Paperart : The Art of Sculpting With Paper a Step-By-Step Guide and Showcase

Rating:
Summary: Paperart: The Art of sculpting paper/ Michael G. Lafosse
Review: I bought this book based on the reveiw given by Hamsterdance. While it is a beautiful book to look at, it does not actually provide all the steps needed to take you from the beginning of a project all the way through the end. Partial explanations are given about how the artists does this or that. Other then oragami, neither graphic, nor explanitory descriptive is given in how paper is actually sculpted,casted etc.. If you want a coffee table book, this is it. If you want to learn how to sculp, or cast paper, keep looking.

Rating:
Summary: So Good I Want a Sequel!
Review: I can not begin to praise this book enough. Never have I seen paper used to create such beautiful works of art. This book is definitely not geared for the "get-it-done-in-one-day" weekend craft mentality. Correspondingly, many of the projects involve access to space you can set aside as a workshop. Probably the only projects in the book that could be done without wanting or needing separate studio space are the origami projects or paper collage. Paper casting and paper pulp in particular benefit from space set aside for these needs.

So if you are interested in attempting these styles of art be ready to set aside space in your house for the papers, vats, molds, wire armatures, etc. That said, if you are prepared to do that you can use this book as a guide. Each artist lists the material he/she used with step-by-step photos detailing the process. The end of each chapter displays a gallery of that artist's work. My favorite chapters were the paper casting and japanese dolls. Even if one never intends to try any of these projects or methods of paper art it is a beautiful book for the coffee table.

Rating:
Summary: Beatiful Galleries, Varitey of projects
Review: This is a wonderful book filled with over 15 projects including folded paper (origami), assembled paper (paper sculpture) and art created with paper pulp. Beautiful and inspirational galleries after each project show you more advanced artwork using similar techniques and opening your eyes to endless possibilities.

Each project includes a materials list and is demonstrated step by step with photos and sometimes illustrations. Helpful tips for each are also included. Though the instructions are good, there are no templates and some artistic talent or experience is necessary for many of the projects. My favorite projects include a washi doll, twisted paper box, and a pulp painting.

In the back there is a nice list of suppliers and websites as well as a few organizations and educational programs. There is also a directory of artists with contact information. If you want a sampling of the paper art or just need inspiration this is the book to get.