1 comments about James Surls: The Splendora Years, 1977-1997.

1. "Surl's creations exhibit dual and even triple natures. On one hand they exude a sense of the beneficence of nature...But there are darker currents--the jagged ends of spears and knives...." This multiple nature of the Texas artist Surls' art is seen by the wood sculpture titled "To Have - To Hold" on the jacket cover. A long thin piece of dark wood with a human shape has blades for feet and hands. Yet the work evinces complexity, or layers, because the figure is not malevolent or aggressive. With its thinness, it is somewhat lissome; and with its curved shape, almost withdrawing. Most of Surl's wood sculptures contain such ambiguities from the handsomeness of the wood materials and their biological shapes mixed with sharp edges. If anything, Surl's drawings indicate an even more complex, involuted, attempt to find some compromise among the different aspects of nature. Yet despite the ominousness inhering in Surl's works, they are not "conflicted." Though they are not harmonious either. These different parts of nature do not come into direct conflict with one another because they exist within a larger context, suggested by the inner and the ambient spaces of Surls' sculptures. Splendora is the artists' community about 45 miles south of Houston established by Surls. It attracted promising regional artists seeking Surls' inspiration and tutelage; and it was there that this artist came to his unique ideas and style.

1 comments about Contemporary Stone Sculpture: Aesthetics Methods Appreciation.

1. A fine reference volume, this book is perhaps less valuable in terms of instruction than Liebson's book, but Meilach picks up where Liebson leaves off. Liebson devotes his book entirely to technique -- to the craft of sculpting; only the first third of this book does the same, but with the help of over 350 photos, Meilach instead concentrates on the art of carving. Not so much art theory, but rather considerations of form, volume, and meaning, and how to impart those to your sculpture. Liebson will teach you how to carve; Meilach will help you figure out what to carve. Liebson's book is still #1, but Contemporary Stone Sculpture is its perfect complement.

2 comments about The complete book of pottery making (Chilton's creative crafts series).

1. Comprehensive in scope, this book takes the reader through a complete ceramics course. Very well written, it includes concise but thorough background info, plus clear step-by-step instructions on specific techniques. It lacks some of the detail of specialty books, but if you need to start with one overall book, or if you want to make sure there are no huge gaps in your understanding, this book is a good choice.



2. I reccomend this book to both begginers and experienced potters. It has many step-by-step black and white photos with great instructions. The photos have helped me perform techniques better and properly. There is a section on every method of working with clay and gives you solutions to problems. This book also gives great guides on buying clay, making a work space and many other opinions on how to become a professional potter. I don't have a question about pottery that can't be answered in this book.

1 comments about Hella Jongerius.

1. This is great book about Hella Jongerius. It has wonderful photography of many of her designs. I highly recommend it!

2 comments about Calder, Miro.

1. This is a wonderful catalogue that accompanies the landmark exhibition that was held at the Beyeler Foundation in Basel, Switzerland in 2004, and at the Phillips Collection in Washington. Apart from the groundbreaking comparative study of both artists, which is very well written and highly informative (a trove of previously unpublished documents), the illustrations are fantastic. One of the most moving series by Miro, the Constellations, some 40 watercolors painted in 1941, are wonderfully echoed in a three-dimensional space by Calder's delicate mobiles of the same period. Highly recommended.



2. it is always interesting to see how artists and friends influence one another and here is another brilliant examination. alexander calder and joan miro couldn't have been more different, yet, it seems that this factor propelled their friendship. they true friends from the beginning the artists, and their families, remained close throughout their careers. often collaborating on works, sharing ideas or simply exchanging artistic gifts their friendship shines through to their art. this show brings commonalities and collaborations together under one roof (some for the first time ever) and explores the influences behind the objects. bravo to the curators for bringing this to our attention and thanks for the fantastic catalogue that accompanies it!

No comments about Wood Design: A Contemporary Guide to the Technique of Design, Sculpture, and Carving in Wood.

No comments about Kcho: La jungla.

No comments about Start Sculpting: A Step-By-Step Beginner's Guide to Working in Three Dimensions.

No comments about Lessons In Flower And Fruit Modeling In Wax.

No comments about Isamu Noguchi: Sculptural Design.