Surveying the sculpture of many civilizations from ancient Egypt to 20th-century North America, this book provides a basic introduction to the nature of materials used by sculptors, examining how these were regarded as well as how they were worked in different periods and in different cultures.

"Promises to become a standard reference book." — The Art Digest. Exhaustive, profusely illustrated guide to all of the technical aspects of sculpting in stone, metal, wood, and other materials. The author expertly covers casting, surface treatment, exotic materials such as amber, coal, and even butter! Much more. 281 illustrations.

Creating a successful sculpture requires an imaginative concept and a sound design that utilize the potential and avoid the limitations of the material and the process used in making it. Prior to a few decades ago, most sculptors were restricted to carving stone and wood or casting plaster, ceramics and bronze for their creations. Contemporary sculptors, however, are no longer bound by the limitations of these traditional materials and processes, and can now create works in sizes, forms and textures that could not have been achieved previously. Many modern sculptures are now made from materials ranging from steel and aluminum to plastics and composites using processes ranging from welding and adhesive bonding to molding and 3D printing. To fully utilize the full potential of such new materials, the sculptor needs to understand their points of strength, their limitations, and the most effective way of shaping them to achieve a given design. Although this book is written by a materials engineer, the subject matter is presented from the point of view of the sculptor with emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of different materials, their resistance to weather conditions, natural color and possible surface textures, possible methods of shaping and joining, tools and equipment needed, and safety measures to take. Whenever possible, case studies are used to illustrate the sequence of processes and the cost elements involved in shaping a given material to create an actual work of sculpture.

This is an accessible historical and technical guide to the materials and techniques of European sculpture, based on the collections at the V&A. Casting, carving, and modeling practices are explored from medieval times onwards. Each chapter concentrates on a specific material or category. Beautiful color photography highlights the works and illustrates contemporary workshop practices.

Looking at a work of art, like listening to music, becomes a rewarding experience only if the senses are alert to the qualities of the work and to the artist's purpose that brought them into being. The language of sculpture must be learned. In this in-depth study, readers examine the materials, tools, methods, styles, and practices that are involved in sculpting and many of the techniques that have been used by accomplished artists who have contributed to sculpture as a fine art, from the marble gods of Phidias to the mobiles by Alexander Calder.

Pictures sculptures of the human form constructed of thread, sticks, cantaloupe peels and beads