Henry Moore: My Ideas, Inspiration and Life as an Artist [Hardcover]

Henry Moore (Author), John Hedgecoe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1989

"...suddenly the most commonplace objects came to have for me such significance that they no longer existed as just objects, but as shape and form in space."--Henry Moore. One of the world's greatest sculptors and a renowned photographer--close friends for thirty years--combine forces to provide insight into what makes a great creative artist. Part personal history and part stunning presentation of Moore's work and inspirations, striking photographs show his major sculptures and collected art, as well as the landscape and natural forms that indelibly influenced him. Compare Moore's own sculpted masks with the African and Mexican tribal pieces he so admires, or his figures--filled with energy--with Hedgecoe's nude studies. Close-ups focus in on small, fine details. Plus: a treasured glimpse of Moore in his workshop. 208 pages (16 in color), 230 b/w illus., 8 1/8 x 11 3/8.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Spender, Stephen. In Irina's Garden with Henry Moore's Sculpture. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 1986. 128p. photogs., mainly color, by David Finn. LC 85-51749. $29.95. art These two collaborative books have been produced for our delectation in anticipation of Henry Moore's 88th birthday on July 30th. His works are rooted in the earth and spring from a spiritual soil accessible to all of us; they speak to us directly in a mythic language. In Henry Moore , the strength, power, and mystery of his works and surroundings are lovingly and lucidly presented in the artist's own words, by archival photos, and by photographs taken by his longtime friend, John Hedgecoe. This is a wonderful book, fully expressing the essence of Moore's title page statement: "I would like my work to be thought of as a celebration of life and nature." The collaborative effort of Spender, Finn, and Moore's wife, Irina, has produced a gentler book. While the impact and appeal of many of Finn's color photographs are marred by the annoying and distracting placement of page numbers in black squares, the book as a whole is successful. The volume by Moore and Hedgecoe is at once the more substantial and the less expensive, so if you must make a choice based solely on price, you will not be the loser; however, both titles would be valuable acquisitions for most collections. Jeffrey Weidman, Oberlin Coll. Libs., Ohio
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st edition (August 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877013918
• ISBN-13: 978-0877013914
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,031,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty, Vitality, Intelligence, Inspiration, February 25, 2004

By 

David Ciaffardini (Oceano, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Henry Moore: My Ideas, Inspiration and Life as an Artist (Hardcover)

Henry Moore is a wise man and it is nice to know that his words do justice to his talent as a sculptor. Musings is too light a term to use for the warm, down-to-earth essays that Moore provides us as he shares his thoughts and experiences with life, art, and aesthetics. With the words are page after page of photos of Moore, his work, along with images of things that have been his inspirations. This is a book about art appreciation, but grounded in the practicality of a working, master artist who is humble and thoughtful. It is hard to imagine how any sculptor who hopes to create works of lasting greatness could not profit and indeed be inspired by knowing this book. But Moore's basic, fundamental philosophies about art and life make this a book of vital inspiration for just about anyone who likes to think of, and operate in the world, along artistic terms. It is a warm, friendly unimposing book grounded with the weight of deep truth and careful observation.