1 comments about The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This book is not the complete encyclopedia of Navajo jewelry, but it's not meant to be. It is an excellent overview of the genre, with beautiful photographs of both very traditional Navajo jewelry as well as modern Navajo artists. For someone who wants an idea of what to look for and what is available, this is a brilliant resource. Ms. Bassman's narrative is informative and useful.
   I would recommend this book to any interested in Native American jewelry, but probably not for the advanced collector.

1 comments about Eternal Ancestors: The Art of the Central African Reliquary (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. "Eternal Ancestors: The Art of the Central African Reliquary" is an outstanding volume worth adding to the collection of anyone interested in African Tribal Art. The color plates alone of Fang, Embette, and Kota Reliquarys make the price (low for a book of this magnitude) worth while.
   Highly recommended.

1 comments about Woodcarving: The Beginner's Guide.

1. This is the best book on traditional woodcarving that there is. It was written by a woodcarver from Britain, and was originally published over there. In the book he teaches the proper methods of holding and using the woodcarving chisels. He also teaches proper methods of sharpening and taking care of the chisels. I have been privileged to take two classes from a world-renowned master woodcarver who recommends this book in his classes.

5 comments about The Potter's Complete Book of Clay and Glazes: A Comprehensive Guide to Formulating, Mixing, Applying and Firing Clay Bodies and Glazes.

1. ...merely a tool, which definitley involves work on behalf of the reader. There are no pictures or test tiles to rely on; you have to try them yourself... a refreshing change from the results usually included in glaze books because you have to experiment and come up with your own results. I used the 1970's edition of this book as an undergraduate, which included the original recipes - not revised to exclude toxins - and while the revised edition is informative, it lacks the conversions for the "toxic" ingredients which many of us still use for the stunning results they provide. As a result some of the best recipes have been excluded from the new edition, and unfortunatley, the replacements and substitutions produce nowhere near the results gained from earlier editions. Still a good tool for the potter who enjoys glaze experimentation, but if you can score a copy of an unrevised edition(there are two- and they are out of print), you are sure to be pleased!



2. Many of these glazes are from other sources , same for clay bodies , but have been altered slightly to be presented anew. No real emphasis on glaze toxicity . Fritting Barium and Lead does not guarantee safety in the finished glazes . It's a case of user be aware . No guidelines for glaze usuage on functional wares or decorative . Is the glaze able stand table use - who knows ? Another in the long line of Artistic Glaze books , Ho Humm.



3. I was disappointed by this book due to the lack of illustrations even if only of test tiles. If the author has tested these formulae I cannot understand why these illustrations were not included, but without them the reader is left having to conduct his own test to determine the effects achievable. If the author has not tested, then the book is little better than the lists of glazes available free on the internet. Either way the reader is left with a lot of work to do.



4. This book has everything you could ever want in a glaze book. Includeing every chemical you need for glazes and charts on how much colorants to add in percentages. Every kind of glaze for every cone. I didnt' pay too much attention to the clay makeing part but thats not hard to do.



5. Chappel provides a complete compendium of formulas for various types of clays from low fire to porcelain. He provides extensive formulas for various types of glazes from low fire to cone 14. The formulas are arranged by type, color and includes speciality glazes such as crystaline glazes. He provides complete instructions for firing. In addition there is a good discussion of materials, substitutions and toxicity.

No comments about Bernini's Biographies: Critical Essays.

2 comments about Carving Animal Caricatures (Dover Books on Woodworking & Carving).

1. STARTING OUT ESPECIALLY SOME BOOKS ARE FINE TO MOON OVER AND THINK
   "HOW DID HE DO THAT?" THIS BOOK IS A "I CAN DO THAT." I OFTEN FIND IT MISSING AS MY GIRLS LIKE TO LOOK AT IT, AND DISCUSS THE COOL CARVINGS. THEN THEY POINT OUT THERE FAVORITES. SIT THIS BOOK ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE AND ALMOST EVERYONE WILL PICK IT UP AND SPEND AT LEAST 20 MINUTES READING AND LOOKING AT IT. SEEMS CARVING APPEALS TO A BASIC HUMAN INSTINCT. PEOPLE WHO WOULD NEVER DREAM OF CARVING STILL ENJOY IT. IT IS A SOLID WELL WRITTEN BOOK. THE BOTTOM LINE THOUGH FOR CARVING IS THAT YOU HAVE TO PUT BLADE TO WOOD. ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD WILL ONLY TAKE YOU SO FAR. BEBINNERS WORK SMALL AND WHEN YOU CAN A BASIC DESIGN WITH A SCROLL SAW. IT MAKES IT EASIER TO DEFINE THE SHAPE. LITTLE ANIMALS ARE GREAT PROJECTS, AND DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR EARLY STUFF LATER YOU'LL ENJOY COMPARING IT TO SEE WHERE YOU HAVE PROGRESSED.



2. This book is a great start for the beginner. Complete set-by-step instructions with 72 photos & 131 drawings to go by for the 24 projects covered. The projects are really good looking "folk-art" animal caricatures.

1 comments about Antony Gormley (Contemporary Artists).

1. Antony Gormley is a sculptor who experiments with materials and ways of seeing the human form. His medium base is very diverse and this book has works that are excellent examples of his installations. If you are interested in the figurative arts but not necessarily representational figurative, this is a wonderful addition to a book collection.

2 comments about The Materials and Methods of Sculpture.

1. While I am not qualified to pass judgement on sculpture as far as methods of actually creating works of art,as a art foundry owner,I have reasonable background in usage of diferent materials connected with sculpture. I found this book to be of rather limited use to anyone seeking information on materials in use today. Almost all refererences are very dated and may be considered useful if a study of yesteryear's practices are intended.It appears to me,that information on various metals and their processing in particullar is more or less imprecise and in some cases wrong altogethrer-for example:to aneal common aluminium alloy to "pink" heat means going past melting point!To sum up,if you intend to learn current practices, go elsewhere.



2. This is a very good technical reference manual on the various types of sculpture mediums (including earth-clays, plastic, plaster of paris, casting, metal, stone, wood, and others). It goes into very specific detail on the metalurgic, chemical, and physical composition of the various mediums. I am just learning about sculpture but since I have a chemistry/engineering background I found the book very informative. This book will probably be difficult for those without a true passion to learn this much technical detail or without some solid science coursework.

No comments about Ai Weiwei: Works 2004-2007.

No comments about Italian Baroque Sculpture (World of Art).