No comments about More 3D Origami: Step-By-Step Illustrations.

2 comments about The Sculpture Reference: Contemporary Techniques, Terms, Tools, Materials And Sculpture.

1. This hefty volume is an indispensable addition to any sculptor's reference shelf. With what seems like over a hundred fascinating color photos of sculptors at work, work in progress in all sculpting media, excellent finished pieces, this book is a joy to have. As a sculptor and art educator, I have accumulated an extensive library of books in this area. This is one that I had to squeeze into its rightful place on my most used shelf. Whether you are starting out or are a professional sculptor, you'll want to own this volume. And don't loan it out to just anyone, if you want to see it again!



2. The Sculpture Reference by Arthur Williams is a phenomenal achievement. An enjoyable and educational book that I find quite inspiring. Living, contemporary, working - sculptors; what an excellent set of criteria for the inclusion of the over 280 artist whose work is displayed in the over 1,100 color images within this hefty 512 page book.
   
   The quality of the photography is excellent in every case. The alphabetical structure of the work lends a nice rhythm between materials, techniques and the results that can be achieved with them, in another words it is a good read for the serious sculptor.
   
   The most impressive aspect is his selection of unique sculpts; the diversity of which is almost unbelievable. This handsome book already has a few scares from knocking around my studio. Almost every person that has opened it has ended up going from page one to the back cover one page at a time. Most of these people not sculptors mind you, just everyday Jane and Joes that are drawn in. I have many instructional videos and books on sculpting and sculpture, but this one book could replace half of them as an effective educational tool.

2 comments about Lives of the Painters, Sculptors and Architects (Everyman's Library).

1. all at once alien and familiar. Other, cheaper, heavily abridged, versions of this book are available, but if you want the complete rainbow of "famous Renaissance artist" biographies (and some not so famous), written by a fellow artist who actually knew many of the most important figures about whom he wrote (and not just artists: Vasari worked for popes and secular princes who also sponsored the greatest artists of the time), this is it, and really good value for the price. There is one omission in De Vere's early 20th-century rendering of Vasari's huge book: the fascinating Technical Preface with which Vasari introduced the actual historical narratives of the Lives. Fortunately, this is available in an affordable Dover edition (Vasari On Technique). Like his opinions on individual masters, Vasari's historical "facts" will always require current scholarly verification, especially with reference to the artists from the earlier phases of what Vasari called the era of "modern artistic style." But he's the closest we have to an articulate eyewitness account of that amazing time, and even his prejudices and misconceptions are full of interest.



2. This is possibly one of the best reads for anyone studying or interested in Renaissance art and architecture. Vasari lived in the times of the people he describes and knew many of them personally. He watched them working on their masterpieces.
   For example he was a dear friend of Michelangelo's. What better source than someone who worked and dined with the master?
   His writing style is very casual and conversational rather that scholarly or academic, which together with plenty of anecdotes and personal remarks makes for an exciting read. And I mean EXCITING. Unlike any history book ever.
   His historical accuracy is sometimes questionable, but current editions of the books are properly footnoted with all of Vasari's mistakes corrected.

2 comments about Making Animal Characters In Polymer Clay.

1. I am highly impressed with this book. The format of the book is easy to read. I'd imagine even a beginner would be able to work through it and create a sculpture as well. The photos are very high quality and detailed.

   She supplies tips and suggestions for each project as well as patterns on completing each one in the book.

   It's great for those anthro styled animals from fairy tales and cartoons.




2. The characters are cute and interesting... the Dalmation in turnouts is adorable. The instructions appear to be easy to follow, and the projects are within anyone's reach, even beginners. Original style on new and old themes.

No comments about Erwin Wurm: The Artist Who Swallowed the World.

2 comments about Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry, and Recreation.

1. As an ardent Chinese antique ceramics for more than 5 years, I can confirm that Mr Wood's knowledge is vast and its information would be most useful for all parties interested in this aspect of art collecting. As a non-Chinese it is not at all easy to become an expert in this field, and the author must be congretulated on the production of such a superb book. The quality of the photos is exemplery.
   
   Alex Yip, Hong Kong.



2. This is a good book about glazes used in China (with a few from neighboring countries). It puts the glazes and their use into historical context within the lineage of Chinese emperors/dynasties. It includes pictures of pottery decoration for functional pieces (bowls, plates, etc..). It includes a large number of glaze recipies in a very condensed format at the end of the book. I look forward to trying a few of them soon.

5 comments about Hands on Sculpting: From Your First Trip to the Art Store to a Fun and Relaxing Hobby in a Truly Satisfying Art.

1. I tell you if I were not in between jobs (gotta save my pennies for the rent) I would have ran out to the nearest art supply store and purchased some "sculpey" clay to begin my new hobby as a sculptor.

   That's how easy Dottie Erdmann, the author, makes sculpture look. Erdman, a self-taught sculptor, echoed my sentiments exactly when she explained she had an interest in sculpture but didn't know where to begin. Armed with a little information she had gathered about sculpting she headed to her art supply store to purchase some clay and tools. A sculptress was born.

   The book is an easy step-by-step guide complete with black and white photos and drawings. She starts off with super easy small objects: a lemon, followed by an apple, etc. She builds your skills and confidence with the smaller objects while advancing you to the more difficult projects in the book.

   The only disappointment I had with the book were the tools she used to put the lines and detail in the clay. I couldn't tell which ones were being used for which project. But, as I read through the book, I began to learn the sculptor developes a feeling (comes with experience - trial and error) for which tool to use to make certain impressions in the clay. Besides that, the book was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!




2. As a provessional who works with patients who are recovering from physical and mental challenges I found Hands On Sculpting an enormously useful book. It doesn't "talk down" to the patients, but "talks with" them encouraging them to work with their hands and use their creativity while sculpting anything from very, very simple projects to projects of more complexity. The feeling of accomplishment, which builds self-esteem, is magnificent therapy during the recovery period.



3. I enjoy Mrs. Erdmann's sculpting techniques very much. She came to my school and taught our class a lot of really neat stuff! Thanks to Mrs. Erdmann I am really having fun with sculpting.

   Eric Martin




4. My son was fortunate to have the author, Dottie Erdmann visit and instruct his third grade class. The entire class was completely thrilled and amazed with what their hands can do. Hands on Sculpting is a must for every school.



5. My family found this book to be informative as well as creative and fun for all ages and skill levels. It's written in an easy to read format, just as if you were sitting in a private lesson. The pictures and drawings are very clear and helpful.

No comments about Daumier.

5 comments about Foro Italico.

1. George Mott's 1982 photographs of some of the most beautiful of the male athletic statues that surround the Foro Italico is the subject of this book. Mussolini, attempting to glorify the althetic male body in his Stadium of Statues, was disappointed that the 1944 Olympics in Rome were cancelled because of World War II. Yet the stadium and these 12 foot marble statues remain and are captured well by Mott's black and white presentation.
   
   The core of the book is 32 photographs of these graceful statues of athletic men. The Boxer is certainly one of the most impressive and is featured not only on the book cover but by two photographs inside the book showing the statue of heayweight champion Primo Carnera from two views. The Diver is of a youth that looks like an image from classical antiquity. Hercules is shown twice, once as the discus thrower and then again with the head of the defeated lion covering the back of his head and shoulders. The Boxer donated by Mantova is a strong work of art, showing the expanded brow and broken nose of a powerful and confident man. The Bare Fisted Boxer by Bellini also is a work of masculine power with the characteristic expanded brow and broken nose, adding to the masculine attraction rather than distracting. The Soccer Player by Morescalchi again evokes the sublime youth of classical antiquity.
   
   If someone was purchasing this book purely for male erotica, I would think they will be disappointed. The figures of young male athelets in the prime of their youth and power are certainly compelling, but the statues are of unequal appeal and Mott selects only half for this book. The images are of marble statues and whereas the bodies are stunning, they are also stylized in a manner later seen in Soviet social realism. However, in 4 or 5 images, the essence of male beauty is captured in these marble giants in powerful almost architypal simplicity and grace.



2. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



3. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



4. The book is beautifully printed and bound, but the photographer (Mott) uses almost exclusively head and upper-chest shots of the statues. In the rare occasions where the full body is displayed, a side or back view is often shown. Half of the photos are in color, which is a waste. These statues demand black and white film. Only a small fraction of the 60 statues were photographed. Luigi Ballerini's long (6 pages) piece was so long-winded and convoluted, I had to read it three times and I still don't understand what he was trying to say. For such a short book, I was surprised to find detail shots of a hand with a ball in it and a hand with a discus in it. What is the point? The 8-page article by Michelangelo Sabatino was interesting, but I would have preferred more full shots of more statues instead. Mott, clearly, has spent too much time in the United States to have an understanding of the meaning of eroticism. I'd love to see these statues photographed by a northern European!



5. This book reveals a little known part of Roman and Italian history that is incredible. The photos and the information presented are fascinating and this book makes a wonderful addition to any collection of art books, photographic volumes or Italian cultural texts. The composition and presentation of the photographs is truly striking and erotic without being in any way prurient. It is absolutely a true work of art about incredible works of art!

No comments about The Craft of the Potter: A Practical Guide to Making Pottery.