No comments about The Sculpture of William Tucker (British Sculptors and Sculpture).

1 comments about Greek Gold: Jewelry of the Classical World.

1. This book is great. It shows detailed photographs of many pieces, and the text describes the methods of construction. There is a section showing the tools they used to manufacture the jewelry, and the way the tools were used.

No comments about David Smith by David Smith: Sculpture and Writings (Painters & Sculptors).

1 comments about Carving Birds & Beasts.

1. This is one of those books you wish you had bought the first time you saw it. If you're interested in carving, this book has lots of inspiration and helpful ideas. It's an excellent compilation of carving articles with lots of color photos of in-process work.

2 comments about Micromosaics: The Gilbert Collection.

1. Finally! Finally, there is a book on Micromosaics, and what a wonderful book! Prior to the publication of Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel's masterful research job, there have been no books available to the collector of Micromosaics or for anyone who wants to read about a little-mentioned, and fading art. And who better to write the book then Ms. Gabriel who has been Sir Arthur Gilbert's Private Curator since 1994. Sir Arthur Gilbert's collection which now resides at Somerset House in London can only be equaled by the collections of The Vatican Museum in Rome and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

   There are a number of books that cover the vast and impressive Gilbert Collection: "Gold Boxes", "Monumental Silver", "Portrait Miniatures in Enamel," "Gold and Silver," "Hardstones" and now "Micromosaics." As I happily have the other books in my library - I can honestly say that the micromosaic book must have been the most difficult and yet it is extremely comprehensive. Ms. Hanisee's scholarly work on "The Gilbert Collection: Hardstones", must have been a bit easier to write as there is so much information on the art of Pietra Dura and Hardstone. Micromosaics is another ball of wax as so little was written - and I'm sure if it was to be had - Ms. Gabriel uncovered the information.

   The Appendix has a fascinating section written by Professor Massimo Alfieri "New Notes on Giacomo Raffaelli and Michelangelo Barberi" two of the leading Master Mosaicists of the 18th and early 19th century ---- fascinating. It takes you to the time of the workshops, with letters, sales receipts, drawings and the like. Not only revealing, but just plain fun for devotees of the period. One can also find a section on techniques and materials used in the making of these compelling masterful and minutely executed works of art.

   Seeing the fabulous color plates on almost every page, the items in the collection, one finds themselves rubbing their eyes in bewilderment over the artistry of these rare and intricate pieces. The footnotes are so interesting and well-written that they are a book within themselves, and my only wish was for a third hand to mark the place as I turned from text to illustration to footnote and back to text. In many books one tends to skip a lot of the footnotes, unless they pertain to a particular interest -- but Ms. Gabriel has added fascinating information and I told myself it was worth the digital exercise to read each and every one.

   Lastly - Jeanette Gabriel has masterfully included very detailed Biographies of the known artists of the time and the literature connected with these artists; a Glossary - with full descriptions; a seven page Bibliography; Exhibition Histories, and an extremely well-written Index.

   "The Gilbert Collection: Micromosaics" may look like a sumptuous coffee table book of 310 pages (which it is:), but it is definitely not fluff and mirrors -- it is a serious and fascinating work which should included in any library of Decorative Arts.

   Obviously - I think it's just great, I thank Ms. Gabriel, and I give it 5 stars.

   Margot Conte




2. This is a beautiful and informative book with insights into historic and technical aspects of micromosaic provided by the leading authority on this art form. Beautiful close up photographs reveal the intricate details of these little treasures. This book is a must have for micromosaic and decorative arts enthusiasts and a beautiful addition to any library.

No comments about Working with Wood: 32 Essential Skills for Building Cabinets & Furniture.

5 comments about Foundations in Polymer Clay Design.

1. I was disapointed by this book. The cover is great and drew me to buy it but the contents is a bit all over the place and I'm not sure what the purpose of the book is. There aren't really any projects and the design foundation information is a bit hard to follow. I must admit that I haven't picked it up again since looking at it the first time.



2. This introduction to design principles for artists working in polymer clay is a useful book, and I learned a lot from it. McGuire discusses the elements of design, including value, color, form, shape, line, space and texture, and addresses more briefly design principles like balance, pattern, rhythm, emphasis, and unity. McGuire follows each section of the book with an exercise designed to allow the reader to experiment with the element or principle being discussed, and illustrates each section with excellent photographs of polymer clay art that uses that element or principle particularly effectively. Between the exercises and the photographs, I was able, as a design newbie, to gain some understanding of McGuire's topics. However, McGuire's writing is so muddy and vague that I learned almost nothing from the text itself. Indeed, some of the paragraphs--especially those defining the key concepts--were so unclear and confusing that I was completely unable to discern what McGuire was talking about. The editor of this book really fell down on the job!
   
   So, while this book did help me get started thinking about the elements and principles of design, I will have to turn to other authors to gain a richer understanding of these ideas.



3. This has some of the most wonderful artists. And good examples of their work. Just lovely a favorite.



4. Barbara McGuire's Foundations in Polymer Clay Design is a must have for every polymer clay artist. It has exceptional information to enhance one's design knowledge and how to apply this knowledge to polymer clay artwork. The photos are stunning and best of all, show evidence of today's talented pc artists. Barbara's examples of each design concept and how they apply to working in polymer clay are valuable to the serious artist.

   This book has several wonderful easy-to-try projects that demonstrate the chapter's concept. These lessons help to satisfy the reader who is looking for practice, but may not be 'enough' for the person who is simply looking for a book of how-to projects.

   McGuire's book will remain an excellent reference for the artist and one where new lessons can be learned each time the book is taken off the shelf to reread. Five Stars!!!!




5. Barbara E.McGuire's 'Foundations in Polymer Clay Design' is a great addition to both a beginner's and a more advanced artist's library, however, note that it is not a project book. The technical aspects of the clay are briefly discussed in the first chapter. The rest of the book focuses on the aspects and elements of design. Invaluable discussions on color, line, form, movement, etc., are contained within its chapters; as well as a stunning array of polymer clay artwork captured in beautifully executed photograpy.

   While you will find plenty of inspiration gazing at the gallery of work in 'Foundations', you'll find little if any discussion of the techniques used in making them. The information offered is to be used as a guideline for refining your own unique style.

   Working in polymer clay is more rewarding now that I've read (and reread) this book; it has served as a muse and a mentor. My work is more professional, more diverse and visually pleasing; my practice far more organized. The absense of step-by-step instruction does not limit the reader but helps them to expand by calling upon them to apply what they have learned to their own ideas.

   This title is a perfect complement to Donna Kato's 'The Art of Polymer Clay', which is overflowing with technical instruction made beginner-friendly. I highly recommend a newcomer to the medium purchase both titles.

1 comments about The Garden of Art: Vic Cicansky, Sculptor (Art in Profile).

1. Artist Vic Cicansky has been creating garden sculptures which are whimsical and fun, for over forty years: The Garden Of Art: Vic Cicansky, Sculptor celebrates his style with a biographical and artistic coverage: the first book-length treatment of his work. Undoubtedly there will be many who will not have heard of Cicansky: don't let that stop you: pages come packed with black and white and color examples of the man and his many works, while text fills in biographical and artistic insights.

No comments about Masons and Sculptors (Medieval Craftsmen).

No comments about British Porcelain; An Illustrated Guide.