3 comments about Creation Out of Clay: The Ceramic Art and Writings of Brother Thomas.

1. Brother Thomas' is a beautiful work of inspiration. While he makes pots, he also writes of his philosophy, partly based in his faith, partly based in his talents for creation. His works are subtle, masterful, and demonstrate a love of clay. Lavishly illustrated, this work has been an inspiration for me. I find myself reaching for my sketchbook and pencil as I am turning the pages.
   
   This is not so much a "technique" book as it is a "this is how I make pots." But, it's a wonderful source of inspiration and ideas. I recommend this one to everyone who is in any way interested in the art and craft of pottery.



2. Brother Thomas Bezanson ,originally from Nova Scotia, is one of the great potters working in cermaics today. His work is notable in its use of color, resembling texture and color used in both China and Japan. He works in porcelin,and now lives and works in Erie, Pa.,not a noted hotbed of the arts. He was formely assocaited with the celebrated Monks of Weston Priory in Vermont. His work is easily accesible, and is on display in the Boston museum,among other places. This book, with its luxurious photos show the depth of the color that Brother Thomas achieves,the deep blends that have become his signature .Tea bowls, plates,vases all are lovingly illustated in beautiful full 4 color photographs.In this volume,he shows his deep indebtedness to the japanese and chinese artist who have preceeded him.Also his story is told along with his progress as an artist, and one can see, as a man. This is a beautiful book,lavishly illustarted which tells Br Thomas history along with the history of the pieces. Excellent, worth the cost and effort.



3. I found this book very enjoyable and uplifting. The writings of Brother Thomas and the photographs of his art work are exceptional. This is a book I recommend to any artist or anyone who enjoys man at his creative best.

2 comments about The Sistine Chapel: A Glorious Restoration.

1. The huge project of the cleaning and restoration of the Sistine chapel has been completed for more than decade (of course it is continuous and ongoing). It was a huge project that aroused fiery controversy. Even though the ceiling had become almost completely obscured by centuries of smoke and repeated applications of varnish (early attempts to protect the treasured frescoes), some felt strongly that the restoration proposed would ruin the ceiling. In one way, it does make sense that the ceiling that generations had known was the work then on display. The yellowed color scheme and dark views were all that anyone living and the generations previous had known.
   
   This book does not document the ceiling as it was, but does provide wonderful detail of how the process of restoration was decided upon, what was done, what was learned during the process, and page after page of glorious pictures of the frescoes. The articles are by well qualified scholars and discuss quite interesting aspects of the works including the use of assistants by Michelangelo, his colors and their use, those poses and clothing of the characters, the chapel itself, and much more. There is even a foldout section to see the entire ceiling.
   
   This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in understanding the Sistine Chapel as it exists today. You can easily find pictures on the web contrasting how it used to look with how it looks today. To me, it seems obvious how wonderfully the restoration was done and how necessary it was. However, I can see how some would feel a sense of loss that what they had known for generations is now gone.



2. As a student with two jobs I do not have much time for art. Recently I have taken an interest in the classics. I was at a bookstore one day and this book caught my eye:

   The work of Michelangelo is wonderful. This book really brings to life this masters artwork in a way that is beautiful and breathtaking. The part I love most about this book is that before and after pictures are shown of Michelangelo's work (pre and post restoration). It really brings vibrant life and color to work that seems sometimes to be forgotten. Also lots of people think that Michelangelo was not very creative in his color usage, after seeing this book, you will truly see that he is a GENIUS. Even if you are not into art...this book will make you see art and especially Michelangelo in a different way. Get this book. You will not regret it.

No comments about The Avant-Garde Icon: Russian Avant-garde Art and the Icon Painting Tradition.

1 comments about Islamic Art in Context (Perpectives) (Trade Version).

1. This book has great plates and is a great picture book. It also approaches the subject of Islamic art in a way unique compared to most introductory western art books. Rather then go chronologically, it breaks the subject up by themes. This works great for this material. This book is very readable, but sometimes a little simplistic. It's a great introduction to the subject.

1 comments about Devils (Icons).

1. This book is full of enjoyable and interesting art. It also has a quality cover & mostly color plates. Much of the art is medieval, although it spans from antiquity to recent decades. It covers all genres of the subject, from religious works to ads and pop-art. This whole icons series from Taschen looks interesting.

3 comments about Architecture in Communion: Implementing the Second Vatican Council Through Liturgy and Architecture.

1. Steven Schloeder has written a book in which he attempts to capture what he describes as the 'true spirit of the Second Vatican Council' in architectural design for churches. Schloeder identifies difficulties in theology and liturgy that have, in his opinion, translated also in problem architecturally. With regard to modernism, he states, 'Many prominent Catholic thinkrs have not discerningly separated the wheat from the chaff and have accepted certain secondary issues as primary ones.' Among these are issues of the Eucharist being a sacrificial meal vs. a communal one, or the difference between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of all being downplayed - these and others are issues that he discusses briefly in theological and historical terms, but quickly develops the way in which architecture shapes and is shaped by such ideas.
   
   Schloeder's vision for the book is set out in the introduction: 'Our goal is to enliven the parish community - which is the true Church built of living stones in Christ - with a material church building designed to serve and further the primary vocation to become a community of love, which must mean a people of sacrifice and redemption.' This is a constant theme throughout the entire text, always present in the spirit of the photographs, drawings, and essays.
   
   Even the structure of the book speaks of an underlying theological bent - three clusters of three chapters. The first three chapters explore issues of history, sociology, theology and liturgy with regard to the modern Catholic church building. The nature of the church is a primary consideration when considering what kind of design and structure its physical enclosure and manifestation should bear.
   
   The second cluster of three chapters look at particular architectural aspects. One chapter examines the needs of the santuary itself, another chapter more broadly at other services and sacramental needs, and the final chapter the wider considerations of the church family and its place in the community. In this later aspect, the church building can grow from being the domus ecclesiae (house church, or home of the church) to being a civitas dei (a city of God).
   
   The final three chapters look at artistic and aesthetic elements, particularly the icon; Schloeder strives to regain the iconographic aspect of the church in the community. The building itself can be a symbol and a work of art, and most certainly should be a sacramental space.
   
   Schloeder is honest about this book not being an answer book - to many of the issues he explores, he has no concrete answers to offer, but rather serves to highlight particular issues for consideration. Indeed, in the creativity of modern architecture, there are often multiple solutions to the same problems.
   
   This book has hundreds of photographs, examples of architecture modern, medieval and ancient, works of art, and outside symbols and examples. It is rather fun, for example, to see a picture of the British House of Commons chamber as an example of similar types of church architecture, then to know that the British HoC is modeled on the older structure in which the Members met in the choir stalls of a chapel.
   
   The writing is crisp and flowing, and fits very well its topic and the surrounding images. This is a good book for all those interested in architecture, church design, liturgy, and the intersection of theology with material arts.



2. ARCHITECTURE IN COMMUNION gave an excellent insight into the challenges and crises that Catholic church art has faced since the Second Vatican Council. Mr. Schloeder really understands the anguish that many traditional church artisans faced following the aftermath of the Council--when confusion seemed to leave traditional Catholic church arts at a crossroads.



3. "Architecture in Communion" is a detailed, yet highly approachable, weaving of theology, liturgy, architectural history, and iconography. Schloeder's vision for a restoration of beauty and meaning in Catholic church design is both original and solidly rooted in the traditions of the faith.

   His central premise is that Catholic church architecture is essentially "sacramental", that is to say, the material building is meant to be an icon or an image of the spiritual reality of the Church. Drawing upon sources from Scripture, the Church Fathers, architectural history, conciliar documents, canon law, and the Catechism, Schloeder shows us the symbolical language that has traditionally underpinned Catholic church design, and examines each part of the church (nave, sanctuary, altar, ambo, baptistery, etc.) with respect to its function, traditional form, symbolic meaning, and canonical status.

   The book is very nicely illustrated with over 300 photos and illustrations.

4 comments about Meditations on Mary.

1. The book is an excellent purchase, but don't even think of purchasing it here because it probably won't be in stock. At least this is my experience.



2. This is a book that is worth owning. It is gently written and beautifully profound. The Blessed Mother is made readily accessible in the minds, hearts and souls of all who read this treasure. It is a very enlightening and interesting book and I sincerely hope it makes a positive difference in the lives of all who read it. I really loved it.



3. My husband gave me this book for Christmas and it has become very special to me. As someone who also grew up in the Presbyterian tradition, I had always felt the absence of Mary in the church. When, as an adult, I turned to a more "catholic" religion, I was finally able to embrace Mary. This book, with it's beautiful illustrations and wonderful essays is a spiritually rewarding path to Mary.



4. A stunningly beautiful book! An appropriate collection of images fills this excellently designed book with lavishly colored reproductions of the life of Mary. A tribute to two of my favorite women, both who serve us as a reminder of the exceptional nature of the feminine spirit.

3 comments about Instant Skits for Children's Ministry.

1. We have used this book for several years with 5th and 6th graders and they LOVE it. We don't even try to have them memorize their parts. We just give them copies of the script to use and highlight their parts. Everyone wants to be in the skits and we get a lot of laughs, while also experiencing truths from Scripture. We would like another book like this one with new skits!



2. I wish I had had athe opportunity to see more of a Table of Contents and inside content so I could know ahead what I might be able to use.



3. This book offers a unique way to start a conversation on many Christian topics. You will need several(2-6) characters for each skit, so either have a lot of puppets or a lot of volunteers ready before you buy it. Most of the skits are written for kids to act out, but I'm not sure that kids could memorize that much dialogue every week. Going with puppets would be best. Each skit will take approximately 5-10 minutes to put on and the setup is minimal.

1 comments about Icons: Divine Beauty.

1. Here is a wonderful book -- well writen, informative, and a thing of visual beauty.
   
   The dust jacket alone is amazing.
   
   Clearly a work of love by someone who knows his stuff. (His other books are also excellent, although somewhat hard to find.)
   
   Better yet, he informs and explains very clearly. A rare gift.
   
   A great gift it makes as well.

No comments about Crosses of Ethiopia: The Sign of Faith. Evolution and Form.