movement, Pop Art, and theater (Living Theater, Open Theater, LaMama, Cafe Chino). This all inclusiveness is beneficial in her points on this era's sense of community, equality, and freedom of expression.

   Overall, I enjoyed this book. I believe that it is chock full of historical knowledge that will benefit artists and art lovers alike. I do however wish that I could make my parents read it. That could be considered one downfall of this publication. It is interesting for me to read, as a choreographer, but it is lacking a sense of awareness for the non-artist. I also felt that Banes has an annoying writing trait of repeating herself.

   I would recommend reading this book. It is a good introduction to the people and the era of the early sixties. The most interesting chapters were when Banes chose to contextualize and involve social and political facts/theories with what the artists motivations were. I particularly enjoyed the section covering LeRoi Jones (Baraka) and his plays.

   It is interesting because we are still in the thick of post-modern art. Even though this book is a historical look back at New York's downtown, it points out common themes that are in the art world today. For example, feminist pedagogy, taking art from everyday life, community through art, and political art are concepts embraced by dancers, painters, actors, and independent film makers across America.

No comments about Frank Stella: Painting into Architecture (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

3 comments about Tiki Style (Icons).

1. I've been looking for books on the Tiki Craze of the 50's and 60's. This book is a pocket version I'm told of a bigger book which I plan on getting. This book is awesome and for lack of a better term kitschy. I hate that word so much but its the only way to describe it. It is also a beautiful work of art that belongs in any greaser or cool hep lounge lizard's bachelor pad. The book is very informative documenting the beginnings of the Tikis when the polynesians worshiped them as gods of good luck and fertility and how the boys of WW2 brought back with them from the tour of the pacific, the tiki.
   There is awesome photographs of old Tiki restaurants and bars like Trader Vic's and Beachcomber Don. There is also pictures of some of the cool tropical elixirs that sent many a grey flannel man wifting along on trade winds to the warm gold beaches, the emerald seas and the topless native women. It also chronicles Tiki theme parks, hotels and cool swinging apartments for the bachelor minature jungles of love. There is some very embarrasingly funny politically incorrect attitudes towards the actual polynesian culture that created the Tiki movement in America.
   It seems here in America when ever anything is past a year old its considered garbage and thrown out. To me thats a disgusting attitude and it needs to change. We need to learn from the past. Pretty much we live in a era of conformity and BS like the 50's. It seems we need to loosen our belts again. The Tiki back yard party was a way of shedding the inhibitions both sexually and mentally placed on that generation by their prodecessors. Rockabilly and Rock n' Roll helped the teenager in the 50's shed inhibitions, so the Tiki party did that for the adult. It was a chance to be somebody else and be a kid again. We sorely need that in this day and age. This book is a great read and I plan on buying the bible version of it.



2. In much defense of "Tiki Style", this book is really about making a conservative friendly,nudity free version of the Book Of Tiki so it could be sold in retail locations like Old Navy. It has most of the same lovely photos sans bare breast and wooden phalluses.
   
   The book itself is slightly larger than a pocket size book. Its inexpensive, which make it a great gift and/or introductory book to show others without fear of damage to one's copy of the Book of Tiki. Guilt free.
   
   This book is more of a tool for those already beholding of tiki and a photographic intro for those just starting to learn the imagery of this era of Americana pop culture.



3. I was looking forward to reading this book as I throughly enjoyed Kirsten's 'Book of Tiki' and the synopsis of this book led me to believe it was a new work by Sven Kirsten. I was quite dismayed to find that 'Tiki Style' simply appears to take 18 of the 23 chapters in Kirsten's 'Book of Tiki' , cut out a good portion of the chapters' accompanying photos along with their captions, and reprint them under a new title. I could not find a single image or line of text in this book that hasn't been directly copied over from 'Book of Tiki' (even the chapter titles remain the same). This book's only saving grace is the price makes it an affordable alternative for anyone who can't get their hands on a copy of 'Book of Tiki'. However, if you already own 'Book of Tiki' you'd be wise to stay away from this one.

2 comments about Postmodern Animal (Reaktion Books - Essays in Art and Culture).

1. This book is not for the animal enthusiast who is looking for cute stories about critters and a little background on the blue dog painter. This is a book about animals as they appear in the postmodern era. Really, if the reader is not interested in contemporary art, this may be a dull read because it expects a minimal level of art background. However, if you are interested in art now and animals in contemporary culture, especially if you are an artist working with animals, this is a great read!
   
   Artists discussed that may be familiar include:
   Joseph Bueys
   Damien Hirst
   Paula Rego
   Cindy Sherman
   Paul McCarthy
   Jeff Koons
   Bruce Nauman
   Hubert Duprat
   Louise Bourgeois
   William Wegman
   
   It was amazing to see a compilation of animal works through these artists, although it gave relatively few avenues to expand my own work. It was exceptionally gratifying to hear that I wasn't the only one hitting this animal criticism (Using animals in postmodern art is harder than declaring yourself a landscape artist). There is even a great chapter in the end about fear of the familiar, in using animals like pets, due to anthropomorphophobia and the fear of being uncritically sentimental.
   
   Ultimately, it was very insightful and a fairly easy read. Don't expect to gain all the answers of postmodernism by reading this though - postmodernism is more or less built on questions, not answers. It's more of a window and a catagorizing based on various theories and criticisms.
   
   Enjoy!!



2. I'm sure that there might be plenty who say that I'm too dull and logocentric, too "Oedipalized", to recognize the obvious profundity that lies in these pages. The intelligent reader, however, who does not confuse obscurity for insight, might think differently.

   I don't know what would possess someone to write about the "postmodern animal" - I really don't. So often in these pages it seems as though Baker has to read "the postmodern animal" into places it just doesn't seem to be. That is, whatever the hell the "postmodern animal" is. I'm not quite sure myself after trying to decipher this trendy gobbledegook.

   I guess I have to "supply my own meaning" or some other such hippy postmodernist platitude.

   What is happening to this world?

2 comments about Feng Shui Design: From History and Landscape to Modern Gardens and Interiors.

1. This book is made for anyone to understand. Through great pictures and words, it starts you off on the world of Feng Shui. The authors adhere to the modern branch of feng shui, which is great... how else can we know what to do with our computer and tv? great book! We painted out new business yellow inside to promote calm, and greens outside to promote growth. It's in the book.



2. Not only is this book very informative on the timely subject of Feng Shui, it is also beautifully illustrated. A must for your library!

2 comments about Kara Walker: Pictures From Another Time.

1. I'm just a regular Joe who doesn't even know that much about art (I never even had an undergraduate class in art appreciation or art history). I first saw Kara Walker's art on a PBS special and was so moved by her work and her methods, I purchased this book. The images in this book are more graphic, more arresting, and more provoking than the ones shown on TV. I opened this book as soon as I received it from Amazon, yet, I had to keep looking away at times because some of the compositions are so heartbreaking. As a minority myself, I don't think I suffer too much from white guilt about racial and historical prejudice, yet just the intensity of emotion and presentation of her juxtapositions are painful and exhilirating. "Genius" is a word I approach with skepticism because of it's over use these days (c'mon can Eminem REALLY be a genius?) but very often as I turned the pages in this collection and was stopped by images that begged contemplation, the word genius occurred to me over and over again.

   
   I took off one star for the essays, NOT for Kara Walker's art. I doubt it, but maybe I will get around to reading the essays. They intrude upon the presentation of the work, at times, which is slightly annoying. I guess they help you put the artist's work into historical, aesthetic context blah, blah, blah. I'm sure the more educated appreciate the inclusions of the essays, but I think her works speaks loads by itself. Which, ideally, is how art should affect us (us="the great unwashed masses without any special knowledge"), isn't it?




2. Upon its publication, this was the most complete volume on Kara Walker that I had come across. The essays are well written and informative, and delve deeper into various aspects of the artist's work than had previous reviews which often focus solely on the racial controversy of Walker's work. The interview with Thelma Golden provides some insight into possible future directions that Walker contemplates with her work. The images and color plates included in the book are of high quality and are representative of much of Walker's work, not only her installation at the University of Michigan.

1 comments about Ben Nicholson.

1. It is no small pleasure to view once again the cool, elegant work of Ben Nicholson. Unlike many of our neon palettes of today, Nicholson's tones were often subtle and delicate, especially in his reliefs. He seldom discussed the subject matter of his works, since it was the process that fascinated him. Lynton describes him as "a child-man, whose best joys and fullest sense of being alive came from his delight in the perfect flight of a ball or a bird."

   Nicholson was self-effacing, witty and urbane. His world was one of joy in light and line. Lynton's book beautifully brings us into that world.

5 comments about The Art and Craft of Papier Mache.

1. Beautiful examples, very clear instructions with drawings of the steps. First 66 pages are all on techniques. The rest gets into actual things to make like bowls, frames, jewelry etc. Quite an inspiration.



2. I would recommend any of Juliet Bawdens books. While in a friend art store a few years ago I saw some bowls like the ones Ms Bawden makes and was intrigued and I admit I said to myself that I could make similar bowls. Had I had this book to begin with I also admit that the journey would have been much easier. I also like the fact that you can use things around the home or inexpensive items as molds. Be it deflate type balls, big cones, or even balloons blown up. And if you take the time and are willing to follow her wisdom you will discover you can make high end pieces that would fit in well within any quality home.



3. Great book!
   I love the pictures, especially pages 128 &129 of the life size paper mache people. They are awesome!
   The recipe for pulp is the best I have ever used.



4. After picking up this book I became enthralled with papier mache. (BTW, Angel wrote a very accurate review!) This book touches on a variety of techniques for both small and large papier mache objects. The supplies needed are listed clearly, the photographs of the project representing each technique are inspiring, and the instructions are easy to follow while still allowing for experimentation and personal expression. This is just an awesome book!



5. This is a wonderful book that teaches you everything you need to know about making papier mache objects. Throughout the book you find many full-color photos of beautiful and unique artwork.

   The book starts out with a brief history of papier mache as well as discussion of modern folk art practices. Then equipment and supplies, including choosing a mold, are covered. Several techniques including pulp making, covering a mold, using a wire armature, forming a plaster mold, creating a lino print, using a gesso base and adding a rim, handle or spout are explained. Instructions are step-by-step and include simple illustrations.

   The techniques are then used in the projects. The projects include a box with lid, frame, plaque, bangle bracelet, hat, carnival mask, doll and figure. The projects are not "do exactly as I do". There are no templates and such. They simply give you basics of construction and allow you to add your own personality and creativity to the artwork.

   Conveniently, there is a glossary and index as well as a list of addresses for all of the artists (most are British) in the back. If you are looking for great easy-to-follow instructions and lots inspiration this is the book for you.