3 comments about Ceramics.

1. The book itself is informative but not all that captivating. Other than that the item was brand new and arrived in fabulous condition in a short amount of time. I was very happy with the sender.



2. This book is not a glossy full-color presentation of the world's spectacular ceramic pieces. It does contain a hundred or so black and white illustrations of ceramics from almost all cultures; ancient and modern. Philip Rawson writes about the general concept of ceramics, the techniques, and the philosophy and symbolism. I found this book to be very helpful in that it gives an overview of all types of ceramics and allows the interested potter or sculptor to survey Rawson's intriguing perceptions. This book promotes ideas and facilitates their coming to the reader through discussions of his seemingly infinite observations. Rawson was a brilliant art professor and brings amazing viewpoints to his readers. Ideas, after all, are the most important factor in creating works of art.



3. Every potter and vessel maker, every student and teacher of ceramics, every person interested in ceramics should read CERAMICS by Philip Rawson. In fact, you will want to own a copy of this book so you can re-read it and loan it to other people. (I received no compensation for that statement.) CERAMICS is an exceptional source for expanding your knowledge of and vocabulary for critically viewing, appreciating, discussing, and writing about ceramics.

   In CERAMICS, Philip Rawson, a prolific writer and art critic, gives a fascinating and lucid examination of the evolution and aesthetics of ceramic form. He states, "One of the prime reasons why ceramics is such an interesting art is that it fills the gap which now yawns between art and life as most people understand their relationship."(6) Rawson then introduces ideas critical to looking at and fully understanding ceramics such as the relationship of function to the origins of most ceramic forms and how that relationship affects our experience of ceramic objects. He also addresses the inherent attraction of a recognizable material transformed by the human hand into a new object with symbolic or metaphorical value.

   Following a comprehensive but concise overview of the techniques and processes involved in making ceramics, Rawson gives an in-depth discussion of how form, surface and design, combined with the ideas of transformation and forms' residual relationships to function, create meaning in pottery. Well-chosen photographs, illustrations, and vessel profiles accompany the text.

2 comments about Ornamental Ironwork: Over 670 Illustrations (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This book has plenty to offer. It is a good design reource to have on hand. One issue: some of the images seem to have been scaled down and fine detals have been lost.



2. Not what I expected. Just as the title says, this is 670 illustrations. There is no text, no photos. Just illustrations.

5 comments about Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This isn't a project book and the information is astounding. The technical theory is intriguing, which helps to explain much of why some things happen. This book is a must for all jewellers if they are serious about metalcraft. This book is best book on metalsmithing that I have - I wish I had bought it earlier.



2. THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOLDSMITHING first saw print in East Germany in 1961, becoming a major resource of jewelers, sculptors and others working in metals: this is the first English language edition, and any metalworker will quickly find it indispensable. From silversmithing to chainmaking and setting stones, techniques, melt diagrams, specifications, and heated metal effects are surveyed in very technical chapters appropriate for practicing goldsmiths and advanced students. You won't find these advanced discussions easily elsewhere, so any college-level library or studio reference collection needs to add THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOLDSMITHING to their list of foundation references.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This book is unparalleled in its information about precious metals. I would almost trade all my other metal books for this one alone. Well worth the cost and indispensable to a Goldsmith. If you want to work in metal, from iron to platinum, you need this book. Very technical but the information is invaluable and can be applied to any metal medium. My copy has some duplicate pages in the 50-60 range, but nothing was left out. That is my only complaint and I am sure it was just a binding error that may be in only my book as none of the others I have seen do.



4. The depth and amount of information in this book is staggering. The translation is great it doesn't seem stilted as a lot of translations do. It was edited by Tim Mcreigth of "the complete metalsmith" fame and was translated and published by his company. It gives way more information on the reason of why and how techniques work than any other book I have seen. In some ways it is the prefect companion to "the complete metal smith" it has a lot of the same information as it and a lot more depth. My only caveat is it can be a little dry and some times overly technical. but still it is a great work.



5. The Brepohl's book surely is the best book about the theory of the jewelry's affair's that I know, but isn't a project book. Is a textbook well written, with a very good english translation (the original is in german).The theory of metalurgy, that is lacking in the others books on the field, is update and well presented.In the end of some chapters there are few examples of student work, but their level is very high, and isn't showed all details of how to get it. If you want to know why and not only how, you must have this book.

No comments about Carving Santas for Today.

4 comments about The Fetish Carvers of Zuni.

1. I've been collecting the carvings of the Zuni for some years now and have found this book to be the most valuable and useful source for information not only on the carvers, but on the meaning of their creations. It is an excellent introduction to the carvers, but I also find the family trees very helpful. I keep track of the carvers whose work I have in my collection and this book is the only one I've found that helps me to do that. It is also as honest a guide to this culture and the carvers as you will find. It is very difficult to keep up with the carvers and their families, but this book is as helpful a source as you will find.



2. Now in a newly revised and updated edition, The Fetish Carvers Of Zuni is collaboratively written by Marian Rodee (Curator of Southwestern Ethnology, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico) and James Ostler (Pueblo of Zuni Arts and Crafts) and offers a thoughtful, fascinating, and informative look at the Zuni Native American tradition and art form of carving fetishes. 103 halftones and 94 color photographs profusely illustrate the history of fetish carving, works of art, and its practice today. Personal testimonies of modern Zuni fetish carvers as well as scholarly appraisals of this art form round out this book about a unique and fascinating Native American art form. The Fetish Carvers Of Zuni is a welcome and much appreciated contribution to Native American Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.



3. This book is worth the effort it usually takes to track down. It is well written, easy to read (lots of white space and illustrations). Now we just need for them to write another volume, it's been a while since this was written, and the Zuni fetish world is always evolving.



4. When collecting Native American fetish carvings, one important factor in determining a piece's value is the availability of the artist's name. This book provides the only source I've ever seen into the lives and work of modern Zuni carvers. It includes several family trees which show how the particular styles of carving were passed down through families. I have found this book to be a great resource and a fascinating view of these peoples lives

5 comments about The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques.

1. First of all, this is not a "how-to" book. If you want a book on pottery making or throwing techniques, don't buy this book. However, if you want an exhaustive encyclopedia of ceramic information, you need this book. Want to know why your pottery cracked the way it did, this book will tell you why. Want to know why a glaze recipe differs from batch to batch, the info will be in this book. This is the book that never gets lent out yet always quoted. Irregardless of wording or cultural bias, if you plan on being a professional clay artist, this book is the definitive authority on ceramic science.



2. An excellent reference book for anyone interested in pottery or in the conservation/restoration of ceramics. Well written with a world of information. An expensive book but worth every penny!



3. This really is an indispensable book for anyone seriously interested in pottery as an art or profession. It contains lots of great information. It also contains some errors, most of which are little. Also, the rendition of the Chinese character for "raku" is ugly and missing a stroke. The title says this is a dictionary of materials and techniques - but it's more than that. It can serve as a jargon glossary, too. Also, some articles seem more concerned about meaning and interpretation and make practically no mention of materials or technique, and in the case of the "Teapots" entry, I thought it culturally-biased and incomplete. That said, get it anyway, this book is a must-have.



4. The Potter's Dictionary offers details and facts about everything ceramic. Clay and glaze materials are explained more in-depth in this book than any other I have read. Subjects are presented in a clear and concise manner and the alphabetical order makes things very easy to find. It's more like an encyclopedia than a dictionary. When needed, great graphics complement many of the articles. No wonder this book has been published since 1975, A+!!!



5. This book never arrived even though i paid Amazon / UPS for next day delivery. I ended up getting it from Barnes and Noble in San Diego

5 comments about Terracotta: The Technique of Fired Clay Sculpture.

1. How do you compliment a master? There is none except "thank you."
   
   In a real sense Bruno is a man that should have been born in another time. His sensitivity to the human figure and his love for fired earth is the stuff of a true Renaissance man. He captures the imagination and brings life out of clay.
   
   What is most inspiring aspect of this Italian born sculptor is love to teach and share his skills, tips and tricks with other aspiring sculptors around the world. Sculptors like me. No studio library is complete with out all of his books and tapes.
   
   Bruno works with slabs of clay smashed on the floor and then quickly forms them into layers of mass that are shaped into the maquette. His attention to proportion makes him the artist that others have sought to imitate, and none can completely duplicate.



2. This is a super book, very informative and easy to follow. It answered many questions I had, and introduced many new (to me) ideas.



3. The first time I browsed the book, I was blown away by the beauty of Bruno's work.
   The second time, I was disappointed because of the limited explanation and technical descriptions.
   But once I understood what this book was really about, I loved it.
   It really is a documentary of Lucchesi at work. You can witness him working. The book is very visual.
   You will not learn sculpturing, but you will get the chance to see an accomplished sculptor and his creation.
   The book does not tell the why's, you can see the how's.

   My copy is now really filthy, with stains of terracota all over it. I keep it by my working bench, and quite frequently, in the middle of my work, I open it to see how Bruno does it.

   My recommendation is to buy this book in addition to "From Clay to Bronze " of Lagland.




4. I'm a student working in wax, but the most important concepts in this book are definitely cross media; it was a good buy. I mainly use the book as a reference tool and posing guide -- it is a great problem solver. There can't be many issues in posing or proportioning that a beginner won't find help for somewhere in this book. Ms. Malmstrom has such a talent for photographing sculpture that you almost feel like you have the actual piece in front of you. And Mr. Lucchesi's work... it's tough to imagine a day so bad that his sculpture can't make you feel more at peace.



5. I found this book to be a wonderful tool for the beginner or advanced sculptor. It leads you step by step and, as a 3rd-year sculptor, the techniques Lucchesi provides have greatly inspired and helped me improve my own techniques.

5 comments about Wire in Design: Modern Wire Art & Mixed Media (Jewelry Crafts).

1. I liked the begining of this book when they talked about wire and different properties. It was a little too focused on non jewelry items for my liking. However, I did learn some good things. A lot of the designs were somewhat complicated and fanciful for my taste.
   
   I just think it's an okay book.



2. This was one of the first books I bought when I started making jewelry and is still by far, the most inspirational. The variety of the artists covered and their different styles is what I love. The section on Lynne Merchant was truly one of the reasons I started working with wire, and my life has never been the same! The projects offered in this are interesting and offer a nice opportunity for a person to follow the directions, but still end up with something completely unique.
   [...]



3. This book has beautiful illustrations, detailed and well chosen content and a nice cross section of the artists' crafts in wire. Best of all, it inspires the creative spark.



4. This book is a wonderful look into the world of wire jewelry and other wire made products. If you are a serious wire artist then this book will hold your interest. If you are just buying it for wire projects then I would not recommend you buy it. Although the projects are laid out well and easy to follow they are not the best collection of projects I've seen. I was more impressed with the content of the beginning of the book the delves into the world of wire working and design. BUY THIS BOOK if you have a love for wire. You will not be disappointed.



5. Above all, this book shares with us a detailed article (with pictures!) with one of the most influential wire jewelry artisans of the past decade - Lynne Merchant. IMHO, the recently popular thick, oxidized silver, tribal/ethnic, coiled/wrapped style starts with her.
   
   It's interesting to see that at least three of the other artists profiled in the book have mentioned taking classes with Lynne. To see their work, and how they have taken the skills that they have learned from Lynne and utilzed them to develop a style of their own, is just fantastic.

1 comments about Nudie the Rodeo Tailor: The Life and Times of the Original Rhinestone Cowboy.

1. Leave this on your coffee table and it will be picked up. Nudie's name gets their attention, but then his work keeps them looking. Some may label his work as kitsch. I contend Nudie was a great American artist.
   
   This book is worthy of the man. Nicely laid out. Die-cut on the front. A great gift or addition to your library.

3 comments about Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose.

1. Robin Hopper has written a definitive book for all potters, beginners and masters alike. The chosen work for photos offers an excellent range of contemporary and classic forms for study.



2. I found Functional Pottery to be a pleasant surprise for the most part, although I was mildly disappointed by the more practical sections of the book. Roughly the first half of the book provides an interesting historical and cultural review of functional pottery, which went beyond what I had anticipated from the title and general description. A portion of the second half of the book focused on the mechanics of particular forms of functional pottery. This portion, which was my particular interest in buying the book, was a little less thorough and extensive than I had hoped. For the beginner/intermediate potter specifically interested in practical advice and detail regarding the mechanics of functional pottery forms, the material in the book, while useful, may not go far enough. I recommend this book as a general overview, keeping in mind that the scope of the book covers a broader range of topics than implied by its title, and that only sixty pages of the book are dedicated to the practical considerations and mechanics of designing and creating functional pottery.



3. This book is an excellent addition to my collection of pottery books. This book deals with the more technical side of pottery. This book is for people who have accomplished throwing but want to take it to the next level. The book covers everyhting from history of pottery, to correct proportions, and also has artist bio's. Excellent book, i rate it 12 out of 10.