No comments about Christian Art.

2 comments about Transfiguration: Introduction to the Contemplation of Icons.

1. This scarce book is the best introduction to both the theology and aesthetics of icons I know. Muzj, a literate scholar who can communicate with the non-specialist, picks several of the most classic icon images and explicates them in short essays that are nevertheless dense with observation, learning, and insight.
   
   The entire book is on acid-free paper and the reproductions are carefully picked from the best examples of each iconic image known. The major Russian schools are represented in more than one image to aid the learner in becoming familiar with them. Muzj also provides diagrams of the way the space is utilized in each image to unfailingly lead the eye to the central mystery of faith being revealed behind each icon.
   
   In short, there is a great deal of learning packed here into a relatively small volume for a quite reasonable price. Especially for Western tradition Christians who have only appreciated icons from a distance, this remarkable book is a door to a whole new world.



2. This author blends the artistic and spiritual meaning of each icon to lead the reader into the experience of Christian meditation and prayer.

   Full color plates introduce you to icons like The Last Supper, The Holy Trinity, The Crucifixion, The Descent to Hell, The Mother of God and many more. This book will enrich you with a rich artistic and spiritual journey in prayer.

No comments about On Baptismal Fonts (Joint Liturgical Studies).

5 comments about Crafting Personal Shrines: Using Photos, Mementos & Treasures to Create Artful Displays.

1. This is a nice book to have. Even if you are not making the shrines yourself, it's still very useful for getting pointers on decorating premade ones. I once bought 90% off aroma therapy sets that came in wood cases with glass doors that are just perfect. Really stunning projects! By the way, one of the tag suggestion for this book is occult. What???



2. This book was an inspiration and a joy. The author gave easy to follow basics and direction to personalize a "sacred house". If you have any creativity at all it is easy to grow from the basics to your own unique artist statement.
   I felt the directions were very precise and the matching photos helped clarify any questions I had. It was easy to adapt dimentions to my own needs. Just realizing I could use foam core rather than wood opened a door for me (I have no woodworking skills and always avoid sewing machines).
   I have made my first house and I am delighted that the items I had squirreled away in various boxes and drawers are now on display to memoralize my family tree.
   I am a multi-media artist so it was a joy to find a use for all the strange materials and unique items (that "spoke" to me) I had gathered over the years. I'd like to give a genuine thank you to the author.
   Lynne



3. This book is an introduction to making personal shrines. I would have liked to see more examples from working artists who create shrines for their work versus craft-type examples. Overall, I am still happy with this purchase.



4. The book gave beautiful pictures and detailed instructions, a bit complex though...good thing im a shrine artist already, I have my own techniques with the same materials which is MUCH Simpler..
   
   I learned a few new tricks I may use sometime!



5. Shall we accept a faddish definition of the word *shrine*? Author Carol Owen presents the concept of *shrining* in her book (now in paperback) - - as an extension of the popular hobbies of scrapbooking and collage. The book is a glossy compilation of many crafters who use 'found' articles & paints, photographs & aging techniques, and many quirky embellishments to suggest what is primarily fiction. The "stories" exist for the most part "in the eyes of the beholder."
   
   The preference of Reviewer mcHAIKU happens to follow more closely dictionary definition #3: an object or site hallowed for its associations. As such, a shrine might clearly show its roots in the work of Joseph Cornell, and in this time of many yearnings *real* themes could be chosen with shrines built to celebrate them, and/or the people/icons associated with them. For example: Women's Rights; Heroines of Unpopular Causes; Global Warming; History of Minimum Wage; Water Rights.
   
   Each would be deserving of the considerable time & talent demanded of the craftspeople. Nineteen share in Owen's book what they consider to be an artform. Many details are given, tips and sources for materials: and by going to carolowenart.com more colorful examples are found. Many readers will be inspired to try out their talents & discover great satisfaction in the results.

No comments about Building Codes: The Aesthetics of Calvinism in Early Modern Europe (New Cultural Studies).

1 comments about African Zion: The Sacred Art of Ethiopia.

1. Ethiopia has one of the most unique and fascinating cultural histories in the world. Due to the isolation stemming from its high mountains and plateaus as well as by the advancing Moslem armies from 500 to 1500 AD, Ethiopia might be termed the Tibet of Africa. However in this case it is Christianity rather than Buddhism which became the binding force of its people. As a result, its art has a pronounced individuality in treating Christian themes and icons. But they possess an unworldly and overwhelming impact in their beauty and artistic integrity. The many color photos show the church painting, bronzework and book illustrations from 1200 to 1800 so the reader gets a vivid conception of the progression of style across the centuries. An essential book!

1 comments about Sham Pearls for Real Swine.

1. This is a must read because of the truth it conveys. Frank did a superb job of telling it like it is, not like we may "want" it to be. If I was Siskel or Ebert of Book Reviews, it would be 2 thumbs up or 4 thumbs up as the case may be. I only hope to be able to find a copy to own. Get it however you're able to,and you'll not be disappointed,unless of course you're religious. It may step on religious toes, but they need stepping on most of the time for they to quickly settle for mere mediocrity when so much more is available and within our grasp to create WITH our God. Peace, Susie Melkus

No comments about Angels on High: Marton Varo's Limestone Angels on the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas.

No comments about Cuando hablan los santos.

No comments about Protestants and Pictures: Religion, Visual Culture, and the Age of American Mass Production.