Designers Books

The topic of how new and old buildings are to be related to one another is one of the least-discussed and most widely mis-understood within the profession of architecture. This book, and another like it, the earlier "Architecture in context: Fitting new buildings with old" by Brent Brolin, are two of the few good books I've found that tackle this issue, and each features essentially case analysis of both successful and unsuccessful examples of the relationship between new and old buildings in many different forms. In fact, the two books have very little, if any, overlap in content, and therefore make very good companion books. These are must-reads for any architecture, urban design, and historic preservation students (and practitioners) involved in this type of design work.

An excellent look at the career of Gianni Versace. Published to accompany the retrospective exhibit "Versace at the V & A" which opened in the fall of 2002, the first section is a text on the art of Gianni Versace. Covering the overall themes that he showed in various collections, it is followed by photographs and detailed descriptions of the garments. There are explanations on various materials that Versace used, and how he often manipulated them to get the effect he desired. Following a section devoted to the designs of Donatella Versace, who took over after her brother's death, is a section on the craft of Versace - how he had fabric created with a specific weave, or painted, or embellished to his specifications in order to create the look he desired.

As a designer, the details about how the fabrics and designs were created is very interesting and informative. It is the photographs, however, that I enjoyed the most. Simply looking at the combinations of colors and textures that he created, the shapes he formed from various fabrics, and the unexpected details he used is a continuing inspiration to me.

Alistair Duncan presents us 85 of Paris's Art Deco furniture designers from the period 1910 - 1935, including Eileen Gray, Dufréne, Leleu and Ruhlmann. This fine book contains a 7 pages informative introduction with e.g. the history and material of Art Deco furniture. But also 160 pages of biographies of designers, including 244 black and white illustrations & 68 in colour of interiors and furniture, each with a description. Each designer is presented in a concise half a page review. It makes this book an indispensable guide and frame of reference to french Art Deco furniture and a nice book to have on the bookshelf.

We homeschool and I found this kit to be a wonderful tool for teaching art at home to our pre-teen and teen children. It has all the essential tools, information and supplies all for one really great price in a box! At pre-teen and teen ages they need some more substantial learning in art and this has it all!

I am very impressed with the items, price and value!

Two thumbs way up!

Josie Natori, truly one of the outstanding Couture Designers, shares her beautiful creations in full color, full page photographs along with the creative and emotive philosophy behind their concepts. She is not just a superb designer, but also a very astute philosopher.

This book was purchased as a birthday gift for my wife of 45 years, but I find myself reading and browsing through it as frequently as she does.

RRA

As a student of Art and Fashion I discovered this treasure in the college library and borrowed it relentlessly. Only the designs of the late Erte have given me such awe of creation. This book truly showcases the essence of Zandra's textile and clothing masterpieces. By way of photographs, sketches,diary, and travelogue we're given colorful insight to the thought processes supporting her works of design. Though Rhodes flourished in 70's/80's Britain, she was one of the first designers to really tap into the current theme of multicuturalism. She takes the world around her and transforms it magically to her own artform. Anyone interested in Fashion, Art, or Design will appreciate this book's concept.

My review for JCK Book Club: You say the name Arthur J. Stone doesn't ring a bell? You're not alone. This is the first book that has gone into depth on the subject of a single silver workshop operating during the Arts & Crafts period.

The Stone shop created the finest silver of the time, and it is ironic that America's finest silver workshop was owned by an emigrant from Sheffield, England. Stone's shop, and Stone specifically, is know by museum curators, knowledgeable collectors, and antique dealers of which two or three specialize in Arts & Crafts silver.

Stone, a master silversmith, inspected all finished pieces leaving his shop and made certain that since his name was stamped on every piece they were up to his uncompromisingly high standards. Stone specialized in the design and chasing of the handwrought holloware and flatware. His delicate and totally controlled flat chasing was to become a trademark along with his sense of floral design and simplicity of form. Every piece produced was handmade at a time when Charles Ashbee deplored the use of machinery-made products for there inferior quality.

The book illustrates the breadth of Stones talent in the pieces he designed and smithed before expanding his shop. Most impressive were the talented craftsmen he employed as evidence in the wide range of products pictured. Those who put the most handwork into a piece was rewarded with his maker's mark next to the Stone workshop mark; an unusual and unselfish token of respect for his craftsmen. A section is reserved as a maker's mark reference which is helpful in identifying these craftsmen and for dating their work.

As a hands-on silversmith specializing in restoration, I have had the good fortune of handling many exceptional pieces of Stone silver. Its functional design and outstanding craftsmanship can still be used as a standard for all silversmiths. Elenita Chickering, the book's author and Stone descendent, has the distinction of knowing first hand, and through shop records, how the business functioned and the interpersonal goings-on between Stone and the other workers.

Arthur J. Stone, 1847-1938, Designer and Silversmith illustrates the intimate world of the last great Arts & Crafts silver workshop--anywhere.

Artist in Overalls: The Life of Grant Wood is a picturebook biography of renowned painter Grant Wood, perhaps best known for his classic artwork "American Gothic" showing a farm woman and man standing with a pitchfork in front of their farmhouse. Grant Wood was born and raised by a farming family; though his contemporaries were Impressionists, he preferred to paint the people and places around him with a classical feel - a style that would come to be known as Regionalism. Illustrated with colorful reproductions of Grant Wood's timeless art, as well as a few vintage black-and-white photographs depicting his life and family. Artist in Overalls offers enough literary detail into Grant Wood's life story that it is ideal for young readers who are just about ready to graduate to chapter books, and is a highly recommended addition to children's library collections.

Centennial College's first-ever Writer of the Year, Heather Ball presents Astonishing Women Artists, a collected profile of ten renowned women artists from the 16th century to the present day. Written for young adults and teen readers, Astonishing Women Artists covers Emily Carr, who lived among the Haida Indians of the West Coast; Georgia O'Keeffe, known for her creations that wrought beauty amid the desert; Frida Kahlo, the painter who became known as the "Soul of Mexico"; and many more. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations of classic artworks round out this engaging addition to the Women's Hall of Fame Series, especially recommended for high school and public library collections.

This is a wonderful book for introducing young children to Audubon. It is filled with a collection of different stories of Audubons adventures. This book keeps the attention very well of young children. I always know if the book is a "hit" in our house because my children will act out in their free time what we read about. Not only has my six year old acted out the book, but he's also started carring around paper and pencils to draw birds like John Audubon. It is a great living book.