A book on the functions, styles and structure of the major visual art forms, this text is reputed to have the best treatment available on the theory and practice of art criticism. It examines the connection between the visual, social, and physical dimensions of everyday life in which the arts perform essential roles, while illustrating clearly the common features of theme and style in works of art separated by time and culture.

This is one of those rare books whose influence will grow rather than diminish with the years. Icon and Idea is destined to take its place beside Ernst Cassirer's massive and difficult The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms as a basic work on the original, creative power of the human spirit as it is enacted as culture -- in myth, religion, science, art. Sir Herbert Read's book is neither massive nor difficult. It was first delivered as the Charles Eliot Norton Lectures 1953-1954, at Harvard. Text and pictures together illustrate the intellectual courage of a great art critic, aesthetician and intellectual theorist, as well as poet and novelist. Advancing beyond Cassirer's theory of the irreducible autonomy of culture, Read develops his theory that "the image always precedes the idea in the development of human consciousness." Having established this major thesis, Read goes on to elaborate it in a way that will interest not only students of art history and the social sciences but any reader interested in the right basis for education. In arguing the primacy of art work in human development, Read gives the reader a fine general education in the history and psychology of art

A boy, a science project and an answer to a critical problem. During monsoon season in Bangladesh, Iqbal’s mother must cook the family’s meals indoors, over an open fire, even though the smoke makes her and the family sick. So when Iqbal hears that his school’s science fair has the theme of sustainability, he comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he’ll design a stove that doesn’t produce smoke! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time? Sometimes it takes a kid to imagine a better idea — make that an ingenious one!

"A classic on the functions, styles and structure of the major visual art forms, this well-received text is reputed to have the best treatment available on the theory and practice of art criticism. It examines the connection between the visual, social, and physical dimensions of everyday life in which the arts perform essential roles, while illustrating clearly the common features of theme and style in works of art separated by time and culture. For art critics, artists, and all those interested in art criticism."--Publisher.

“An original and beautiful book. It suggests that the surest way to liberate ourselves is through the power of our ideas.” —Nelson Mandela Foundation “This is not just one of those books that makes you think. It challenges you to think. It demands that you think, and to beware of all those obstacles that would stop you from trusting your instincts and finding an idea.” —Lee Clow, Global Director of Media Arts, TBWA\Chiat Day As an award-winning playwright, author, and Worldwide Creative Director of TBWA, John Hunt has witnessed again and again the power of original thinking to transform both companies and individuals. In The Art of the Idea, Hunt addresses everyone from the global boardroom to the man on the street, bridging the gap with ease. Few can argue with Hunt’s claim that it is ideas that move the world forward, and he refreshingly articulates that anyone can play: there is no hierarchy to original thinking. The Art of the Idea provides a toolbox for achieving excellence and offers a new way of defining your world. By illustrating how to create space so ideas can breathe, it provides a lifeline to those who find themselves stuck in a rut. Unassuming, original, and accessible, the publication includes insights by this leader in creative thinking, and is accompanied by 20 original paintings and collages by the internationally acclaimed South African artist Sam Nhlengethwa. The Art of the Idea grants permission to trust our instincts, endure initial ridicule, and practice thinking as a team sport. Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it.

A unique mix-and-match book that generates thousands of ideas for tackling a blank sketchbook page Designed to kickstart creativity for artists and hobbyists, the pages of this book are divided into three separate sections that can be flipped, mixed, and matched to generate more than 100,000 unique sketchbook prompts! Jennifer Orkin Lewis, author of Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way and 100 Days of Drawing, has gained a dedicated following on Instagram by posting her daily sketches. The Sketchbook Idea Generator begins with an introductory section, in which Jennifer provides examples of her work as well as insight into her process of interpreting a prompt. The rest of the book consists of pages that are sliced into three mix-and-match sections that represent the three essential elements of a good drawing prompt: medium, color, and subject. With those basic decisions made, you can get right down to it!