This month’s picks take emphasis on the beloved art of ceramics. Pots, a staple of the form are also a staple in our lives. Alongside are a few books that take a broader look at creativity in the home, abstract art and photography.
Crown Lynn : a New Zealand icon / Monk, Valerie Ringer
“In the late 1930s Tom Clark, barely in his early 20s, began making porcelain tiles and electrical fittings alongside his family’s brick and pipe works in New Lynn. “Crown Lynn” is enriched by detailed research, including interviews with the late Sir Tom Clark and many other Crown Lynn staff. It has more than 100 photographs of Crown Lynn products, a comprehensive timeline and an illustrated catalogue of backstamps”–Back cover.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Design and create contemporary tableware : making pottery you can use / Bloomfield, Linda
“The tableware we use is very important in our everyday lives, whether plates, bowls, mugs, cups or teapots. This stylishly illustrated guide helps budding and established ceramicists alike to create practical and attractive ranges, starting with design principles, working through appropriate construction techniques, and leading on to decoration and finishes. Tips are provided on glaze fit, dishwasher- and microwave-safe glazes, firing and finishing.” — Back cover.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Around the world in 80 pots : the story of humanity told through beautiful ceramics
“”A journey through history and across cultures with the Ashmolean Museum’s unrivalled ceramics collection. It contains works from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, UK and Africa that span over 5,000 years. Pottery tells us about religion, daily life, humour, trade, sex, folklore and creativity. This compendium shows that humankind’s oldest craft is the perfect prism through which to view human history”–dymocks.com.au”–Publisher’s description.” ( adapted from Catalogue)
Creative family home : imaginative and original spaces for modern family living / Gibson, Ashlyn
“Nowadays, family homes need to work hard and play hard, meeting the varying needs of style-conscious parents, lively toddlers and everyone else in between. Creative Family Home celebrates modern family life, where children are given the freedom to express themselves and to develop their individuality within the context of an imaginative family home”–Publisher’s description.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Australian abstract : contemporary abstract painting / Bell, Amber Creswell
“There is no single neat definition of abstract art. It makes no attempt to represent reality; instead it has its own visual language using shape, colour and form with no rules. An explosion of creative expression and gestural force, Australian Abstract explores the constantly evolving genre and how it offers unparalleled artistic freedom inviting deeply personal connection and interpretation from both artist and viewer.” — Back cover.” (Catalogue)
Chronorama : photographic treasures of the 20th century
“Chronorama: Photographic Treasures of the 20th Century is an impressive photography volume from the Condé Nast Archive, curated by Matthieu Humery for the Pinault Collection. Taken from the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, House & Garden, GQ, and Glamour, the nearly 400 stunning original vintage prints and illustrations within this tome are by top photographers, resulting in an unprecedented showcase of some of the most important works ever to be produced for the magazine page — Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
