3 comments about Collage with Color: Create Unique, Expressive Collages in Vibrant Color.

1. I really loved this book; it gave me new tools and ideas to work in my studio and to share with my friends and Alumni, from my art classes. I highly recommend it if you love to experience with color in a creative new way.



2. What I like most about this book is that it is a refreshing break from all the Somerset Studio look alike and same-looking altered book stuff out there (yes, I was surprised--this also has a few altered book things in here, and they're different and mildly interesting). Wow. Originality. Getting ever harder to come by in the modern paper art/craft publishing world.
   
   This book is actually more of a volume on paper decorating, with a bit of collaging principles and craft ideas included. This isn't bad. I read a lot of paper craft and art books, and I still found plenty in here that made me want to break out the paints and paper. And, as the title says, this is about color--how to decorate paper with it, how to combine it, how to make patterns with it. Unlike the previous reviewer, I didn't find the examples too bright. This is, after all, a book with "vibrant color" in the title. And here it is demonstrated by someone who truly understands it and is passionate about it. These examples sparkle.
   
   This is refreshingly different. No faux edginess which just looks bland the thousandth time you've seen it, or works featuring people wearing pasted dunce caps. You will instead find a nice basic, lucid overview of color concepts; great ideas for using acrylic paints to make interestingly decorated papers; and some ideas for combining these papers in aesthetically pleasing ways.



3. The author covers a lot of ground quickly here. While not as in-depth as Traci Bautista's "Collage Unleashed," Davies touches on many techniques and applications. The examples were way too bright for my tastes and didn't personally inspire me, but they work well as examples to see what's going on with the technique and provide a nice change of pace from the muted Victoriana that's so prevalent elsewhere. The photos also show the hand models with paint on them, which I really enjoyed after seeing many impossibly clean hands in other books. Yes! You will get paint on your hands and it's OK! I particularly enjoyed the Prayer Flags project, modelled after Tibetan prayer flags, and the Book Page Collage & Letter Stamps ideas.

3 comments about Modern Japanese Ceramics: Pathways of Innovation & Tradition.

1. Having already had an interest in Japanese pottery, when I moved to Fukuoka in Kyushu last year, I realized that Kyushu pottery was not just the famous Arita/Imari ware or even Karatsu-yaki. I looked in vain for a book which would give me some background on the many types of pottery in Kyushu that boasted a history of hundreds of years. I wanted something published fairly recently, knowing that there were talented young potters carrying on the work of generations. Naturally I thought I would find it among Japanese language publications, but no, I found it in this one. I rely on it. In addition to the history of the various types of pottery, it contains pictures of representative pieces and even directions to the kilns/pottery towns toward the back. I wish it also had directions by car in some cases, but I understand why that might difficult. Now if only we could add descriptions of hot springs near the pottery towns, it would be a dream come true!



2. I tend to agree with the reveiw above....The title is misleading,it is not a book about modern Japanese ceramics. Most of the photos are of works done in the 1800's, but there are some interesting examples of more contemporary works in the final chapters, and those were indeed very interesting. But I was not displeased with this book,in fact, it was quite the reverse. I have very little knowledge of Japanese techniques, I tend to work in underglazes and North American technical ways of firing, so, a chance to see a completley different perspective on ceramics from a Japanese cultural point of veiw is a great thing for me.
   Its a great little book, loaded with photos, technical info, and the works in the final chapters has me interested in purchasing another book on real contemporary Asia ceramics...Amazon has such a one,I think I may order it today, in fact!
   One the whole, it's great value for the money, I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about Japanese approaches to this art form.



3. First, the good -- this book contains lots of beautiful pictures of Japanese pottery from the 1990's and early 21st century. For that alone, it may be worth purchasing this book. Now the not-so-good -- if you are expecting to see cutting edge, modern ceramics from Japan, this is not the book for you. The text focuses largely on the history of Japaneses pottery and makes only a slight attempt to review the work of contemporary potters. The illustrations of pottery, while visually appealing, also fall largely (although not exclusively) into the category of traditional forms and firing methods. Although I am always happy to look at traditional Japanese pottery, I found little in this book that could provide inspiration for my own more modern work.

5 comments about Collectible Cups & Saucers (Collectible Cups and Saucers).

1. The layoutis fantastic. A person is able to find and see the information they are looking for. Being in color is an absolute necessity. I have read thru the book several times. It is a valuable tool in collection. Thank you very much. Kay Brashers.



2. Too bad someone didn't bother to edit this book - especially as it is a SECOND EDITION! It not only is missing 20 pgs (in the early 100s from what I recall - I sent book back and hope for a refund), it also had 20 duplicate pages! I can't believe NO ONE here who raved about this book noticed this! It's one thing to buy it and get pleaure looking at pictures of someone's pretty cups, but quite another when you are doing research and spending money on books! Checking for brands in the index and not finding a page listed is how I found this gross error! A lot of cups would have been covered on those 20 missing pages. The seller I purchased book from said "it was publishing error and not picked up on reprint" and had the nerve to ask ME to "let him know if I find one that was corrected" as he said all books are like this. Unless the seller is misrepresenting...I say "BOO" to the editors/publishers - no excuse on 2nd edition!)



3. This book is fantastic, beautiful pictures. A pleasure to just look through. Very happy with this purchase!!



4. This book is great for finding different cup and saucer types.
   I would like to have had more information on pottery markings included in the book. Wish the authors had a web-site for questions.



5. The first book I've purchased on tea cup collecting. The gorgeous photos alone taught me a great deal about the art and fun of collecting tea cups. I've enjoyed every page. When the world is so frustrating during the day I can't quite concentrate on reading weightier matters, I pick up this book and lose myself in the gracious and lovely world of tea cup collecting. A big thanks to the authors!

5 comments about Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects.

1. A winner in all ways. This book is for the people who have done the little crafty bits and have not lost interest in favor of a new hobby of the month. It is for those who love the texture and reflectivity of this artform's materials and want to find out more.
   
   The introduction and history section compares well to some of the better books. There is not that much but it is a respectable amount for a book that deals with technique and design.
   
   Every book also has a tools and materials section and this one provides sufficient information for you to proceed without worrying if you are using the right adhesives or the right backing for your work. There is not much that one needs to add. This knowledge will provide a good foundation to build on. Explanations are clear and items pictured clearly.
   
   The more common techniques are covered from beginning to end with, in one case, 17 small pointed images showing you exactly how. There is also a section on sculptural forms which shows you how to mosaic onto things that are not flat. Many other artists' work is also beautifuly presented in this book showing the different applications for the techniques that are covered in that section of the book. Very inspiring! It makes you want to get up and get going!
   
   And when you do get going, there are 12 projects complete with templates and very concise intructions. They are all unique and there is something for everyone.
   
   The contributing artists section would be more useful if there email addresses or web sites. The glossery also contains all of 7 items and the index is only 2 columns on a half a page. This could have been more complete.
   
   This is a very good book for instruction, inspiration and beautiful pictures. An artist of any level would be happy with this purchase. 10 out of 10.



2. I bought 5 mosaic books while learning the technique and this is my favorite. Of the books I have read, this has the most comprehensive guide to the actual process of making a mosaic. There is an extensive section of tools, as well as the best explanation of the direct and especially indirect method that I have seen. Pictures are plentiful too for every step and offer some fabulous examples of what is possible with the art.

   Very well done!




3. So far, every mosaic book I have collected has something to offer. This one has a few notable characteristics. The section on tools and equipment is more complete and detailed than other mosaic books I have seen. Beginning mosaic books usually suggest some kind of spatula, a tile nipper, and glass cutter. Quite a few other tools are suggested and described here, as well as what they are for. Although I feel daunted about buying and using so many different tools, it is helpful to know what I can look for if a particular project requires something different.

   The projects are fairly simple, but unique. For example, there is a lamp base covered with broken plates and cups, including the cup handles which protrude from the lamp! There is an irregular-shaped plaque, formed by pouring concrete into a polystyrene foam that you design, and then covered with an ancient Roman-simulated design. There is a mirror frame which is jig-sawed into an interesting shape, and this project alone is for me worth the price of the book.
   There are projects with very clear instructions for using both the direct and indirect method of applying tesserae.
   
   What I particularly like is that the instructions include how to finish the projects, such as how to put the back on the mirror, what hardware to use, and how to apply it. The other mosaic books I have seen so far only tell how to make the mosaic part, and leave the finishing steps up to you.

   Finally, there are many photos of incredible projects (such as an entire facade of a house) made by professional mosaicists, which the beginner would not attempt, but from which beginners and experienced alike can find inspiration.




4. This has been the single most inspiring book I've read on mosaic. The instructions are not only clear in their description, but there are photos in the different stages of progress for those of us who are "show me" people. The many photos throughout the book are fabulous and offer a wide variety of ideas and techniques for creating. There are helpful artist's tips included throughout the book too, as well as tools and materials listed for each project.



5. Has all the basics, plus more. Great photos.

No comments about Ann Hamilton: An Inventory of Objects.

3 comments about Art of Colonial Latin America A&I (Art and Ideas).

1. I've always really enjoyed Colonial Latin American Art. Recent years have brought some excellent shows: the great survey at the Philadelphia Museum made one realize that though none of this art may be great, it's mostly so charming. We recently stayed at the Casa Colonial Hotel in Cuernavaca which is filled with colonial art and it made it one of the most enjoyable travel stays we've ever had. Even the bloody Cristos which are perhaps the least inviting part of the art have a more contemporary echo in Cuban artist Carlos Alfonso's work. At any rate I've read many books on Spanish Colonial Art and Gauvin Bailey's at least a number of new insights and interesting facts, though behind it seems the idea that the common person was-- mirabile dictu-- a happy artistic participant in the whole colonial period. One greets that with a certain skepticism if one has read a lot of history of the period. Also, curiously, the term Churrigueresque seems to have been replaced by the equally tonguetwisterish estipite-baroque. I expect there is some social justice reason for this, as Churrigueresque may have offended somebody for unknown reasons, but it seems that fancy word has
   gone the way of all flesh.



2. The book Art in Colonial Latin America cover dates ranging form 1492 all the way to 1820. This book is perfect for those who are interested Latin American art in South America as well as the southwest United States. Bailey has a way of capturing the reader right from the beginning. His book starts with the first encounters and then takes you through how both the native people and the Spanish respond to the mix of cultures, he does an amazing job at telling both sides of the story. The reader really gets a true sense of the difficulties the natives faced with their new encounters. Bailey does a tremendous job on making the indigenous people the foreground of this new change. In chapter two his introductory statement shows just that "Until quite recently, historians of the conquest of the Americans focused almost entirely on the actions of the European conquerors and settlers. They treated the indigenous people as a silent backdrop to their Spanish and Portuguese protagonists, and paid scant attention to their cultures after the fall of the great pre-Hispanic civilizations." Bailey's book not only has very valuable history but along with it he has some wonderful images that are able to express exactly what points Bailey is trying to get across. For example when Bailey is discussing a type of life style such as colonial mansions he pairs the text with a beautiful full page image (page 324-325) so the viewer/reader can really connect with what aspects Bailey is discussing.
   Bailey's book is very well done with the information and the images; however the one weakness that I find is in the layout of the book. When I first picked this book up I found the front cover to not only be boring but very uninviting to read. The title was very small, isn't centered on the cover, and to me the image was to small in comparison to the size of the book, it has a very unfinished look. When I opened the book I was again disappointed with the layout, I thought the text was to small and the large margins on the sides and small margins on the top and bottom of the pages where very distracting to me. The other thing that didn't seem quite right was the placement of the page numbers on the side of the left side of the page, also very small, and the pages with only images didn't have number either.
   This books information is very well organized, Bailey starts with the pre-Hispanic world and then goes through to the Spaniards coming to the new world and then how the two cultures star to become one. Bailey gives you a brief table of contents so you can see what each chapter is about. In the back of the book there is a glossary which defines and explains words, events and artist. This glossary is very helpful especially with a culture that isn't as well understood. After the glossary Bailey provides us with a list of key dates and a map, which is very easy to refer to. Bailey has an index which also makes finding works of art very easy. Every one should read this book, they can gain so much knowledge from Bailey's insight. However I think that the language and contents of this book would be very appropriate for high school age kids and older.
   Before reading this book I didn't know nearly as much about the indigenous people and how they were affected by the Spanish coming to the new world. In my studies I always focused on the Spanish and their reaction on coming to the new world. My eyes were really opened to the fact that they indigenous people not only had to change their way of life, but had such a great impact on the religious icons found in the Saints honored by the Spanish. This is a really good book easy to read and very interesting, bailey has a way of capturing his audience and really showing them both side of the story.



3. I wasnt sure what to think about ordering a "used" book, however, this book was in mint condition and i was plesantly suprised! Thanks for the great product and awesome prices

1 comments about Coven 2 - A Gallery Girls Book (Gallery Girls Collection).

1. If you're a practicing Wiccan, you'd be best advised to stay away from the Coven Gallery Girls series. The second of three books in the series, Coven 2 does everything it can to reinforce the traditional image of the witch pointy fat, black cat familiars, and riding broomsticks...and naked to boot! The Coven volume 2 provides another 64 pages of pinup quality drawings of sexy, naughty witches drawn by some of the hottest pinup artists in the field today.
   
   Let's start with a fantastic cover by Tomas Giorello with a scantily clad witch in pilgrim's hat sitting on top of a jack-o-lantern. I dare say that if witches looked like her, then the puritans would have never have hung them back in 1692 Salem! Of course, I will pickup anything that features the ENORMOUS talents of Arantza and Pelaez, two of my favorite artists who are regular contributors to all of the various Gallery Girls collections from Sal Quartuccio Productions (SQP).
   
   Arantza and Pelaez contribute several illustrations each to this volume. Aranzta's notable drawings include a dark haired beauty casting a terrible curse on an unfortunate soul with a voodoo doll and another a nude witch, long nails dripping with blood, and a serpent coiled between her legs. Pelaez's contributions include a topless witch, in traditional pointy hat, relaxing in her favorite chair with two black cats under her feet, and my favorite in the book, two nude witches in a cemetery standing by an ancient tombstone, calling forth the corpse of the person buried there...both erotic and terrifying all at once!
   
   Enric goes a different route with two old hags holding a blonde captive in chains as they paint symbols on her naked body for an unholy ritual. James Ryman, another of my favorite Gallery Girls contributors, has a pair of witches frolicking gleefully before a giant cauldron as a massive demon is conjured up. Meriggi has the most humorous entry as a group of armed soldiers dragging away a witch will soon be regretting their decision as they begin to cough up serpents from their mouths.
   
   Other artists featured include: Boada, Pascarelli, Parillo, Maraschi, Pedro Cuevas, DelRivero, and more.
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

3 comments about Heath Ceramics: The Complexity of Simplicity.

1. Definitely not a "coffee table" dust collector but a book that I have spent many pleasant hours enjoying. It gives the reader an appreciation of how the multi-faceted potter Edith Heath brought classic design into the home through her ceramics. This book is a wonderful addition to my library and it makes gift giving easy.



2. The book for anyone with a passion for Edith Heath's designs as well as people interested in ceramics from the 40s until today. What the book lacks is a catalog of Heath's ceramic designs. But this shortcoming is not a big deal. What this wonderfully designed and produced book boasts is the vision of a singular woman who will forever be a part of the design landscape. The book is an absolute steal at the amazon.com price. Dense editorials, fantastic photography. A beautiful tribute.



3. Finally, a respectable book on Edith Heath! Klausner's work really stands out in the small but discerning crowd of Heathophiles. The more I tuck into this extraordinary book the more I become fascinated by the miraculous and timeless techniques of the House of Heath. I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in ceramics.

4 comments about Soda, Clay and Fire.

1. We purchased this book and were very impressed with the quality of the information. Tells you everything you need to know.



2. This book is a marvel. It's going to take a while to digest all the incredible information that Gail Nichols has shared from her years of exploration into soda firing. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in vapor firing.



3. Gail Nichols' volume is a welcome compendium of the rather sparse information published to date regarding soda fired clay. And although it is a first, it hits the target nicely. She balances technical information with aesthetic information (in the form of well-shot photographs) so that it will appeal to the soda pyromaniacs as well as the gallery enthusiast. Soda fired clay is a relatively new phenomenon growing out of the tradition of salt glazed ware. However, technically and aesthetically, the two traditions are not twins, nor even siblings. They are more like cousins. Nichols' research on the subject provides a wealth of data from which anyone serious about soda firing clay will benefit. Take her up on her offering. Read this book!



4. This book is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in Soda firing. I am new to atmospheric firings and found this a valuable resource. I would urge experienced and novice ceramacists to check out this book. There is a lot of very in depth information for seasoned soda firers, while enough general information to get anyone started down the right path.

2 comments about Erte Postcards in Full Color: 24 Ready-to-Mail Postcards (Card Books).

1. The quality on these postcards are not to be missed. They're glossy, and printed on a sturdy weight of paper. The details are so crisp and the colors so vibrant, I'm having some framed to hang in my bedroom. This was a great purchase overall



2. Unique and brillan in colors, Every detail is clear and just a wonderful little work of art!
   Would purchase and will purchase again.