4 comments about The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Modernist Myths.

1. Don't let the number of syllables fool you - Krauss' words are far too big for her britches. Sarcastic and often defensive in tone, this polemic falls short of the academic masterpiece it is often purported to be. Her characterization of Mondrian's artistic program as an obsession with the grid betrays either an ignorance of or indifference to the artist's own (extensive) writings that is shocking for a critic of such high repute. While I support Krauss' broader aim of knocking Modernism out of its traditional ivory tower, her willingness to forego evidence in favor of arguement does nothing to further the cause.



2. This book was very good from an art student point of view. It is very revealing of some subtle changes that took place early in the 20th century and became part of the collective-art-unconscious. You just don't get this sort of insight from an art history class. Thank you Ms. Krauss.



3. As Hal foster... writes, miss Krauss cannot be blamed of the conceptual limitations of the time... if read within a historical context, this book Is very enlightening and very compromised with structural analysis, as it is with it's by- products (of wihch, we often make so much of a deal these days) ... this includes early -and pure- examples of deconstructivist meta-texts. It seems to me that her efforts have not been scaled to the dimension they have. It is (still) a formidable introduction for anyone interested in really getting involved in post- structural thinking. A sort of golden thread for the roots of contemporary thought. Her, "sculpture on the expanded field", is illuminating, don't miss it. I really regret having rated "the optical unconscious" 4 stars, it must also be 5. Such risks taken by an art historian must not be taken lightly. She has taken first, as few others,the steps to construct--- the difference---.



4. While this book deals with some incredibly interesting subject matter, overall it tends to fall flat, partially due to Krauss's outmoded Weltanschauung and belief (although probably unconscious) in transcendental/idealist aesthetics. Although if you like Hal Foster this would be right up your alley.

3 comments about Design Secrets: Products 2: 50 Real-Life Product Design Projects Uncovered (Design Secrets).

1. Got this as a birthday present for my fiance (who is studying industrial / product design), and he loves it. It takes you step-by-step through the design process, and includes pictures/illustrations. It includes a variety of products (from kitchen products to snowboarding products), which he appreciated.



2. I was actually looking for a book to help me with my portfolio development... though it doesn't cover rendering techniques (it doesn't claim to) this book actually gives you such a clear idea of the entire design process, there are hardly any doubts left in your head after that. and it's so well written... oh and the pictures! they are just fantastic. This book is the second in the design secrets - products series... so it is very up to date and covers very recent products. I recommend this to anyone, not just aspiring designers, if products in general interest you. you'll never look at anything you buy the same way! it's just a brilliant book. and as for anyone looking to pursue design, you NEED it. if its too expensive for you, at least get a used copy!



3. I recently purchased this book for one of my design drawing classes. The teacher had specifically asked us to find examples of product design sketches. After looking everywhere for books on the subject this one turned out to be the most up-to-date in terms of techniques and the most complete. I also think it's a great reference book and gives a good overview of the product design process. I recently purchased this book for one of my design drawing classes. The teacher had specifically asked us to find examples of product design sketches. After looking everywhere for books on the subject this one turned out to be the most up-to-date in terms of techniques and the most complete. I also think it's a great reference book and gives a good overview of the product design process.

5 comments about Process Color Manual, 24,000 CMYK Combinations for Design, Prepress, and Printing.

1. This is an old book but it is still relevant to anyone who is designing for print. The book has every color combination of the four-color press process, in steps of 5% (i.e. 15% magenta, 75% cyan, 10% black and 25% yellow) in a grid format. You'll be able to accurately pick any color you are looking for.
   
   It doesn't have different paper stock, so that is the only part missing, but it uses the most common bright white coated paper.
   
   A cheap alternative to a Pantone Color book.



2. 20-odd years in the design industry and I have no idea why I haven't had a book like this yet. I've been mentally mixing colors for a long time now, and yet it's a fantastic thing to be able to see what that subtle difference is between 25c+100y and 30c+100y looks like in print. OK, it only approximates based on one press and coated paper, but at the end of the day, it's better than your monitor. So get the book and dispense with a good bit of guesswork. It takes a minute to get used to how to find exactly what you're looking for, but it's there!



3. I owned a previous version of this book at my last job and plan to purchase this for my own use. As others have said, it contains an amazing number of combinations not available in most books. It takes a little bit of flipping through the book to understand how it is laid out, but the concept is very difficult anyway to put down on paper. I think that this book has accomplished making it as simple as it can get while still being very comprehensive.



4. Buy this. Discover what you have been missing on this exceptionally complicated subject.
   Learn how to match the use of color(s) to your project.
   Take your usage of color to a level well beyond your experience with the easy to understand non-techno language.
   Excellent investment.



5. Well, I've been using CorelDraw for a short time, and this book helped me a lot about printing preview colors.

5 comments about No More Secondhand Art.

1. ANOTHER ART TEACHER HAD RECOMENDED THIS BOOK TO ME. I HELP TEACH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. I LOVE THE VARIETY OF LESSONS, THE IN DEPTH TEACHING AND EXAMPLES GIVEN. (THEIR ARE A FEW LESSONS THAT ARE TOO ADVANCED FOR SOME OF THE STUDENTS, BUT I MYSELF HAVE FUN WITH THOSE.)



2. -this is a good companion to it. He's a bit verbose occasionally but gives you difference insights on the same material. The "creative encounters" are exercises to increase creativity and can be used alone or with a group. This is an old book, but I'd seen it cited several times. Still well worth a read if you're interested in creativity and how to open people to being creative.



3. This is one of the most inspiring books you can read if you are an art student or just interested in art. Peter London tells the artists to go out and find themselves, make their own art, an experiment with encounter. Encounters are excises that are designed to help you know yourself and find out maybe unknown things about you. Since, he is an art therapist, the exercises are very creative and geared to giving you incite into how you can go out and create your own art based on what you have learned from encountrs with self.
   This may be a very unique approach to art-making but it's a journey through your own soul and I believe you need to make that journey to make your artwokd say what you want it to say.
   London's title is roughtly based on a book by Buckmaster Fuller, who wrote "No More Second-Hand God". Fuller states that if you want to know God, go out and find him for yourself. Don't just except whar yu've been told. That is someone else's experience. Peter London also suggest that other aqartist's work is about them, not about you. Go out and find yourself , then you will be able to communicate visually your unique fellings and deepest thought. Presuasive and inspiring,would recommend you pick it up today.



4. Having studied with Peter London over the past ten years I can assure readers that as a teacher he lives what he writes. He embodies what every teacher should bring to students: careful listening, respectful attention, thoughtful questioning. His writings have won the deserved respect of his educator and artist colleagues nationwide. Treat yourself to a fine book.



5. I've read this book three times from cover to cover in the past ten years; every now and again for just certain sections. I wish every teacher taught with the respect and care that comes through in the words of this book; won't you try? It is an invaluable resource for the teacher; covering subjects such as setting up classroom environments, critiques, media, and even giving art experience ideas. If you listen carefully to his words you will be given precious pieces of knowledge for your classroom and your studio, from someone who undoubtedly practices and believes in what he knows to be good. It's that real; and that important.

4 comments about Internet 101 for Artists, Second Edition: With a Special Guide to Selling Art on eBay (Internet 101 for Artists).

1. This is mostly a great book for people who are 'net challenged, who haven't yet joined us in the internet age. It does have some helpful tips for those that are net savvy and just need ideas on marketing artwork online but it's a better resource for artists who haven't used the net much.



2. I find the paper back copy of rhe book I purchased very encouraging.
   
   There is a lot to read and to absorb. I am reading it slowly.
   
   Thank you for making this book available.
   
   Sincerely Leonard Silvesain, Artist



3. If you're a practicing artist with little computer knowledge, then no easier introduction is available than Internet 101 for Artists, 2nd Edition, which covers everything from setting up email to making money on ebay, acquiring a URL, using meta tags to promote traffic and art, and more. It's a very easy, specific introduction which goes beyond the usual general computer guide for newcomers to reach directly into the artists' community.



4. This book was easy to read and definitely for beginners. The explanations for e-mail, surfing the web, etc, were simple and thorough. The chapters on designing your web site and selling art on Ebay were extremely good.
   
   I'm not an internet newbie by any means but I've read (and liked) most books by ArtNetwork Press so I wanted to give this one a try. While most of the information was way too basic, I did pick up some good tips here and there. I also found that most of the information provided was very up to date with current trends. There were also a lot of helpful links to examples, information sites, etc.
   
   This is definitely a must read for any artist that is not comfortable with their internet skills but want to tap into that marketing venue.

4 comments about Patterns: New Surface Design.

1. The cover is fun. It's a great size, but the content leaves a lot to be desired. The reproductions are poor. Many of the images are so small I can barely make out what they are. Some are not even patterns, just pictures. Although the book is full of images, there are only a few artists represented and their work is shown over and over (not the kind of pattern I was seeking). And the commentary is useless at best. This is not a book of the great work that is being done out there in the design world. Having said all that, there are some lovely patterns and interesting ideas here. I just wish I didn't have to work so hard to find them and learn from them.



2. This book has few words and many patterns. There are five sections, each devoted to a different type of pattern. Although I found I only really consistently liked the conversational, retro and organic patterns, I thought the range of different patterns and different mediums (digital, textile, hand-drawn, etc) was great. It would have been nice to have a little more information on how each subset of patterns has been developing, what the patterns themselves are used for, who some of the major players are and other relevant information.
   
   The physical package itself is very attractive, compact, has a good weight and feel and lovely paper stock.



3. This is a fantastic book full of wonderful pattern designs in many different styles... very inspirational! Great for textile or surface designers, or anyone interested in design. Also love the textured cover!



4. Loved this book! Tons of images and references for inspiration! Every time I see it, I discover something new!!!

5 comments about The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book).

1. Here's my experience so you can discover if you are on my level or SUPERIOR to me when it comes to knowledge about bird feeding. This year we put up a super duper, no attractions spared, bird feeding center.
   
   Did we ever get a show! We had finches, wrens, cardinals and all sorts of birds appear. We had thistle feeders and those for birds who preferred sunflower seeds. However, we also discovered that the birds inhaled food, simply seemed to suck it in like some industrial strength vacuum cleaner, small in size and...well, I wish I had a vacuum cleaner that quick and efficient! Another sign that nature trumps technology much of the time.
   
   But....we were going into hock trying to keep those birds fed. So I bought this book partly because of the section on how to keep them fed and still afford to retire someday.
   
   It was very helpful and now we're happy and the birds are happy. For those of you who feel just fine spending money on bird seed and not finding less costly methods of feeding the adorable little gluttons, you'll find a huge array of info in this one about how to choose feeders, which mixes work best and even how to deal with cicadas.
   
   You can get an idea of the book's topics by using the "Search Inside the Book" feature. Of course, some things can't be taught by a book, as I learned when a bird alit on my shoulder while filling a feeder, a small gift.
   
   But if you want info about how to attract birds, create the ideal feeders and find the mix seed mixes as well as projects you can make yourself, this IS the book to get. You can read more about it and other items on my profile page on Amazon.



2. My boyfriend loves this and so do I. It has shed a new light on an old sport.



3. Whatever you want to know about birds, just look up the word and there is tons of information on the subject. Fast and easy!



4. 
   I barely got to look at the thing!
   
   I made the mistake of allowing my young nephew to glance through it a few days ago. The next thing I know he takes it home with him and won't bring it back to me. (Well, he 'would' because he's that kind of guy... but I think I am going to allow him to keep it.)
   
   Apparently this book had the remarkable effect of sparking in him a sudden interest in the hobby of attracting and feeding birds.
   
   Actually, all summer long we have been visited at our little place in the country by birds of all sorts and we have been feeding them everyday so they wouldn't get bored and go away, but my nephew didn't have any interest in them... that is, not until I let him look at this book.
   
   As I said, I did not really get to look at this book, but let's base my 5 star review on the enthusiasm it sparked in him. He says it is a great book because the information within is very interesting and very in-depth. He also loves the plentiful beautiful pictures which helps keep him attracted all the more to the subject matter.
   
   I am very pleased that a child growing up in today's sterile electronically-obsessed society can still find something very natural and positive to invest his time and interest in. Aren't you?



5. This one is just filled with excellent ideas. After years of birding you would think there would be no new ideas...wrong! I picked up quite a lot from this book. It is well organized, easy to use and easy to read and understand. I am glad I received it as a gift and recommend you get a copy if this is where your interests are. Overall, recommend this one highly.

No comments about The Visual Arts: A History (Combined) (7th Edition).

5 comments about Dance Me to the End of Love (Art & Poetry).

1. A perfect match. A favourite painter and poet/performer in one volume. A complete delight and looks so good on the coffee table.



2. and well worth the read: That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. Fans of Cohen will recognize "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako, a near-contemporary of Leonard Cohen, has given us a remarkably candid and fascinating memoir -- notably well-written and a great read. The writing just flows.



3. Dance Me to the End of Love (Art & Poetry)
   
   this is a beautiful book which joins Leonard Cohen's poem/song with Henri Matisse's paintings - a fabulous gift for someone you love, whether or not they are a Leonard Cohen fan



4. This edition of Leonard Cohen's song/poem with the artwork of Matisse is beautiful and the perfect gift for any engaged couple. If a man were to give this to me, I would have to melt before him. It could only be improved if a CD of L. Cohen was included with his deep, rich, smoky and phenomenally sexy voice bringing to life the dance.



5. It's hard to believe Matisse did not collaborate on this book. The perfect symbiosis of the poetry and illustrations truly dance you through to the end. I bought this book as a gift. I'm keeping it.

5 comments about Hundertwasser (Taschen 25th Anniversary).

1. This book is informative and very well made. Hundertwasser is one of my favorite artists and I own several books about his life and work. This is one is (so far) the best. The Taschen book reproduces his work beautifully, showcasing the washes and color use that make his work truly sublime. It also contains some wonderful photographs of the buildings he designed, which make one wish all construction could be so imaginative. This book was more than I expected for a very fair price.



2. I am a quilter, and bought this book largely because of my love for batiks,(which are cotton fabrics hand dyed)and on recollection of a show I saw 32 years ago on Hundertwasser in Toronto's ROM.I like it,big time.Yep,there's no gold leaf in them thar hills and curves of Hundertwasser repros,if it bothers you enough,grab a gold leaf marker and add it yourself.Taschen offers value for your money,if you want gold leaf,you may have to add another 20.00 to the cost of the book.I have no problems about the quality of the repros.Anything that looks like pale brown,try and doublecheck,it is likely it is gold leaf. The artist may not have alot to say as other painters,but his designs,and color sense are really got me going into my studio.
   I am glad I got it!



3. This book really shows off Hundertwasser and is a great addition to any art collection. This is another hit by Taschen.



4. Any book about art or an artist that doesn't make me fall asleep gets five stars from me. The only downside (but it still gets five stars) as that you don't get the full representation of the pictures and need to look at the description to see the medium. For example the foil overlay. Still wonderful. (Feb 17, 2008)
   
   I eventually found a small, beautiful, cloth-bound catalogue of his Australian and New Zealand exhibitions (the one I have was produced in 1973 by cicero, gmbh and titled 'Hundertwasser 1974 Australia') and there you get glimpse of the phosphoric metallic brilliance that I find missing in many of the books about Hundertwasser - although for the price of these books, no complaint. This book and the catalogue are a good combination. The catalogue I was able to find at a very reasonable price of $30, but it took a bit of searching. (April 16, 2008)



5. REVIEW SUBTITLE: A Serendipitous Purchase
   
   While I had come across references to "the art of Hundertwasser," because I knew only of him as an architect and consider architecture an art, I assumed that the colorful work adorning the cover of this book was one of the Gaudi-esque architect's occasionally fancified plans. As a number probably know, however, it is not. Rather it is but one of Hundertwasser's many paintings.
   
   Though I'd expected a book on architecture, I was not disappointed to receive one focusing on H's development as a painter. In fact, I was elated, for splashed across approximately 2/3rds of the 197 pages of this book are what had originally attracted me to him: the "lush opulence" of what I now know are his watercolors and paintings.
   
   This book, however, is not just a visual feast. In addition tracing his development as an artist, the text includes and discusses H's thoughts on topics such as those noted in the Table of Contents I've included in the commentary following this review. And while some may seem esoteric, the discussions are not. In fact, they're fascinating.
   
   That most of the focus of Taschen's retrospective of H and his work is on water colors/painting is not surprising, for so few of his structures were ever realized. However, approximately 30 well-illustrated pages are devoted to H's theories about architecture, his architectural models, and the utopian structure he was commissioned by the city of Vienna to build.
   
   I was certainly correct in one assumption I made when I ordered HUNDERTWASSER: With the words "Taschen 25th Anniversary" attached to its title, I could not go wrong. Nor will anyone who purchases it.
   
   Note: Lest you give any weight to L. Egan's comment about the book's "downsides," please read my response to his review.