The Artbook Shelf
MWBOOKREVW
Sculpture
Carole A. Feuerman
Hudson Hills Press
122 E. 25th St., 5th Floor, NY NY 10010
1-55595-177-5 $45.00
David Finn's dramatic photos of Feurman's lifelike sculptures are astounding:
one would almost be certain the pieces are actual human figures with the works
cast in resin, bronze and other materials making for nearly lifelike figures.
Carole A. Feuerman's SculptureSculpture is a 'must' for any personal, academic
or community art library including superrealist sculpture.
Winchcombe Pottery
Ron Wheeler
White Cockade/Paul & Co.
Box 442, Concord, MA 01742
1-873487-07-X $45.00
Winchcombe is one of the pioneer potteries in Britain, and was revived in 1926
by Michael Cardew to take its place in world history as a premier studio. This
covers more than just a style: it surveys the place of a pottery studio in
British life, from its economics to its art, cataloging pieces produced at
Winchcombe and covering potters marks and history as well as providing a strong
overview of world pottery traditions. Highly recommended.
Designing Tessellations
Jinny Beyer
Contemporary Books/NTC
0-8092-2866-1 $39.95
Tessellation patterns have appeared in designs for centuries, from geometric
art in mosaics and architecture to patchwork productions. This examines basic
geometric shapes which form designs, providing an overview which can apply to a
variety of artistic mediums, and uses color photos and diagrams to explain
Beyers' personal system of working with tessellations. A unique approach and
coverage.
Phaidon Press
180 Varick St., 12th Floor, NY NY 10014
Two new 'mini editions' provide newly affordable reissues of weightier
hardcovers, making them accessible to new audiences. The 20th Century Art Book
(0-7148-3850-0, $9.95) has a fine soft paperback cover and a thick appearance
but loses none of its impact in providing full-page color reproductions of the
finest 20th century works. Steve McCurry's Portraits (3839-X, $19.95) achieves
a similar goal but with a hardcover: the pages of color photos of other
cultures and peoples around the world is outstanding. Both are important
acquisitions for art libraries seeking the most for their dollar. Also
outstanding and not to be overlooked are three in-depth portraits of art
history. Simon Lee's David (3804-7, $19.95) considers the works of
Jacques-Louis David, identified with the dramatic upheaval of the French
Revolution. David was the single most important European painter of the age:
his account traces all aspects of his artistic contributions and packs in
full-page color photos. James Rubin's Impressionism (3826-8, $24.95) includes
the latest research to provide a comprehensive study of Impressionism. From the
impact of 19th century notions about race and gender to the social and
political impact of the times upon Impressionist art, this provides a fine,
basic history of Impressionist works and times. The color images are fine
examples of Impressionist foundations. Chris Brooks' Gothic Revival (3480-7,
$24.95) traces a passion for Gothic style at the height of the Victorian
period, revealing the layers of meaning and philosophy which lay behind Gothic
works. The survey of Gothic visions in poetry, painting, movies and other arts
is particularly wide-ranging in this survey, the first to review the extent of
Gothic interest and art.
Theatre of the Self
Robert Belton
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 1N4
1-895176-60-3 $TBA
William Ronald helped change abstract art trends in Canada exhibiting a
reputation for outspokenness and pieces which spoke of social and political
change as well as a unique perspective. This provides a biography of Ronald
through his works of art, considering his influences, transition points and
productions. A few color photos introduce the largely black and white shots of
Ronald and his work while text delves extensively into the Canadian artistic
community and its history.
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