Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
It’s simply breathtaking: no other volume has ever presented such a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary animal-themed ceramics. Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais’ image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality, reinforced by a simple palette of black on white. Laurie Sharkus’ painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living creature. Bova provides astute and illuminating commentary overall, while selected artists’ notes shed light on how and why they choose to interpret this challenging subject.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
One of a Kind Clay Artist Resource
Customer Rating:
500 Animals in Clay...:500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form (A Lark Ceramics Book)is a comprehensive resource of contemporary sculptors working in Clay creating sculptures based on Animals. There is no other book like this. The photos are extremely well taken, the information included with each photo, although minimal, is EXACTLY what the Clay artist needs. No more, no less. Inspirational plus informative.
Highly Recommend
Customer Rating:
I bought this on a whim and really ended up enjoying the book. I flip back through it often for inspiration.
Great visual survey
Customer Rating:
I thought this book did an excellent job providing me with examples of what it title says the book is about: 500 animals in clay. From traditional examples to more modern interpretations, this book contains beautiful single-view photos. I would have appreciated a central photo with a couple alternate views in the sidebars simple because the works are 3-D and should be presented as such. But, I didn't mark them down for that oversight. Oh, and BTW, this is NOT a how-to book. You'll need to look elsewhere for such a reference.
Overall, I was looking for examples that would inspire me with project ideas as I teach an introductory-level ceramics class for high school students. Obviously, some of the techniques aren't possible in my school but I'm not looking to copy what is depicted in the book; merely to show off what is possible in a sculptural presentation.
The photography sells the book. Kudos!
A Big Disappointment
Customer Rating:
I love contemporary art and animal sculptures so I thought that this book would be a great source of inspiration, but it was an absolute disappointment based upon its content. I now understand why the publisher doesn't allow you to preview the book... The cover has a cute rabbit on the cover and that is probably the best piece of art in the book if you are looking for whimsical. I give the publisher credit for great photos and for divulging what was used to create the piece (clay body type, firing range, techniques, glazes, stains). There are a few animals that are magnificent, but the majority did nothing for me... I found the art to be too rustic (lacking detail and form) or too modern (looked contrived as if the artist was trying to mesh subject matter that just do not go together).
Wonderful book
Customer Rating:
Just like the title indicates--it is a great selection of ceramic animals by contemporary artists. There is everything from realistic to bizarre interpretations of domestic, wild and farm animals, even includes a few bees. Like other books in the Lark ceramic "500" series, it is not a "how-to" book but rather a varied collection that inspires. A great buy!
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