No comments about Art As Spectacle: Images of the Entertainer Since Romanticism.

No comments about Inaugural Exhibition Catalog of the Museum of East Asian Art Volume One:Chinese Ceramics (Inaugural Exhibition Catalog of the Museum of East Asian Art).

2 comments about The Imprint of Place: Maine Printmaking 1800-2005.

1. David Becker has written a wonderfully comprehensible book about a subject that is very broad. To be able to discuss so well such a variety of printmaking techniques, styles and skills over a long period of time is no easy task. He detects and explains commonalities when that is warranted, but does not stretch the point to fit the title of the book. The book is thoughtful and appreciative but not chauvinistic. It is also readable while being scholarly. The color illustrations are beautiful and true. This is a great book for anyone who cares about printmaking, Art history or Maine.



2. While THE IMPRINT OF PLACE: MAINE PRINTMAKING 1800-2005 would initially seem to be of very narrow regional interest, in reality it deserves a place in the holdings of any art library collection strong in printmaking representations. It represents a catalog celebrating some 200 years of printmaking with a large collaborative fine-arts project embracing a series of exhibitions and education programs, and as such provides the first chronological survey of the subject, standing as well alone as it does with the exhibit.

No comments about Fired Magic: Detroit's Pewabic Pottery Treasures (Great Lakes Books).

3 comments about Sanjulian: Master Visionary Vol 1.

1. First, let's make clear what this book is NOT. It is NOT a selection of color reproductions of Sanjulian's Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella covers that he did for Warren comics in the 70's and 80's (Oh, if only that were the case!). It is not even a sampling of the many book covers he has done for several publishers.
   What it is is a good selection of black and white drawings that the Spanish artist has made mainly for SQP publishing. These drawings are indeed great and showcase his mastery of form, tone and mood that we know from his paintings. There is an all-too-brief color section with 8 paintings, plus the color cover and back cover making 10 color plates in total.
   This book follows the format of just about all of SQP Publishing's art books which is to showcase just drawings in black and white and not color paintings so in that regard it fulfills its purpose. There is a lot to love in this book because Sanjulian's drawings have a grace and power that few artists have, but some may be dissapointed by the lack of color.



2. The Spanish born Manuel Sanjulian began making a name for himself as an illustrator in Europe in the 1960's but it was his work in the 1970's for Warren Publishing that truly made him a star. His covers for Warren's line of horror magazines Eerie, Creepy, Vampirella, and Famous Monsters of Filmland have justifiably become the stuff of legends. This work would propel him on to become one of the most sought after cover artists by book publishers. Sanjulian has what I feel is a timeless look. There are artists whose work you can look at and you can instantly guess what era they lived and worked in. But Sanjulian's work can't be classified by era. His work is comparable to some of the great legendary illustrators of the early 20th century like J. Allen St. John, Frank Schoonover, Hal Foster, and Burne Hogarth.
   
   This collection from SQ productions is a sampling of Sanjulians work displaying works of historical art, fantasy, and horror. His historical works cover various periods including the Civil War, Colonial, and Renaissance eras. But of course it is his horror and fantasy work that most SanJulian fans will want to see. The book is primarily black & white illustrations although there is an 8 page full color section with some of the artists own favorite paintings.
   
   Some of my favorite pieces include one with a sorceress holding up a chalice as a skeletal apparition is conjured forth. In a darkly gothic drawing, a dread sense of impending horror is evoked as a helpless captive woman lies on an altar, surrounded by hooded acolytes as a high priest is about to sacrifice her to some dark God. Page 27 also features one of Sanjulian's classic Vampirella drawings.
   
   The Color section is just startling and I certainly hope that down the line SQP will release a full color collection of Sanjulian's paintings. Everyone's favorite barbarian Conan is shown defending a helpless lass from a great horned demon. Another is clearly a Frazetta inspired painting with a Viking warrior fighting off a giant octopus. But my favorite piece in the color section is one showing Charon, boatman of the River Styx, maneuvering through New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
   
   Lost worlds, exotic lands, horrific creatures, and hearty warriors...they are all to be found in this fantastic collection of works from one of the great illustrators of the past 35 years.
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson



3. I'm a long time fan of Sanjulian's work from back in the seventies when he was doing covers for Warren Publishing. I thought I would never see his work again until I learned about the existance of his art book. Excited, I ordered it right away. Imagine my disappointment when I received a seventy page book with only eight pages of color! The luminosity of his color is part of what makes his work incredible. All of it wasted on page after page of black and white reproductions. Sanjulian deserves better, and so do his admirers.

No comments about Coded Characters: Media Art By Jill Scott.

No comments about Fetish.

2 comments about Mosaic Source Book Projects Designs Moti.

1. Any one with an eye for detail & a creative bone in their body will love this. Much more contempory & fun than the more 'crafty' selection of mosaic making books on the market. Whilst retaining the traditonal format of 'introduction - gallery - techniques - projects - useful addresses, etc' the projects are far from traditional in style if not in technique. This will probably appeal to the more style conscious person because the ideas in the book are more fitting in a modern setting but the principles in making decorative mosaic objects for the home are obviously traditional & well presented. The book has a 'clean' feel to it but I hope that anyone buying it will not stay clean for long as they cover themselves in glue, grout & bits of glass & ceramic (not literally, of course!) This will appeal to anyone who wants to try out a new & rewarding craft but is afraid of that word -"CRAFT" aghhh! This is so stylish you'll be staying in on Saturday night to make a mirror ! I might buy another copy to keep one clean ! Mosaic doesn't have to be folky, religious or in the swimming pool... It is THE up & coming decorative art & these boys have made it their own. Why not have a go ?



2. This is a good book of inspirations and instructions for mosaic vases, tables, mirrors, and pots. There are lots of illustrations and patterns. However,the title is misleading; there are only a few sources listed, none of which have web site info, toll-free numbers, or a description of what they supply.

No comments about Brush Decoration: The Marc Bellaire Book of Brush Decoration for Ceramics.

No comments about net_condition: art and global media (Electronic Culture: History, Theory, and Practice).