5 comments about 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I love this series from Lark! It provides me with lots of inspiration and it is a wonderful tool to learn new artists and their work. I have almost the whole series!



2. I've been wanting to get into ceramics for a while and this book was just the thing to get my creative juices flowing. It has many (500 actually) beautiful pieces to admire, with such a wide selection of styles. I love that it has a both beautiful and grotesque figures revealing so many artistic view points. It's definitely not a "how to" book, with just enough info to get a basic idea of how each piece was created but the beautiful photographs and wide variety of sculptures makes it well worth purchasing.



3. without being able to review the illustrations in the book, I was unable to make good use of the models for my beginning sculpting projects. The cover picture seemed somewhat simple, but the many complex figures contained in the book were too difficult to be models for my limited ability.



4. I am thrilled to own this book. I review it regularly for inspiration and ideas for glazes and forms.



5. My low score for this book is primarily, but not exclusively, a low score for the judging. I find it difficult to believe that almost no work in the classical tradition was submitted. The work in these pages contained almost no work of a traditional figurative nature. Both in galleries in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as at art shows/faires, there is plenty of traditional figurative work being done now in clay and bronze. I can only conclude that the judges hold a strong bias for non-traditional work.
   
   There is also an alarming gap between what I will term "high end art" and mediocre. It's pretty obvious who the former are (e.g., Violet Frey, Beth Cavener Stichter); there are all too many in the latter category.
   
   It may be that your "call" for art went out to a limited audience (to university art departments and art schools, perhaps?) and failed to capture the attention of more professional artists.

5 comments about Alphabetica: An A-Z Creativity Guide for Collage and Book Artists (Quarry Book).

1. This book is FULL of actual artist examples in full color! You couldn't ask for anything better in this form of art. AWESOME!



2. Out of all the books I own, Alphabetica is the most insightful creative book on my shelves...and even though I just received it, I can already tell it will be a book I go to again and again. There is more eye candy than is possible to comprehend in a single sitting - and the ideas put forth by the artists in the book are nothing short of amazing. Ms Perrella had a stroke of genius with this book - and the pure talent she has is showcased beautifully in Alphabetica. The other artists in the book stand on their own, adding to the inspirational factor - each artist produces fascinating work. The interplay between each contributor is awesome - although each work is interesting and makes you want to grab your supplies, the pieces play well together - there is not one single instance where the pieces are competing for the spotlight. There is definitely something to be learned from every page of this great book - whether you are a novice artist, or find yourself further along on the experience ladder. Alphabetica is a book you'll refer to time and again - as much for technique ideas as inspiration. I'm definitely a fan of Ms Perrella's after reading this book - she fills the roll as writer very well, and as artist with raw excellence. This is a must have!



3. This book is loaded with fun and funky ideas for any artist. Some reviewers mentioned that they believe the ideas contained here to be geared more toward altered book artists, but I disagree. Any artist can adapt the principles found in this book to inspire their own work. This book is a go-to resource for me on a regular basis. Love it!



4. This book is well laid-out and easy to follow. The illustrations are exciting and explanatory. This allows me to use a little or a lot of collage in my artwork.



5. I collect a lot of books as an artist because I like to have multiple avenues of inspiration around me when I'm creating. This book definitely has many ideas but my one problem with it is that it's not that well organized. It covers each letter in the alphabet, like the title suggests, but jumps around, is not sequential, and the connections to each letter are not predictable so you really have to look through the whole book to find each idea. Letters for key words are repeated throughout the book...though the ideas are all original. For example: B is for buckle; B is for blocks; B is for brainstorming...etc.
   
   For a quick reference however, it's great. Nice imagery and exemplars, with some inspirational ideas. If you are a book artist looking for more ways to alter and express your ideas, this is a great resource. If you are an artist looking to enhance your journals...this is a great book. If you are a teacher, this is also a great resource.
   
   The back end of the book has 27 pages of workshops with detailed ideas. Here are some examples: Faux & Ancient Surfaces; Transparencies; Attachments; Building a Surface with Patterning; Metal Tape and Altered Images; Creating with Recycled Papers; Working Intuitively.
   
   Each workshop page has an inspirational related quote, what to try, how to get started, tips, creating, a list of influences/exemplary artists, and studio essentials- a list of materials needed to complete this workshop.

5 comments about Wheel-Thrown Pottery (DIY): An Illustrated Guide of Basic Techniques from the Hit DIY Show Throwing Clay (DIY Network).

1. This is a great book to learn how to do pottery. Bill Van Gilder explains fully how to make the different pieces. The photography is great in helping to see how to do what Bill is explaining. The recipe for clear glaze is incorrect (the ingredients add up to 118%) There should not be dolomite in the recipe. Dolomite is for high fire glazes, not mid range. The recipe for red raspberry (beautiful color) should be 7% instead of 3.7 with a question mark. Poor editing of the recipes. Those are the two mistakes I've had to deal with so far.



2. Just purchased a wheel and this book will help me with the how-to in using it.



3. This book provided wonderful inspiration for wheel thrown pieces. When you want to create but are at a loss for a goal, this book will release your creative talents.



4. I had seen one episode of Bill van Gilder's show on DIY Network and walked away with at least 3 great ideas for improving my skills with clay. I bought this book and brought it to my pottery class and several other students and the teacher all went out to get their own copy. The projects give very clear instructions and photos, telling you exactly how much clay to use. There are useful techniques to learn with every project. There are even glaze recipes for the glazes used in the examples in the book.



5. I loved this book! Bill has a unique talent for sharing his knowledge so both the experienced potterr and the novice will learn. I highly reccomend it.

5 comments about Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression.

1. Altered Books Workshop by Bev Brazelton is a wonderful collage of techniques and ideas that can be used for altering books. The book is a beautiful collection of work, with each page looking like a work of art. It is an easy book to read that is lots of fun to look at. The techniques are explained in simple format with photos to lead you through each step.
   
   The basic techniques section covers collaging, stitching, cutting doors, cutting windows, adding tags, folding pages, and adding inserts. Rubber stamping on tags is one of the many wonderful samples used in this section. These are so much fun and add so much character to the page! Pages are filled with variations and tips, and the art work on each page deserves the time to be studied.
   
   The intermediate techniques include cutting shadowboxes, glazing, adding texture, collaging covers, and cutting covers. Cutting shadowboxes and covers was fascinating to learn. The easy to follow directions with photos makes the procedure sound easy enough for anyone to succeed doing, but the final results look like an experienced artist was involved. Brazelton suggests gluing your pages together before you begin cutting out the shadowbox. When the glue dries, you use a craft knife and change blades often to achieve the cut out that you are looking for. She recommends that you cut the whole area and not worry about how clean your edges are until you are done. Then you can go back and clean up the pages. You can then fill your cut out area with little trinkets to create 3-D collaged art.
   
   This book achieved its goal. Not only did I enjoy reading and looking over each page, but it made me want to alter a book immediately.



2. I really like this book a lot! It covers everything for the beginner: what is an altered book, choosing a book, supplies and tools, developing a theme, and then there are some great step by step photos of the whole process of starting the book and doing a double spread. Then is covers 18 different techniques. Some of the basic ones are collaging, stitching, cutting doors, windows, adding tags, folding pages, and adding inserts, all with wonderful examples and photos. Next, are intermediate techniques: cutting shadowboxes, glazing and adding texture, and working with your book cover. Lastly, there are the techniques that Bev calls "creative". They are designing with words, adding a drawer, hanging embellishments, adding fibers and beads, transferring images, and adding pop-ups. All of these subjects in one book is wonderful. That is why I highly recommend this book for a beginner.



3. For under five dollars, this book is a great investment for beginners or even those who are just intrigued by altered books. As the author explains, her focus is not to teach her specific style, but rather, some techniques for altering books. For example, she discusses different uses for various glues, how to fold and cut pages, and how to insert shadowboxes. The step-by-step photos and tips are very helpful. For more of an eye-candy, awe-inspiring book, try Terry Taylor's Altered Art. For detailed how-to's and encouragement, Bev Brazelton's book is valuable introduction.



4. I'd been wanting to purchase this book for awhile before finally buying it - and I'm so glad I did! This is a fabulous book to add to any artist's collection - whether you are into altered books or your focus lies in creating different mixed media/altered art projects. The author (herself a well-known altered book artist) takes the reader from very basic ideas and explanations, to much more advanced information. She accomplishes this in such a way that the reader - independent of skill level - never feels talked down to, or is left trying to figure out what she's talking about. The examples in the book are glorious eye candy, and it's easy to forget you're looking at the flat page of a book - her texture seems to jump off the page. This is a great reference tool to use during those times your Muse has taken a vacation, or you're looking to try a process you don't normally incorporate into your work. I really appreciate the way the book is laid out - the photography is scrumptious and the writing is concise.
   
   Altered Books Workshop is a book that will stay on the front section of my bookcase, where I keep my favorite "go to" books. This book is definitely money well spent!



5. This book is filled with inspirational ideas and all the techniques needed to complete projects. Excellent for someone new to the craft.

5 comments about Airstream Living.

1. The creative interior designs that Airstream owners have done over the years are highlighted, from actors, to retirees, to even restaurants. Lots of photos and an interesting read for anyone that loves to RV.



2. This is a beautiful book that made me want to go out immediately and buy an Airstream and hit the road. What fun!!!! I can hardly wait until that day comes.



3. Interesting and fun book. Shows how people have redecorated their Airstreams. Highly recommended for the Airstream enthusiast. I picked this up and enjoyed it, and even though I've never personally had the opportunity to actually be inside one of these -it DOES look like fun! In this you get the pleasure of seeing how people have specifically adapted these to fit and reflect their styles and needs. It's a neat book. This would be a nice gift for someone who likes this type of thing, or for someone, who, like me is curious about everything!



4. I ordered this book from Amazon, and it arrived looking like it had been damp at one time. All the pages were wavy, and wouldn't even lie completely flat when the book was closed. I asked for a replacement, thinking it was a fluke, but the second copy was even worse. I returned it as well, and decided to purchase it elsewhere. This was my first disappointing purchase from Amazon, and am still surprised that they offered no apologies or concessions.



5. This publication offers many photos and ideas for Airstream enthusiast. Having purchased other books that are similar, this one offers a lot of modern ideas for those who are restoring. It opens one's imagination to the possibilities of the legendary Airstreams of times past and spans the horizon to the new. I think it would provide information for the novice as well as the seasoned Airstreamer. A job well done.

No comments about Structura: The Art of Sparth.

5 comments about 500 Pitchers: Contemporary Expressions of a Classic Form (500 Series).

1. "500 Pitchers" is my 3rd of the "500" series of pottery books - and I have loved each one! It is a must have for all potters and especially students - each book is filled with images of great works of the potter's art, giving ideas for form and surface. I truly hope that they will do a second edition of each with new works!



2. I am delighted with this book! It provides beautiful photography, stunning and varied examples of expertly-crafted pitchers, and unlimited design inspiration. Very little text is included -- the book is devoted to the photographs that illustrate these wonderful examples of form, glazing, and firing techniques. I definitely will be purchasing the "500 Cups" book now!



3. this entire series of pottery books is wonderful. They're inspiring and cover a wide range of styles and techniques. My own tastes and pottery style aspire more to classic wedgwood and chinese porcelains rather than the more popular organic, earthy pottery one usually sees. It is nice that this series includes examples from the entire spectrum of contemporary potters.



4. The book that I ordered arrived on time and in great condition.



5. I own 4 of this 500 series books. This one,on Pitchers,was not inspiring to me,on the whole.It could be that I tend to work with low fire glazes,and am not keen on alot of stoneware glazing-something this book has a lot of.I sold it to a friend who is a lover of stoneware techniques,however,and she tells me she likes it very much.In case your wondering,I have the animals,figures and bowls,and teapots! Thoes,I am extremely pleased with.Most of these have seriously unconventional approaches,and thats what I love!

5 comments about Handmade Tiles: Designing * Making * Decorating (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. Frank Giorgini writes a great book! This is a well laid out book with good instructions and fabulous ideas. It provides excellent technical knowledge and inspirational images. I come back to this book time and time again to renew the creative ideas. A must for all ceramics lovers.



2. Explore the world of handmade tiles with this beautiful resource book. Various techniques are also discussed.



3. This is a very informative source for anyone interested in exploring handmade tiles. It addresses several techniques. I was especially interested in the press mold section of the book. Pictures and dialogue are clear and concise. There are a lot of images for inspiration. But what do you expect from Lark Books! They always put together great resource books. Enjoy!



4. I purchased this book as a gift and decided to buy one for myself. It is a great reference book for anyone interested in making their own tiles.



5. Even if you've never made or thought of making a ceramic tile, you'll be thinking seriously about it after just a few minutes with this book, and within a couple hours you'll have plenty of information on how to do it and how very far you could take the art if you're serious about it.
   
   Included are color photos of great examples of beautiful hand-decorated tiles, vintage and contemporary, of a myriad of styles, some complex, some simple, but all compelling. And there's plenty of detailed how-to information to get you started in the craft or advancing from where you might be now. Even includes information about constructing your own tile making tools.
   
   All in all, lots of inspiration and information in a fairly slim, easy to digest volume.

5 comments about Mixed Media Explorations: Blending Paper, Fabric and Embellishment to Create Inspired Designs.

1. A beautiful book all around -- excellent photography, clear instruction, and beautiful projects which feature a fascinating blend of fabric and papers.



2. My 1-star rating is actually for the description of this book and not the book itself. Let me explain...
   
   I bought this book because from the description I thought it would be about mixed media projects in the traditional sense (i.e. paper-based collages with embellishments in paint, beads, scraps of fabric, etc.) This book is not at all what I thought it was going to be.
   
   This is a beautiful book if you are interested in working primarily with fabrics & quilt art. The step-by-step instructions seem very thorough and there are lots of great ideas for working with fabric in inventive ways including some great tips for dying fabric and infusing fabric with paper.
   
   Bottom line: if I were running a bookstore I would shelve it with books on sewing and quilting, NOT in the mixed media/collage section. I hope this helps!



3. After buying this book, I pushed everything off my work space and dug right in. I dyed some silk I had on hand and off I went. I love the feeling of stitching thru paper and fabric. I forgot how soothing hand stitching and beading are. I sank into a calming realm with the pastel colors shown in the book. I picked up some great techniques that I will apply to my altered art in the future.



4. I've loved every project Beryl Taylor has designed. Her work speaks to me, and makes me want to try all of her techniques. The book is beautiful, and, I hope there will be more from her in the future.



5. What a beautiful book! I have been an artist for years, but recently have begun to explore this type of mixed media, altered, collage work. The photography of the projects is awesome. Real eye candy. The inspiration from the projects is priceless.
   I will say, my husband, who is a graphic artist, loved the lusciousness of the pictures and graphic layout - but he didn't really "get" the projects. A little too feminine or not enough function to the form I guess.
   I wish it had been a hard back book, rather than soft cover. I'm sure my will be "worse for the wear" after spending a little time in my studio.
   All in all, a lovely book, full of inspirational projects, well written and worth it's price.

No comments about Stuart, Vol. 5.