The Figure in Clay: Contemporary Sculpting Techniques by Master Artists (A Lark Ceramics Book)
Nine artists who focus on the figure and use clay, an ancient medium, share their visions and techniques. Glen R. Brown's introductory essay orients readers to sculptors unbound by academia or cultural tradition in their approach to figurative representation. Adrian Arleo presents a life-size, coil-built figure, and in her essay explains her use of pencil sketches as sources for initial ideas, then details her concern with suggesting the inner or spiritual being via external rendering of the human form. Crystal Boger explains that although her narrative figures seem traditional at first glance, they actually embody the angst of contemporary culture. Mark Burns draws on pop culture to achieve affectionate nods to arts of the past, including the work of Rene Magritte and novelty lamps of the 1930s. Following each artist's amply illustrated essays are equally well-illustrated step-by-step descriptions of the techniques used. In all, this book provides rare insights into both the conceptual and practical concerns of artists working in clay.Whitney ScottCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved