No comments about Conceptual Art: A Critical Anthology.

3 comments about Hands in Clay: An Introduction to Ceramics.

1. Anyone getting into ceramic art must read this book. I really wish I had it when I began my venture into slipcasting. I knew nothing and used other sources for information when I could have saved time and frustration by reading this book. The part of the book on moldmaking was worth the price alone. The other moldmaking books I've read left a lot of blank spaces for the beginner. As a visual learner, this book is rich with pics and illustrations.It is comprehensive and something I will be using for many years to come.



2. This became one of those costly book purchases students have come to resent: required for an introductory level class in ceramics, part of the core requirements towards a studio degree, expensively imposed on a class the bulk of whom will never continue on in ceramics, therefore ultimately destined to become a neglected text sitting on a dusty shelf or returned during university book buy-back for a pittance. This is a shame, as the book is one of the more comprehensive and beautifully put together texts of its kind, and had it been required of students whose clear intention was to go on in ceramics, its obligatory purchase would have been more valued and appreciated.

   Containing information well beyond the scope of an introductory survey of ceramic processes, this book is densely packed with information, providing a historical and cultural overview of the use and development of one of the most ancient of the arts, as well as detailed discussions of its various forms and construction, the mixing of clays, the necessary chemistry, kilns, and clay's many glazings and firings. Appendixes and charts containing quite a number of recipes for both mixing clay and creating slips, colorants and glazes are provided at the back, encouraging experimentation, as well as a basic description of the chemical constituents encountered in ceramics. In terms of the latter, both within the text and the appendixes, concerns of potential toxicity are highlighted, providing valuable and essential information often overlooked when working with the potentially hazardous components present in most clays and colorants. Additionally, the authors provide encouragement as to how to easily recycle the environmentally unfriendly waste by-products associated with ceramics, along with helpful tips as to how to set up one's studio in a way that is at once utilitarian and environmentally sound, offering a list of governmental agencies and associations that can assist the ceramicist in addressing these concerns. In addition to providing through the appendixes further avenues for exploration on the part of those working with clay, the authors must be applauded for not ignoring or obfuscating the obvious safety and environmental concerns involved in working with ceramics.

   Well organized and detailed, the text is also liberally endowed with photographs and drawings, providing clear visual examples of both the equipment and techniques the ceramicist may encounter, as well as beautiful color plates showing contemporary examples of noted artists' work using a variety of forms and processes. These plates exemplify the diverse and often stunning manner of expression that can be captured in clay, ranging from the sculptural and painterly to installation and multimedia. Their inclusion, along with the depth and breadth of information presented here, certainly justify the price asked for this text, and this book should grace the library or studio of any serious student or practitioner of ceramics. And, I suspect, there is enough information provided here to allow the student that has access to a studio and equipment to begin learning ceramics without the necessity of a classroom.




3. My college ceramics class had to buy this book. It's really good, the section on how to mix glazes using all of the different frits and stains is very informative. The pictures are inspiring, and the book also gives many techniques for throwing and handbuilding.

3 comments about Girls! From Line to Color.

1. Es muy interesante ver la manera en que cada una de las maravillosas obras de Dutkiewicz fueron tomando formas a partir de una idea preconcebida; desde un simple trazo a lapiz hasta la complejidad de las tecnicas de color y los metodos de decoracion por ordenador, todo nos muestra una idea magnifica que partio de una simplicidad y de sencillos pero eficaces trazos a mano alzada; asi es como los artistas nacen y asi es como las grandes obras tienen su punto de partida; realmente es un libro que todo amante del gran arte del desnudo humano debe tener en su coleccion.



2. I expected that this would be something of a tutorial. a how to type of book, something that would take you through the process of creating beautiful women for comics. That's kinda what the title implies. . . well there is some nice artwork and the artist is very skillful, but much this is is presented like soft-core porn. Not what I was looking for in an instructional book.



3. Michal Dutkiewicz' first collection of fantasy/pin-up art from SQP, "Girl Crazy: The Art of Michal Dutkiewicz", showed exactly why he is considered one of the top artists in the field today. In the latest collection from SQP, he shows exactly HOW he does it. Taking readers on a behind the scenes look, Dutkiewicz shows off his initial pencils and ink versions of his pieces, right next to the finished paintings. But more importantly, he comments on the various paintings and drawings, letting his fans know exactly how he worked on each piece and how he arrived at the finished product. Some show just the pen & ink and final paintings while other examples go from rough pencils, to inks, to various stages of digital coloring.
   
   One of the best examples of this can be seen on page 25 in three different stages. First we have basically just a pencil outline drawing of a nude model, next is a full color rendering, with Dutkiewicz explaining his color layering techniques, and finally the finished piece with the exquisite detail of water glistening off her body, giving a new meaning to photo-realistic.
   
   While this may not quite be the typical pinup art book we're used to seeing from SQP, it is a fascinating look at the creative process. Sometimes these guys make it look so easy that we fans my not appreciate the hard and often arduous work that goes into these paintings. The book will also be a help to young artists looking to improve their own technique.
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

3 comments about Dresden Porcelain Studios: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Dresden Porcelain made in the late 19th and early 20th century are mostly hand-decorated, and the book presents information by maker or studio, which is easy to follow. With makers marks, basic information and hundreds of photographs, the publication is a true resource for the beginning or advanced collector. I've collected Dresden for years, and refer to this book often!
   I appreciate the Harran's as porcelain dealers and collectors, who, like me, have published on our favorite antiques and collectibles!
   My book is also available right here on AMAZON!
   Pictorial Guide to Silvered Mercury Glass: Identification & Values



2. This book is just right for the beginner. It gives a bit of history,a price range on some pieces and some lovely pictures but not many identifying marks. It looks lovely on your table, but if your looking for identifying marks,and dating your dresden this is just the tip of the iceberg.



3. You can reach to know the value and identification of the arts.

No comments about Mosaic Basics: Everything You Need to Know to Start Making Beautiful Mosaics.

No comments about Allan Kaprow: 18 Happenings in 6 Parts.

5 comments about Precious Metal Clay In Mixed Media.

1. As the book's title suggests this is for Precious Metal Clay only, in some ways this is a draw back for many people who use both Metal Clay's on the market. Sherri Haab clearly says Metal Clay as opposed to Precious Metal Clay or Art Clay Silver in her publications so you know straight away both are covered. The ideas and designs will appeal to those people who like "Bling", no clean clear, minimalist lines here. Certainly not a beginners book, it was in fact used as the "text" book for people who do Level 2 Certification with PMC. Overall, it is nice to have and use as an ideas book for students or reference library. The instructions are fine as long as you know what you are doing, or it could become a little confusing at times. One thing ALL authors/editors need to realise, you are catering to an International Market, therefore do not be so American Centric, i.e. please use both Celcius and Farenheight in publications which will help all those wanting to use your books.



2. NOT FOR BEGINNERS and for PMC BRAND CLAY!
   This is my #1 pet peeves in the metal clay book world. They do not make it clear that this book is for use of their brand name of metal clay. Also that this book is not for beginners. I guess the publisher assumes that because of the use of the terms mixed media in the title people with little or no knowledge of clay/metal art world. Could figure it out.
   Yes you can use the other brand of metal clay only if you adjust the temps and shrinkage rates and all the other minor differences.
   But thats another story! So getting back to the book at hand, She does cover information about all the types of clay offered by the company she works for and does go into depth on the properties.
   Also covering the fundamental techniques. The projects do run the range of items. Not all jewelry from slumped glass to dolls.
   The pictures are a little on the small size. But they do show the subject matter and not a excess of the work surface as so many do. They are not number or indicated to the procedures which are numbered.A major flaw for beginners. The material and equipment list for each project is at the start. The real nice touch in this book is the Observations & Alternatives sidebar, which covers safety or substituting items. The gallery pictures are nice and they relate to the chapters. The last chapter is a much to short trouble shooting question and answer section. The section on mixing the gold and silver clay was a nice touch. I own it



3. Great book with lots of examples and how-to information. Helpful for someone with some experience in working with PMC.



4. As a beginner this book isn't for me. The detailed written instructions become confusing and I wish Mary Ann would have placed step by step picture examples with the project for me to double check myself to see if I'm understanding her concept(s). To me this book is more of a gallery book that has some great photographs and ideas in it. It'll give your creative eye a different perspective in how to mix color with silver, gold and black to make pretty items.



5. The first chapter gives a good introduction to PMC, tools, a brief overview of techniques, firing and finishing the piece. All essential information for a PMC novice, but if you have any experience with PMC you would already know this information. This is followed by projects with specific instructions. The instructions would be very clear for someone who has experience working with PMC, but I'm not sure how clear they would be to a beginner. Most of the examples of the projects are not very attractive, but the author shows an interesting combo of techniques including fused glass and enamel with PMC. An experienced PMC artist would probably not do the projects as shown, but could get good ideas about incorporating the featured techniques into their own work. There are lots of beautiful photos by various artists for inspiration (without instructions)- and they show the wide variety of looks that can be achieved with PMC. It would have been nice to have fewer specific projects and more information about how and why the different techniques work with PMC.

No comments about William Kentridge: Black Box/Chambre Noire.

3 comments about Simply Pottery: A Practical Course in Basic Pottery Techniques.

1. I had hoped for a little more information. This book would be great for someone who needs to follow a project plan.



2. This is a good book to use as an introduction to pottery - great for teachers. "Simply Pottery" is arranged in a series of fairly simple projects presented in a step-by-step fashion with lots of pictures. It is particularly suited to those who are interested in handbuilt work, although it does cover some wheel thrown projects as well. Those with a little experience with pottery will get some good ideas, but you may get more out of Kathy Triplett's "Handbuilt Ceramics" or Don Davis' "Wheel-Thrown Ceramics". Happy potting!



3. Hello I checked this book out at my hometown's library. I loved it. That is why I am ordering it. I am getting my degree in college in Pottery, and this is the best book that I have read in pottery. It is simple and the pictures are excellent. I have bought several books on pottery, this is one of the top five. I am going to reccomend it to all my fellow potters.

No comments about Directory of European Porcelain.