Customer Reviews:
 terrific technique July 20, 2007
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I have always wanted to do large scale figurative sculpture. There are not many books specifically on this subject. I found this book and said, "Yes, this has exactly what I want to know". I find it a wonderful resource. Vicki Stone-artist
 It seems easy! May 15, 2007
2 out of 12 found this review helpful
Beatiful pages. It seems easy sculpting. It is not. If you can do it, this book does not really help you, but if you don't, you really feel sorry that you can't. It's good anyway to see how some artists work.
Wonderful book May 6, 2007
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
This book is very inspirational to the figurative artist. Some of the work is truly spectacular, and all of it is interesting. I was wondering if I'd like this book before I purchased it, but I am certainly glad I did now. In particular, the works of Adrian Arleo, and my favorite, Christyl Boger, stand out prominently.
The parts on casting and molding are helpful as well. I have never seen such a book where proporton and detailing of the human figure at this scale are illustrated in a step by step fashion, and from rolled coil, slab, and pinched clay at that. Just the pictures of various works and styles would be inspiring enough, but here you have multiple how-tos. Some of the details are glossed over in places, but you are given enough information to where you'd be able to attempt this yourself with little problem. Stock up on clay though. :) There are plenty of smaller works, and abstract examples abound as well as realism.
This book is one of my art favorites now. I may buy another copy for a library use, and keep this one for studio abuse. While the end result of a lot of this art may be intimidating to the newbie, given the high level of finish and proportion, you do not want to pin your technique on books where the end result shown is not representative of the pinnacle you could achieve. This book allows you to set your sights high, along with telling you how to get there as well. You'll just need some practice (same as myself) Now if only I had a really large kiln. :) Firing the end result, which is an art itself, is not covered other than sculpture prep such as venting, etc.
In short, this book was a surprise find, one I've not found in my local bookstores, but one which should be among the main titles they carry.
A Very Worthwhile Addition April 30, 2007
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
I like this book very much for what it is, and that is a showcase of work and methods that are out there. If you are a clay worker who has a little bit of handbuilding experience, here is a book that will expand your horizons. I've seen many of the contributers in magazines like Ceramics Monthly, and they all have unique working methods that are worth examining. Some of the methods are not described in exceptional detail; but they still make you say things like,"Oh, that's how it can be done!" or "Oh, I never thought of working in that manner." If you want specific detailed instructions on things like slip casting or what have you, get a book on it (The Clay Lover's Guide to Mold Making, another Lark book is a fine example). What these artists demonstrate is synthesis --bringing the techniques together to create the whole, a rare quality in instructional art books. Another thing I appreciate about this book is the photo galleries, which include a broad cross section of work. All in all, I feel this is a well rounded survey book.
The Figure in Clay...Contemporary Sculpting Techniques January 5, 2007
2 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book brakes down the how to, I gave me many idea and make my sculpting 100% better and because of this book my professor is now requiring it for class.
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