Book Description
Over the course of 45 years, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has evolved from a small group of young dancers traveling the country in a station wagon to what is widely considered the premier modern dance company in the world. Today, The Ailey is also a national cultural institution, comprising two performing companies; an accredited school with classes for children and both certificate and B.F.A. programs; and community outreach programs.
Ailey Spirit pauses to reflect on the company's incredible journey as it nears its mid-century mark. A breathtaking collection of photographs from the best dance photographers, along with behind-the-scenes and candid shots, illustrate every aspect of the company's history: the dancers and choreographers; the travels and challenges; even the creation of a new ballet. The text, by former dancer and dance historian Robert Tracy, draws on previously unpublished interviews with more than 50 key individuals. AUTHOR BIO: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER and Ailey II, its junior company, perform for more than 350,000 people every year, visiting more than 50 cities annually in the United States and abroad. The Ailey School trains preprofessional students and dance enthusiasts.
Former ballet dancer ROBERT TRACY is the author of Goddess: Martha Graham's Dancers Remember and the coauthor of Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses and Spaces of the Mind: Isamu Noguchi's Dance Designs.
In 1997 WYNTON MARSALIS became the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music, for his work Blood on the Fields. He is artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Customer Reviews:
Great coffee table book.......2007-09-05
I have always loved dance, and especially Alvin Ailey! This book is wonderful! The photographs are vivid and beautiful. For those who have not experienced this dance company, this is a nice introduction to it's history.
Love it!
must have book for dance and art lovers.......2005-09-27
this is a delightful book to own for anyone who loves and respect the art of dance. what better book to have than an american icon dance company like alvin aliey.great addition to ones book collection.
Gorgeous Tribute to an American Original.......2005-01-03
My only "complaint" with this book is that the compelling photography kept distracting me from the text! I finally gave up and leafed through all the photos first, then went back to read the text, which provides a good overview of the company's philosophy, founding spirits and various major dancers. Highly recommended for lovers of dance or photography.
Book Description
Finally the ultimate how-to book! Easy step-by-step instructions, profusely illustrated, to sculpt a 20" toddler doll in water clay. Including chapters on: detailed sculpting and jointing of the head, torso, hands, and feet. Sculpt an entire 10" toddler doll. A chapter on fun, quick projects. Bonus: also included is a dress and hat pattern for the 20" toddler complete with simple instructions for French Ribbon embroidery anyone can do. Over 90 b/w photos and numerous color photos. 128 pages.
Customer Reviews:
Still Have Questions........2001-07-18
I agree with the previous reviewer - this is definitely a better book for people making porcelain dolls than dolls from polyclay. I am fairly disappointed and still have a lot of questions. However, it was very helpful regarding sculpting over an armature and gave me some what of an idea of how to then proceed to make a mold from my polyclay piece. I also have Rotraut Schrott's book and I honestly don't find that one all that much more helpful for my purposes. I am really trying to figure out joints and making mold at this point and I am having a difficult time finding a book that will help me as they are all geared towards porcelain. And the polyclay books all assume you are making one of a kind dolls. The pictures are good in this book though and I feel I have a little more grasp on what I'm shooting for now - so I give it 3 stars which to me means average. I wish I had thought twice before buying it. There must be a better book out there.
Guide for sculpting in water clay, not Cernit -Sculpey........1998-08-24
This book shows how to model a toddler doll from head-to-toe as the title suggests, but the sculpting techniques presented are more appropriate for clays used in large masses, i.e. not polymer clays like Cernit and Sculpey. A better book for sculpting young children using polymer clays is Rotraut Schrott's "Making Original and Potrait Dolls in Cernit".
Book Description
The work and techniques of fifty international artists are showcased in this highly illustrated study of the human form in clay. A large–format volume, featuring 250 color photos.
Customer Reviews:
Not as expected........2006-10-29
I expected this book to offer me assistance in building human forms in clay; that's why I give this book a 4. Instead of advice, I got a gallery book of less-than-realistic art pieces (histories of ceramicists) by: Viola Frey, Akio Takamori, and Luo Xiaoping, among others. I kept the book for what it is. For a how-to-book, I recommend PORTRAIT SCULPTING, ANATOMY & EXPRESSIONS IN CLAY by Philippe & Charisse Faraut.
Book Description
Encourage elementary and middle school-age kids to build their clay-sculpting skills at home with these lessons and projects designed for use in the classroom. They’ll model a pinch pot, coil animals, fossils, vases, masks, and tiles that they can embellish with rubber stamps. Best of all, these projects will foster children’s confidence in their abilities and stimulate new ideas.
Customer Reviews:
A True Teacher's Book.......2004-08-17
I have used this book since it's publication and it is a wonderful classroom resource for anyone involved with handbuilding in clay. The examples are authentic--you know they really were made by children. The project ideas are very timely and especially geared to younger children. A must for any visual art library.
Great ideas.......2002-10-23
This book has been very helpful for myyoung children's clay classes. We successfully completed several projects from this book and everyone was happy: teacher, kids, parents. It was fun seeing the older kids come over from their wheels and be jealous of the little kids' projects. The book has also been a source of joy to me since the animal projects we did in class were so much fun, I continued the projects long after class was over.
The writing is clear, sometimes sparse, but the pictures are good. I also appreciated the associated learning that can accompany the projects (or vice versa).
AN IMAGINATION BOOSTER.......2001-11-11
The concise, clearly worded directions are easy to follow. No wasted words; no partial explanations. In the photographs accompanying each project, I like the mix of student and mature work. Also commendable are the explanations of how basic handbuilding techniques can be combined to produce lively ceramic art. All in all, The Great Clay Adventure stimulates the imagination. I highly recommend this book for clay artists, art teachers and school libraries.
Barbara McKenzie, Ph.D.
Professional Potter
Instructor, Durham Arts Council
NC K-12 Clay Exhibit.......2001-07-08
The past three years I have had the privilege of chairing an exhibition of K-12 student work in clay for the NC Pottery Center located in Seagrove, NC. This year my grant was generous enough for me to present each teacher who participated in our exhibiton a copy of Ellen Kong's book, The Great Clay Adventure. Each receipient was thrilled and eager to begin new clay projects with students.
We at the Pottery Center feel confident that distributing this incredible and inspiring book across our clay rich state of 100 counties will definitely stimulate our next generation of potters!!! Thank you, Ellen Kong!!
At last!.......2000-12-20
I have been looking for just the right book to help me get started doing workshops with children in my small town. Today I came upon "The Great Clay Adventure" and I am delighted. The pictures are clear and colorful, the instructions easy to follow and 'extensions' given at the end of each chapter will enhance the total clay experience. I will add this book to my library and will use it often.
Customer Reviews:
Finding One's Way.......2003-02-09
Finding One's Way With Clay is a fresh as it was over 25 years ago when it was first written. It is both an eloquent how-to book as well as a provacative and inspirational look at the relationship between clay and the human being.
It's a Classic.......2002-10-15
After 25 years working in clay, I finally read Paulus Berensohn's "Finding One's Way with Clay". He describes many techniques for pinching pots, and ways to experiment with clay to create new expressions. The steps in making simple or complex hand modeled pieces are clearly explained, and I found them useful in teaching elementary art classes. There's also a thorough chapter on building a simple sawdust kiln.
fabulous book.......2001-03-31
This artist is truly unique. He is the God of the pinch pots. Highly reccommended. There are neat excersizes to use in classes that beginners to experienced ceramists can enjoy.
Book Description
Kids will happily dig into the soft, malleable medium, exploring its possibilities. They’ll break the clay apart, rejoin it with water, try to model it into recognizable shapes, and cut out great big slabs to design. Pictures of professional sculptures, as well as objects created by kids, fill the book. Children will think it’s playtime—you don’t have to tell them they’re learning, too.
Customer Reviews:
hands-down the best.......2005-05-11
This book is extremely useful for classroom teachers and homeschooling families alike. It slowly and thoroughly works through the progression of skills from first using clay to creating finished sculpture. The chapters include information for teaching the skills, multiple examples of professional artwork that can be studied to view the technique at hand, tons of pictures of student work with the age of the student identified (very helpful for knowing how to set your expectations at a realistic level) and every chapter includes free exploration ideas as well as specific exercises.
Chapters:
Before You Begin
Explorations
Making Sculpture
Sculpting in Relief
Animals
Heads and Faces
Figures
Improving Sculptures
Finishing and Displaying Sculpture
I have taken classes with Cathy Topal; she teaches in the Education department at Smith College, helping prospective teachers learn how to teach art. The care and attention she has taken to laying out the exercises in this book clearly reflect this experience - she can think both like an experienced teacher of art and like a mentor to new teachers. This book is a valuable purchase for any art teacher or homeschool family and can be used with students from age 4 to high school level. It will grow with your child and can be used over and over to explore topics in more depth in subsequent years. I give it my very highest recommendation.
Book Description
Whether you’re a beginning or an expert clay worker, here’s all the info you need to create plaster molds, then use them to produce multiples of your favorite mugs or best-selling pieces. Every aspect is covered, from selecting and working with clay, slip, and plaster to a series of fascinating projects for all levels. A color gallery of mold-made work offers encouragement and inspiration.
Customer Reviews:
better than nothing.......2003-01-27
I was excited to see this book when it first came out. Read it the same day and had mixed thoughts. It is useful if you have never made a mold... but helpless if you have moderate to high experience. It is visually layed out better than anything else out there... and I keep it on the shelf for student reference. If you teach ceramics, keep it around. If you are seeking to learn mold making...it is just one of many books that you will need to peice together the real information that you will need to be a confident mold maker.
Michael Joy
chicagomoldschool.com
A Great Guide.......2001-01-22
This well thought out guide gets right to work explaining in clear, concise steps how to construct various types of clay molds. From basic one-piece molds to complex multi-piece molds, Clayton describes their design, construction, and infinite utility. The book is loaded with excellent color and black and white photographs. Some depict the tools and process. Others show a magnificent sampling of finished products. This guide can take the average pot-throwers hobby to the next level. Makes a pretty decent coffee table book too. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.
Answered all my questions!.......2000-04-23
Author Pierce Clayton and Editor Chris Rich have assembled instructions, guidelines and black/white assembly illustrations to make both plaster and rubber molds. Eye appeal in the form of dashingly colorful photos of ceramics of many accomplished artists is also included. His easy-to-follow instructions and pictures have answered every question I had about making plaster molds. I do have one suggestion: trying to keep your copy clean with a plastic book cover might be a good idea!
Answered all my questions!.......2000-04-23
Clayton has assembled instructions, guidelines and black/white assembly illustrations to make both plaster and rubber molds. Eye appeal in the form of dashingly colorful photos of ceramics of many accomplished artists is also included. His easy-to-follow instructions and pictures have answered every question I had about making plaster molds. I do have one suggestion: trying to keep your copy clean with a plastic book cover might be a good idea!
Book Description
Create heads, figures, architectural forms, and abstract designs from examples of the great artists. Introduces beginners to all techniques and with clear, concise advice explains how to prepare and apply stains, glazes, paints, and other fired and non-fired finishes.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding voyage into the art of clay!.......2005-09-23
As a working artist, I found this book to include far more than a simple idea of how to assemble objects from clay. With all due respect to the Editorial Review, I think the underlying thrust of the book is missed; it not just a technique book. This book has one of the best explanations of how to put your deepest ideas and concepts into physical 3D form for all to see and appreciate. The author apparently knows what art is intended to do, and conveys this clearly without a lot of elevated and pretentious art lingo. The author deserves an award for clear communication. Technique-wise, there are many, many wonderful ideas to stimulate the reader's imagination. I value this book and highly recommend it without hesitation.
Chock full of ideas.......2004-12-29
Just got this book for Christmas. What a wonderful book! It's full of ideas and techniques. (Ignore the editorial review. He didn't get far enough to notice that there is a glossary for terms you may not have heard before.) Part of what makes this book so good is it explores WAY beyond the standard head and figure scultures. Highly recommended!
Book Description
Introducing a new crafts series for kids 8 to 12! With great care and love for their art, the talented experts at Lark have always produced books that encouraged creativity, experimentation, and imagination in the crafter. Now they're ready and eager to help children express themselves artistically. And you can be sure that every one of these delightful guides will virtually burst with fun projects, simple instructions, appealing photos, original techniques, and terrific materials.
Polymer clay is the perfect material for youngsters: in addition to polymer's pliability, it doesn't dry out like regular clay, comes in a range of bright colors, and can bake in an ordinary oven. And the most important tools are your hands, so children can really dig in and feel the tactile joy of manipulating their work. With the help of a renowned polymer clay artist, kids can create 30 awesome objects. A comprehensive basics section covers everything from rolling, cutting and sculpting to figuring out amounts, conditioning the clay, mixing new colors, and creating textures. Kids will really love the cool tricks, too, including marbling and embedding objects. But what will really stir their creative juices are the really super projects, including a Donut Pendant, Bug Magnets, Trinket Bowl, Plant Critters, Fat Pen, Spirit Guide Doll, and Computer Monitor Wizard.
Customer Reviews:
Not just for kids..........2006-03-06
This book is not only good for kids, but a good book for adults who are just getting started with polymer clay. I've been using polymer clay for years and got some great ideas for my own art from this book. My kids love the variety of projects and are excited about working with PC.
Great! Fun! Super!.......2003-05-26
This is a wonderful book. It is GREAT! And not only for kids. It has inspired me even though I'm WAY past the kid stage :o) I've done countless craft programs with various ages of children in the past 10 years, so I know what it takes to work with children. This book is wonderful for kids to use on their own or for adults to follow. The directions are clear & everything is easy to understand. I LOVE the kids in the book. Lark did a great job with the photos. They look like they are having fun :o) My favorites ideas are the"Makin' Faces Face Plates" (what a riot!), "Pushpinzzzzzzzz", "Fine Feathered Friends", and "Spirit Dolls". I'm planning to give a copy of the book to a friend's 9 year-old daughter for Christmas.
Way better than five stars!.......2003-04-29
I was so happy to participate in making some of the projects in this book and with Irene Dean writing it, I knew the book was naturally going to be good.
But, when I received it, I was totally floored at the quality - hardcover, great paper, clear pictures, well-written instructions. It was so much better than I'd even anticipated.
This book was written for someone much younger than I am, but I found it completely entertaining, throughout. Very thorough "basics" section, including a look at making simple canes, then on to the projects. Lively and colorful from cover to cover.
Jazzy, upbeat writing, hip kids in artful demonstration, wonderful photography, lots of humor and cool fonts surround each of the thirty projects. There are beginner items to advanced - critters, jewelry, things to make for gifts, from simple to sophisticated - kids are going to absolutely love this book! And just in time to give to a young person before the appearance of "summer doldrums," too. :)
But, I don't think its appeal is limited to the 8-14 years-old age bracket because IMO, most adults would find it fun, too. I'd recommend this one to beginning clayers of any age.
Congratulations to Irene and her terrific editor for a fabulous, fun book!
zig
Average customer rating:
|
Clay (Fresh Start Series)
Jeannie Hull , and
Henry Pluchrose
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding
 Sculpture
| Art
| Arts & Music
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Crafts & Hobbies
| Arts & Music
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Pottery & Ceramics
| Crafts & Hobbies
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ASIN: 0531107574 |
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Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Jack Mitchell Photographs
Masters of Movement: Portraits of America's Great Choreographers
Alvin Ailey
Breaking Bounds: The Dance Photography of Lois Greenfield
