Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Sculpture Techniques

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A revised & updated version of the 1991 edition. This reference work now encompasses new materials such as resin & metal particle castings, synthetic clays, alloys, polymers.

The book serves as an indispensable encyclopedia for sculptors/studio practitioners or enthusiasts/collectors - describing all methods of sculptural creation from the lost wax casting process to contemporary materials and associated techniques and tools.

It covers sculpting techniques (hand-building, carving, forging, casting, moulding, modelling, welding etc) materials, processes, tools, patinas, finishes, glazes, fixings, mountings, how to light sculptural work, and many such creative options. It's well illustrated (photographs and drawings).

Wide-ranging, with real depth and breadth - for example, on materials alone, it includes types of stone, categories of rock formation, plastics, metals, clays, woods, concrete, glass, plaster of Paris, polystyrene, papier māché, wax, gelatine and so on.

There's a sense of the history of art in many of the explanations and the rich cumulative inheritance of sculptors, sculpture and sculpting.

A major achievement by accomplished sculptor John Mills, who provides an indispensable reference work for any practitioner, art historian or committed collector whether beginner or experienced.

Clearly describes a wide range of sculptural terms, techniques and materials. Enteries are concise yet are often in-depth providing a clear understanding of complex or obscure subjects in this field of art. For the non-art school sculptor (like myself) or the new art student, it is invaluable reference book. Well-written with a personal and occassionally witty voice, I found it easy to read it from front to back. Pictures and diagrams instructive and relevant although more would be helpful for a few enteries to assist in understanding the subject in question. Well-bound and sturdy book for a paperback. A must-have for a student of sculpture.

It has a very broad coverage of the subject, but, like all such books, the reader often yearns for more depth and detail. However, there is a lot of info in the book and I'm pleased with it.