The Figure in Clay: Contemporary Sculpting Techniques by Master Artists (A Lark Ceramics Book)

I bought this based on all the high reviews, but I am sorely disappointed. The book has 9 chapters devoted to an individual artist. Within each chapter are three offerings: a discussion by the artist of art history, technique and/or inspiration; a pictoral explaination of their technique; and a gallery of their work and invited artists.The gallery: I see a collection of artists' photos such as this as intended to inspire creativity and desire to create. Unfortunately for me, the work of the "invited artists" was almost universally appalling. Scooby and friends naked on the toilet, smoking dope and reading comics while calling it "US Interests" is neither inspiring nor particularly creative. Everybody has their opinion and this is mine. If you agree with mine, this is probably not the book for you. If you think this sort of subject matter is genius then here is a book full of "genius".That said, I do not wish to decry all of the works in here. Adrian Arleo's "Honey Child" is brilliant and "Plumage" is inspiring, all of Christyl Boger's sculpting is magnificent (though not necessarily her finishes), Justin Novak's "Disfigurine (Competition)" is very interesting, and I enjoyed Nan Smith's work with casting and molds.The techniques: The pictoral guides are moderately helpful. The techiniques discussed are rather limited however. You get Coil, Coil + Pinch, Slab + Casting, Coil, Slab, Pinch, Casting + Molds, Coil + Form, and Coil + Pinch (notice a theme?). The book should be released under the name "The Figure in Coiled Clay" so people won't get confused into thinking this book has more to offer than that.The discussions by the artists: this sort of thing is hard to judge because each artist speaks in a different voice that is heard differently by each reader. I won't even attempt to offer a review or judgement of these parts because of the individual personal nature. In reading all 9 of these accounts you may find only one sentence that speaks to you (or more than one even). But if that sentence is the one you are needing to see or hear to get you started, then this book was priceless. So I offer no guidance or judgements on these parts.I wouldn't call this book bad, and is probably useful to some. For me it is nowhere near the top of my list. If you want an extensive collection of sculpture books this one should be included eventually. Or if you are interested in the Coil technique, this may be the best book out there (I really couldn't say). If you want a short list of books on proportions and techniques, this doesn't belong. It therefore appears that I am more of a Classical Sculpture fan, I find very little to motivate, inspire or interest me here beyond the few I mentioned previously.

Fantastic book! What a joy! I agree with some of the other reviews that this is perhaps, not a book for novice sculptors. However, if you are working in clay; already been creating sculptures; and are looking for a way to increase the size of your work, this is the book for you. It will be a timeless treasure for me. Just seeing how other sculptors are currently working gets my juices flowing.Pay particular attention to the "gallery" at the end of each section. After being blown away by the featured artists work, you get into their heads a little more by seeing examples they have chosen of other sculptors work. Good stuff!If you are a beginner, don't be put off by the lack of basic information. Go take a class in clay--whether it's on the wheel or hand-building--get inspired and keep this book to remind you of what could be in your future.

Excellent condition very happy with purchase.

My wife is a potter and is very into sculpting. She was not very subtle presenting the fact she really wanted this book for Christmas and though I try to surprise her with some of my purchases, I didn't with this one. She seems to have it in her hand on almost a daily basis and tells me about things she's learned all the time (I'm not a potter but as a hubby do try to be supportive) From her point of view this is a must have for anyone interested is sculpting pottery.

Very good altho some of the projects skimp on details so there are gaps as one tries to follow the process. It is obviously for a more advanced sculptor who can fill in the blanks. Some odd choices of subject matter...abit on down and out or very impressionistic. Just a hint of anatomy as opposed to real anatomy but not bad and some parts are quite good

Whether it's from this seller or not you should get this book. Many ideas and insights for the beginner all the way up to the experienced sculptor.

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.

Whether you are a 2-d artist, a sculptor, or just trying to get an understanding of modeling and form, this book will prove to be a valuable addition to your library. Although the title would lead you think that the book is just about the human form, the book expands from literal representation and takes a broad approach to the subject, embracing figurative and abstract ceramic forms. It's a good technical reference for sources of inspiration and modeling; now they need a sequel about firing!

This book has some very interesting subjects, and great information about the artists, some lovely illustrations of how the works come together and is very clear when showing techniques. I love this book it has been a very well designed full of great information.So along with my many other books it will grace my book shelf,

Love this book still studying it lots of different techniques to help with the building up of busts / headsHighly recommend. Arrived in good time very well packaged and pleasant confirmation of my order.

I am so pleased I bought myself this book. It is just what I wanted. Inspirational, with step-by-step instructions and pictures of the making processes used by the different artists. I don't intend to copy them but it will help me to progress my work and overcome any problems I might have with working on bigger projects. I am not keen on all the artworks but it is fascinating to see the different artists' approaches to producing work. A brilliant book!

As a degree student in Ceramics who got sick to her back teeth of Bernard Leach and his many disciples being continually shoved down her throat, I bought this book as an antidote. It is an inspirational and refreshing look at some of the best clay artists working today.Buy it! The photographs are top class and even the text, unlike a lot of art books, is readable and even entertaining. I didn't even mind that the artists are mostly American (we don't seem to have that great tradition of clay sculpture here in Britain, spiritual home of domesticware).Even if, like me, the college experience ends with you being sick of the sight of clay, I guarantee this will be one of those books that will revive your spirits and even encourage you back into claywork.

This book is a must if you're wanting to make clay figures and gives handy tips and techniques to help the artist.