Stunning colorplates of glass, ceramics, wood, fiber, metal masterpieces; incomparable resource material.

A unique exploration of the question, can art be fashioned out of glass? Analysis of the philosophical and circumstantial factors that reveal the early history of the movement and the clash of ambitions and power that marked the relationship between the worlds of so-called crafts and high art. 81 colour & 47 b/w illustrations

The evolution of the contemporary crafts movement is one of the outstanding art developments of the latter half of the twentieth century. THE ART OF CRAFT celebrates the very best of this genre, with sections on glass, ceramic, porcelain, wood, furniture, fibre and metal art. The objects are drawn from the Saxe Collection - certainly one of the premier collections of contemporary crafts in the world - and the book features works by many major artist including Robert Arneson, Dale Chihuly, Viola Frey, Sam Maloof, William Morris, Manuel Neri, Peter Voulkos and Beatrice Wood.

Lucero's colorful, imaginative sculptures and ceramics synthesize diverse forms and influences?bottle trees and face jugs inspired by African art; a hanging ram and blood-red sacred hearts with roots in Mexico; looming stick figures suggestive of Native American rock art; delicate totem poles that evoke Pacific Northwest Indian cultures. Hybrid animals, found objects, jug-headed infants in baby carriages and dreamers who externalize the contents of their dreams in multilayered glazes animate the work of this California-born artist, now living in New York. Cataloging a traveling exhibition that opened at the Mint Museum of Art (Charlotte, N.C.), this volume reproduces 47 of Lucero's glazed ceramic, bronze and mixed-media creations in full-page color plates. Co-curator Bloemink finds pervasive echoes of surrealism and Dada in Lucero's improvisations. Art historian Lippard relates his themes of intercultural exchange to his family history; his ancestors, practicing Sephardic Jews, escaped persecution in Spain by migrating to New Mexico. Also included is an interview with Lucero by Leach, the exhibit's curator. 74 colour & 58 b/w illustrations

Take a tour of the Renwick Gallery, the craft division of the Smithsonian, and enjoy an in-depth look at the artists and the work of this unparalleled collection of handmade contemporary furniture. This absorbing volume features profiles and interviews of 64 artists and reveals their artistic influences and interpretations along with 112 stunning photos of iconic work.

Nietzsche's philosophy stands at the intersection of many currents in science that animated the 19th century. Dynamic change in the humanities, natural and social sciences generated new methods, perspectives, and hierarchies of the sciences. This context is essential for understanding his philosophy. The 18 essays each discuss one academic discipline and its effects on Nietzsche's thought. It is thus a valuable guide to the history of science and ideas in the 19th century.

For five thousand years, artisans have worked in glass to create forms that serve and delight. But only recently have artists turned their hands and minds to this traditionally utilitarian and decorative material. Clearly Inspired: Contemporary Glass and Its Origins contrasts the work of contemporary glass artists with examples of earlier glass that have inspired them to rediscover or reinvent forgotten techniques. Transforming an ancient craft into a contemporary art, they honor the past while making visual statements that are very much of our time.

Comprising more than 125 extraordinary works by 43 craft artists, the Jane and Arthur Mason Collection is one of the world's premier collections of lathe-turned wooden objects. This sumptuously illustrated book features illuminating essays by two of the artists as well as by Arthur Mason himself. 141 illustrations, 130 in full color.