500 Bowls: Contemporary Explorations of a Timeless Design

Arts & Activities, Feb, 2004 by Jerome J. Hausman

[PRINT]

(2003; $24.95), Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott, Editor. Lark Books, 50 College St., Asheville, NC 28801.

Most children have the experience of making a clay bowl. After all, the bowl is one of the most basic forms created by potters. Some have speculated that the bowl may be the first functional ceramic object ever made. What is interesting and exciting is the collection of 500 bowls photographed and published in this book. As such, it provides all invaluable resource for teachers wishing to encourage creative form-making possibilities in books. This book provides a seemingly endless sense of ideas for books--differing shapes, fascinating means for surface decoration. The photographs are excellent. Also included are brief statements by some of the artists. This is not a "how-to-do-it" book in a limited sense. It is, however, a powerful demonstration of ideas and possibilities that will encourage students and teachers to find their own creative solutions. For information about this publication, circle No. 398 on the Reader Service Card.