500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (500 Series) [Paperback]

Lark Books (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004 | Series: 500 Series

It’s an absolutely unequalled photographic gallery: no other book has ever presented such a varied, captivating collection of contemporary ceramics based on the human form. The works range from representational to abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism, and many of them come from leaders in the field such as Judy Fox, Kurt Weiser, and Andy Nasisse. Kay Yourist has produced female forms that are smooth, minimalist vessels with only the slightest hint of breasts and belly. The simple, rounded features of Diane Lublinski’s black-and-white figures possess a fun, clown-like whimsy. Michael A. Prather’s mournful ceramic portraits have frowning faces and pointed dunce-like heads in a muted color palette. Many of the ceramics come with detail images and illuminating artist’s commentary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579905471
• ISBN-13: 978-1579905477
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Ceramics
  • #11 in Books > Arts & Photography > Sculpture

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diverse interpretations of the figure., July 2, 2005

By 

K. Tompkins - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (500 Series) (Paperback)

I recently checked this book out from the library and will now be purchasing my own copy.

I'm a bit shocked at the negative review for this book. Maybe she only flipped through and caught (and just remembered) the "disturbing, creepy figures"? There's a wide range of styles from classical to conceptual shown in the book.

I think it's worth noting that the whole book doesn't focus on the full-length figure. It is divided into the following chapters: Heads and Busts, Torsos, Body Details (arms, legs, etc), Figurines & Statues, Couples & Multiples, Caricature, Metamorphosis, and Two-Dimensional Works.

Also, all the figures are from contemporary artists. I was expecting some historical examples, but overall it think it's better to be able to show the diversity of what's out there right now. I wouldn't mind seeing a separate book of historical examples.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provocative and sophisticated, May 16, 2005

By 

Lori (Oregon Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (500 Series) (Paperback)

I felt like I needed to write a review to counter the last (and only) one. Not that the author is wrong, just that art is a matter of personal taste.

Not all art is about beauty -- a lot of it is about expressing other things and provoking other emotions besides enjoyment of beauty. The images in this book are sophisticated and have a very wide range of expression. I was in awe of this great selection of artworks. I would say gorgeous, amazing stuff.

I liked this book enough to buy a second copy, and everyone I have showed it to has found it breathtaking.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating the human psyche, August 20, 2005

By 

MAE C-D "Artist" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 500 Figures in Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form (500 Series) (Paperback)

The human form is so tightly bound to the human psyche that looking in the mirror every morning is an exercise in psychology. Do I have a fish in my gut today? Are these the hips of a woman who who will ride a tiger to work? These works of art are not passive images of the human body. They are deeply realized images of the human mind... not always a pretty place to go. If you are willing to take this journey, there are many paths provided by this intensly beautiful book.