5 comments about 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I love this series from Lark! It provides me with lots of inspiration and it is a wonderful tool to learn new artists and their work. I have almost the whole series!



2. I've been wanting to get into ceramics for a while and this book was just the thing to get my creative juices flowing. It has many (500 actually) beautiful pieces to admire, with such a wide selection of styles. I love that it has a both beautiful and grotesque figures revealing so many artistic view points. It's definitely not a "how to" book, with just enough info to get a basic idea of how each piece was created but the beautiful photographs and wide variety of sculptures makes it well worth purchasing.



3. without being able to review the illustrations in the book, I was unable to make good use of the models for my beginning sculpting projects. The cover picture seemed somewhat simple, but the many complex figures contained in the book were too difficult to be models for my limited ability.



4. I am thrilled to own this book. I review it regularly for inspiration and ideas for glazes and forms.



5. My low score for this book is primarily, but not exclusively, a low score for the judging. I find it difficult to believe that almost no work in the classical tradition was submitted. The work in these pages contained almost no work of a traditional figurative nature. Both in galleries in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as at art shows/faires, there is plenty of traditional figurative work being done now in clay and bronze. I can only conclude that the judges hold a strong bias for non-traditional work.
   
   There is also an alarming gap between what I will term "high end art" and mediocre. It's pretty obvious who the former are (e.g., Violet Frey, Beth Cavener Stichter); there are all too many in the latter category.
   
   It may be that your "call" for art went out to a limited audience (to university art departments and art schools, perhaps?) and failed to capture the attention of more professional artists.

5 comments about Origami Sea Life (Origami).

1. The finished models in this book are great, they are clearly identifiable species, not just generic fish, crabs, etc.
   What really makes the book stand out, however, are the folding sequences. The steps flow with a natural rythm, and every tricky step is clearly explained. Because the authors have created unique bases for each model, the results of a given step are often pleasantly surprising.
   I have a pile of origami books, and this is my favorite so far by a pretty wide margin. When I finish folding everything in it, I will probably fold them all again because they are so much fun.



2. This superb book contains an enormous range of origami models representing various forms of sea life. These range from sea urchins and starfish through to the Blackdevil Angler Fish and the almost impossible to fold Chambered Nautilus Shell. I have in my time folded most of the models and my favourites include the Angler Fish, Goldfish and the Murex shell which is wonderful in a textured foil.
   
   Most of the models will require some folding experience, even the easier ones and the most difficult ones like the Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin and Blackdevil Angler Fish are really for experts only, but most folders of intermediate level and upwards will find something to enjoy. It is definitely a book which will help you to develop your folding skills but be sure to have plenty of paper on hand!
   
   Each section includes an interesting introduction to the natural history of the life forms it is covering and the book is well laid out with clear computerised diagrams. It's an origami book I've come back to again and again over the years and which remains one of my treasures. I recommend it.



3. I've owned this book for a number of years and only recently have I been able to fold most of the creatures in it. This book is definitely not for greenhorns, but if you look closely at every single diagramme in the book, and interpret them exactly and are very careful, every model in the book is foldable. The end result is gorgeous paper sea creatures that can impress basically anyone--yourself included. I've been amazed at how beautiful the things I'm folding from this book turn out.



4. This is one of my favorite Origami books ever. If you are thinking about getting it you should. This book will appeal to any body, from beginner to advanced. I love the models in this book. It contains various models of many genera and cover many of the marine phylums such as variety of gastropods, cephalodops, crustaceans, and many fish from Angler Fish to sharks to Sun fish.



5. This book is well written with easy to understand diagrams. The models range from easy to extremly hard, but most of the animals are high intermediate.Most of the diagrams are so specialized that they can't make other models from the base, but the end result is an elegant model that isn't bulky like other models of this difficulty. I have most of Montroll's and Lang's work,and this is one of the best.The deep sea angler fish is my favorite with a full set of teeth. The binding is breaking apart because I've used it so much. Overall this is a book with the best models!
   (Watch the binding of the Dover books!)

5 comments about Wood.

1. All the books featuring the works of Goldsworthy are stunning. His work is unexpected and a joy to anyone who loves nature.



2. It's a big and invigorating book. If you like earth art this book (and there are others) offers some of the best of Goldsworthy. The concepts and execution are as inventive as they are cerebral. While I've never seen his work in person the photos and narrative of this book really feel like they capture the detail. In other ways the book itself is as well presented and printed as any book of art I've seen. If you can't afford it (it was expensive for me) try and get your local library to invest. It would be a great contribution to your local enclave.



3. Goldsworthy's art isn't what he makes. It's what he does to things that are already there to make them fresh and beautiful to the jaded eye of an average human. Simple things work best in his art, evoke more raw emotion and longing: he lines tree branches with dandelions and red maple leaves; he hangs large snowballs in trees; ribbons of leaves trail off into the water and spiral icicles circle tree trunks. It's all so simple and captivating, it's really quite astounding. Goldsworthy's art is fleeting. The only reminders of his non-permanent works are photographs. In Wood, Goldsworthy goes beyond the confines of this material and shows us his mastery with the entire spectrum of natural media - snow, ice, rock, leaf, etc. The book is subdivided into sections dealing with each specific medium, the last being Tree - each work is centered around a low-lying branch of a large oak. Nevertheless, I must say that this collection of Goldsworthy's art is slightly inferior to his Collaborations with Nature, which is a better first choice if you are unfamiliar with his principles.



4. This book is so cool! I studied about Andy Goldsworthy for Art, and he is my fav artist. What he does is different and is not boring. When you look at his art it makes you think. They look so beautiful and peacful.



5. Andy Goldsworthy creates forms that echo the patterns of nature so completely the viewer is almost convinced that mother nature herself made them, rather than human hands. Goldsworthy's sculptures are more than works of art. They become integral yet fleeting parts of the lanscape that surrounds them. His shapes are fluid and delicate, and his ideas are deceptively simple,yet appear to defy both time and gravity. His experiments in Wood are gentle and thought-provoking, and prove that beauty exists all around us. Looking at his book makes me appreciate the trees, rocks, and water all around us. Andy Goldsworthy honors the earth with his quiet, sculptural meditations.

No comments about Carve Your Own Totem Pole.

5 comments about Hallmarks of the Southwest (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is a must have for the serious collector of Native American jewelry. This compilation is broad and attributes many makers to their nation of origin. There are names, initials, and pictographs, with an assortment of unknowns as well. This book is worth its weight in gold!



2. I've been able to find some of the marks in the book but so many times the marks I'm looking for are not listed. I was also surprised that some names, such as Harry Morgan, were not in the book.



3. We have had previous editions of this book by Barton Wirght for years. This up-dated edition is just more current, but overall it is a very helpful bood to us.



4. Although the exchange process was easy, both copies of the book that Amazon sent had pages either missing or hugely out of order. I wished there was a way for Amazon to check the copies, under such circumstances, before sending them out.



5. This is the eagerly-awaited second edition of Hallmarks of the Southwest; as a longtime collector of Native American jewelry, I'm happy to finally have a copy of this book.
   
   Naturally, not every craftsman can be represented in such a comprehensive work, and complicating this is that not every piece is stamped with identifying marks. (Some of my favorite jewelry isn't stamped at all, even with "Sterling.") Many of the references are a carry-over from the first edition; since silversmithing is often a family tradition, certian respected craftsmen working today may not be represented but their families are.
   
   It's a valuable overview, and leaves the reader [me, at least] wanting more.

5 comments about The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Durer.

1. Una gran edición a costo más que razonable para mi. Contiene todos los grabados en madera.



2. The visuals contained in this book by Durer are very very good. It gives you a great idea of what type of talent this man had. There is a very nice transition from his earlier work to the later noticeable due to the intricate detail woodcut by woodcut. If you are a fan of Durer, or wanted to know what he was capable of creating, I highly suggest checking this one out.



3. This book is 346 pages, not 44 as listed. Dover has a newer edition. Durer masterworks.



4. This is the best compilation of Duerer prints I have ever seen. Duerer's talent is really downplayed in the avant-guarde scene today, but if you just look, you'll have instant appreciation. My only dissapointment was that the book does not include all of Duerer's Revelation woodcuts, which are my favorites. Anyway, I suggest you look into this book--it is amazing.



5. Albrecht Durer was one of the most talented artists the world has ever seen, and his woodcuts, especially those of apocolyptic visions are spectacular. This book reproduces these woodcuts faithfully, and the images are not diminished by the format of the book as is often the case.

   These images are the stuff of nightmares - hell, torment, torture and death, and yet the images are so startlingly realistic as to be almost poignant in their representations. Enjoyt the images for what they are - works of genius. In addition the commentary is worthwhile, with interesting observations of Durer's life and techniques.

   A valuable addition to an art lover's library, but also a fascinating book for anyone who is interested in genius.

5 comments about African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi Series).

1. Great overview of all African masks, with intelligent background and supportive material. Not just a picture book or rehash of oft-repeated images. Really a book to be used and absorbed.. It will be a great help.



2. I bought the hardcover version of this & it is well worth the additional expense because the photos are excellent in quality & number. The printing of the photos is of a very high quality. The book is well organized by region & tribes; since many tribes do not adhere to modern borders. I also bought THE TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA it is very good but the organization is poor (by region & country) and the descriptions for the smaller photos are not in the same order as the photos, so one has to really search to find out what one is looking at. Whereas the variety and great quality of the photos in AFRICAN MASKS enabled me to definitively identify a mask I acquired 30 years ago. If you collect or love viewing West African carvings I recommend investing in the hardcover version.



3. This is the best book I have found on the psychology and understanding of African masks. Just fantastic, worth the money. 80% color plates, brief outline of basic African mask types and their interpretation, grouped by region and by style.



4. This is the best book I have found on the psychology and understanding of African masks. Just fantastic, worth the money. 80% color plates, brief outline of basic African mask types and their interpretation, grouped by region and by style.



5. First-rate, high quality throughout, this volume does what a book of this type should do: packs in plenty of color plates of the masks, and shows them being worn (in black-and-white in situ photos) on the accompanying left-hand pages of the spreads. The collection is far-ranging and, though it cannot include every type of mask, it does manage to convey the incredible variety, richness and paradoxical sophistication of this art form. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Origami Insects.

1. I see I'm in the minority on this book, and I'm sure I'll get a bunch of "unhelpful" votes from people disagreeing with my opinion, but I found this book really frustrating for the amount of steps that are just so difficult to get through. To be honest, until I got this book, I'd never really had major difficulties with any origami I've done, I've been folding for over 30 years, I had even folded Lang's previous monster the Cuckoo Clock from The Complete Book of Origami, Montroll's Stego and other such complex models. I've done plenty of insects before (I loved the mantis in his Origami Zoo book) but the majority of the ones in this book just drove me nuts. He clearly loves sinks and those in particular often just really tripped me up for the complexity of the layers you were having to sink. There were a few that I simply could not figure out, they just seemed totally inexplicable how you were supposed to get those layers properly reversed. I'd try such models again and fail again, and I personally just do not find that enjoyable to put so much time into something only to get totally stuck and unable to continue. Sure, it happens once in awhile regardless...but with this book it became commonplace. For me, what makes an origami book great is the ability to take extremely complex, interesting models and diagram them in such a way that a reasonably competent folder can accomplish them with a concerted effort. And this book definitely missed that mark.
   
   I'd certainly recommend you avoid this book until you have quite a few years of experience folding and can easily handle any type of model, and advanced steps like reverse folded sinks, etc. But I'd also suggest you consider whether you are the type of folder that doesn't mind spending an hour or two on something and have nothing to show for it, but is able to move on and try again (and again and again...) I am used to messing up a model on the first try once in awhile but there are models in this book I tried several times and honestly felt like I just could do over and over and still not figure out. I personally just don't have quite that level of perseverance, so this book tends to sit on my shelf while I do other, not necessarily easier models, but ones that at least have more reasonable steps to get from point A to point B.



2. I have not folded any of the creatures in the book: I just like to look at the pictures and read the small articles about each animal. But if anyone wanted to fold one of these animals, get some large papers (above 12x12 inches)and probably a couple tweezers :))



3. This book is the best one for the paperfoldinging advanced beginners, this have many advanced origami and the results are very great.



4. I was able to fold one of the models in this book (the ant.) I aspire to fold the others someday, after much, much more practice with easier books. They look really cool, so they give me a goal to aim for, but I am not certain if I will ever get there.
   Five stars because they are great designs.



5. My 11 year old grandson is an origami 'master'! he has been doing ORIGAMI for 5 or 6 years. He says this is the best ORIGAMI book he has - he has a library full of them! He just ordered another Robert Lang ORIGAMI book.

5 comments about Holy Terrors: Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings.

1. Almost every tourist who has ever climbed to the top of the North Tower of Notre-Dame de Paris has taken a photo of his or her companion leaning over the balustrade between two gargoyles (technically 'chimeras'), and surveying the streets below. It's the ultimate gargoyle photo-op. I'm surprised this author was able to photograph the gargoyles without a tourist leaning between them. I was only slightly disappointed to learn from this book that much of the stonework on this tower is nineteenth-century restoration by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, "started in 1845 to repair damage done to the cathedral during the Revolution." However, he did attempt to use molds of the originals.
   
   Basically gargoyles are waterspouts, but to me they are proof that medieval stonemasons had a lively sense of humor--which they might have inherited from the Etruscans or the Egyptians, who also used animal-shaped stone waterspouts. Strictly speaking, gargoyles that do not spout water are known as 'grotesques' or 'chimeras.'
   
   It surprised me to learn that gargoyles used to be brightly colored--oranges, reds, and greens were favored--and sometimes gilded. The author believes that "gargoyles may be survivals of pagan beliefs...incorporated into church decorations for superstitious reasons." I've read many a horror story based on this assumption, most notably "The Cambridge Beast" and "The Sheelagh-na-gig" by Mary Ann Allen.
   
   Encounters between gargoyles and people are unique to the Cathedral of Saint John in Den Bosch, the Netherlands: "As a monstrous creature leaps out from the top of the buttress, the people cringe in terror, each one leaning back in an attempt to escape the attack of their horrible assailant." Americans tend to make pets of gargoyles, but that was not their original purpose. After all, midair is the reputed realm of demons (Ephesians 2:2).
   
   Some of the gargoyles pictured in this book are laughing at us. A carved gargoyle-monk of the Old Cathedral of Saint-Etienne in Toul, France appears to be emptying the contents of a barrel onto his unsuspecting colleagues below. "Some [gargoyles] are so appealing that it is hard to imagine they were intended to be regarded as anything other than good creatures. Indeed, the gargoyles of Notre-Dame in Paris are even said to keep watch for drowning victims in the Seine."
   
   This book is an enchanting collection of photographs, legends, and travelogue. If you ever intend to go gargoyle-hunting in Europe, make certain a copy of "Holy Terrors" is stored in your carry-on.



2. ...I got the two books Holy Terror's and American Gargolyes... it was a great deal. The book is loaded with pictures of gargoyles from across america and desrcibes what type of gargoyle and where it is located in america. The photographs are beautiful and descriptive through out the book. If you gargoyles get the two books for the price of one. Highly Recommended!!!!



3. This book is one of the best books I got from [amazon.com]. I got the two books Holy Terror's and American Gargolyes... it was a great deal. The book is loaded with pictures of gargoyles from across america and desrcibes what type of gargoyle and where it is located in america. The photographs are beautiful and descriptive through out the book. If you gargoyles get the two books for the price of one. Highly Recommended!!!!



4. "Holy Terrors" is that rarest of books, one that is of genuine value to adults curious about art and architecture, but also very much capable of holding the interest of children. My five-year-old son loves the pictures--especially the "Hairy human with animal head" that adorns the cathedral in Burgos, Spain. We also both appreciate the excellent selection of medieval illustrations, such as Schongauer's "Temptation of Saint Anthony." Skimming through "Holy Terrors" is a fun way to introduce kids to one of the cultural treasures of Europe.



5. After searching several times for a book that gives the true meaning behind what gargoyles are, and where to find them, it has been found. This book combines a great number of detailed pictures with excellent writing. Way to go Janetta Benton!!!!

5 comments about Classic Carving Patterns.

1. This book is just what the title says - "Classic Carving Patterns". It is not a "How to Carve" book. If you don't already know how to carve, don't buy this book.
   
   Once you know the basics, most people want more challenging projects but don't have the experience to draw their own designs. This book picks up right at the spot. It contains patterns of intermediate complexity which will challenge journeymen carvers to improve their skills.
   
   There aren't many books like this available - books with lots of patterns that are intended to be carved. If you're a developing or experienced carver looking for new challenges, or even ideas to incorporate in your own designs, this is the book for you.



2. This books contains only patterns for people who has no chance to draw their own (including myself). Patterns are nice but I rated a book in four stars, because, first of all, I did expect little bit more different kinds of patterns and secondly, I did expect some descriptions or recommendations.
   But it's really worthly bbok for those who needs only patterns.



3. Lora Irish is one of my favorite designers as her patterns are easy to follow and are very detailed. This book is one you will never want to part with. There are many different useful designs in this book well worth its cost. Now make some wood chips!



4. I have to admit, I should have taken the title more literally. This book has some beautiful patterns for those who are lacking the artistic inspiration (myself included in that list). What the book is lacking is the transformation process from drawing board to the actual works rendered in wood. The line drawings are truly beautiful, but some appear to be almost impossible to complete as outlined in the pattern. I would have appreciated more input from the author as to the techniques she prefers to achieve some of the artisitc effect of her drawings. The photos are too few and incomplete, and there is no reference to the rendering process for these lovely patterns. I was fooled by the cover photo depicting a woodworker's bench with a roll of carving tools and a partially carved project. I will keep the book for a reference should I ever become stuck for ideas on a particular project. I don't think it will become one of my most frequently used books.



5. I have been attempting to learn carving & engraving techniques for sometime. I had reached a point where I had exhausted my resourses. I was out of ideas, and lacking enough experence to develop my own style. I believe I can do that now. This is a very well prepaired manuel. My Thanks, William Talley