Lark Books

Wedding rings symbolise commitment and eternal love - but in the hands of the world's most creative jewellers they become works of art and this breathtaking book showcases a stunning collection of contemporary, handmade wedding bands and engagement rings for men and women. Masterfully set diamonds stand alongside conceptual designs that reflect a cutting-edge approach, such as Etienne Perret's ring made for two fingers. The large gems in James Kaya's sleek platinum setting, by contrast, seem almost suspended in air; it's the tension of the surrounding metal that holds them in place. For jewellers in search of new ideas and those about to whisper "I do," these designs provide beautiful inspiration.

Ranging from sculptural and figurative to traditional and whimsical, presents photographs of variations on the pictcher form from such artists as Debra E. Sloan, Michael Kline, and Do-Hee Sung.

Plates and chargers can serve as more than just places to put your food: they can be glorious art to show off on a table, sideboard or dresser. These 500 spectacular pieces range from the utilitarian yet beautifully glazed plate to dramatically decorated work and they're crafted from a remarkable variety of materials - including pristine porcelain and bold earthenware. Nick Joerling's stoneware is the perfect canvas for a design: vigorous brush strokes set in wax resist race across its attractive surface. Kelly McKibben's hand-built "Going for a Stroll" showcases delicately inlaid and silk-screened images. The stunning gallery provides a unique and wide-ranging snapshot of contemporary ceramic arts.

These 500 tables are more than just practical places to place a coffee cup or notepad; they're inspired works of art. Esteemed juror Andrew Glasgow has selected a wide array of styles and forms, from pieces that showcase masterful woodwork to ones that feature alternative materials and aesthetic sensibilities. The striking examples include Gord Peteran's end table fashioned from swirling red electrical wire, Boris Bally's small square transit table made of recycled aluminium traffic signs and Stephen Whittlesey's 'Eddy', which uses driftwood, salvaged oak and chestnut. More than 300 artists are featured and every work offers readers stunning craftsmanship, constant surprise and beauty.

This title is latest in the popular 500 series. This new addition to the 500 series is an outstanding collection of handmade silver jewellery by both established and emerging international designers. From time-honoured forging of cuffs and chokers to cutting-edge brooches and rings, silver's beauty is fully revealed in a range of techniques, styles and forms that will delight and challenge both the wearer and craftsperson.

Raku is an ancient ceramics technique enjoying a modern-day renaissance. This groundbreaking new entry in the highly successful 500 series demonstrates the vitality and invention of today's raku ceramics. Objects including cups, plates, bowls, vases, and statuary contribute to this international gallery of work juried by Jim Romberg, one of the leading practitioners and teachers of raku in the world.

The lathe used to be a utilitarian tool only, but in the hands of today's artists woodturning has undergone a beautiful transformation. This stunning international collection showcases the work of 40 pioneering wood turners who have expanded the possibilities of the medium; including a British artist from Burgess Hill. Their pieces range from classic to humorous to sculptural to amazing. Curator Jim Christiansen introduces each master's multi-page gallery with an insightful overview and the creators themselves offer their lyrical thoughts on wood, nature and art. Each volume in the "Masters" series is dedicated to an established art form and showcases the work of its celebrated artists. With a focus on craftsmanship and (global) diversity, these books will inspire beginners, professionals, collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The art of glass bead-making has exploded in popularity during the past decade - and these awe-inspiring examples, exquisitely fashioned by 40 of the world's top creators, reveal why. Explore Bruce St. John Maher's fused and faceted landscape beads, the vitreous painted surface of Bronwen Heilman's glass and Kate Fowle Meleny's luminous electroformed glass beads that seem almost like sculptures. In this classic series, every artist receives a lavish eight-page feature with approximately a dozen high-quality images of his or her most impressive work, along with a biography and personal commentary, providing insight into the motivations and inspiration behind each piece.

Fine artists worldwide have discovered the spectacular range of expressive effects that can be achieved with beadwork. This remarkable showcase of gallery-quality works - including jewelry, sculpture, wall hangings and many ohter types of beaded objects will excite collectors, inspire craftspeople and delight anyone who loves art.

What makes the ceramic bowl such an enduring art form? It has everything: form, volume, surface, texture and colour, plus 10,000 years of history! It can be both useful and decorative, yet it is one of the simplest and most basic forms that potters make. This book provides a visual tour of how ceramists from around the world are interpreting this classic form today. The 500 masterful, inspired works presented in this book prove there are new things to say: the bowl is still being reinterpreted and reinvented every day! * FASCINATING compilation for arts and crafts ceramists and collectors of 500 of the most creative and astounding bowl designs you have ever seen.

Form, function, beauty: vases are versatile and flexible and beloved by potters for the variety of techniques, ideas and aesthetics they embrace. "500 Vases" is a welcome addition to the popular "500" series and the tenth book devoted to ceramics. It showcases the finest contemporary work from international artists, capturing the full spectrum of styles, each potter's original voice and whenever possible, close-up details that truly capture the surface quality of the piece.

The magnificent tiles showcased in this impressive collection will inspire beginners and professionals, as well as collectors and enthusiasts. Some of the larger displays were made to decorate public and private spaces; others use single tiles to interpret nature, tell a story, or make cultural observations. As always in this acclaimed series, all the contributors are accomplished artists, renowned in the field. Mary Lynn Buss creates a field of mosaic-tiled long-necked irises. Peter King and his wife and working partner Xinia Marin fashion large, expressively rendered and sculptural installations. And Melody Ellis' low-relief earthenware tiles pack intriguing narratives into every tile.

The teapot is to the potter what the canvas is to the painter. It has inspired clay artists to create their original works of art since the ancient Chinese first developed vessels for brewing and serving tea. This book provides a visual tour of how potters from around the world are interpreting this classic form today. The 500 figurative, sculptural and traditional teapots astound us with their myriad shapes and delightful combinations of utility and decorative treatment. * FASCINATING compilation for arts and crafts ceramists and collectors of 500 of the most creative and astounding teapot designs you have ever seen. * FABULOUS SOURCEBOOK: pottery enthusiasts will enjoy the huge variety of shapes, surface treatments and techniques: hand built and wheel-thrown, stoneware and porcelain, round and square, wax resistant and slip work, functional and sculptural.

This is a follow up to "Masters: Art Quilts", the best-selling title in the "Masters" series. It features 12 pieces of work each from of 40 of the world's leading art quilters. The quilters hail from places such as Australia, France and Russia, as well as England. "Masters: Art Quilts" is the best-selling title in the "Masters" series. This follow-up volume extends the reach of this survey to another 40 of the world's leading art quilters. Each artist has about a dozen pieces sumptuously spread over 10 pages. The book encompasses the leading trends in art-quilt techniques, materials, styles and themes, including portraiture, nature, abstraction, realism and political commentary. It was curated by Martha Sielman, a fierce advocate for art quilting, executive director of Studio Art Quilt Associates and curator of the first volume. Sielman writes introductions to each chapter, commenting on the artist's work and inspirations. The book has a strong international flavour, with quilters hailing from places such as Australia, Canada, France, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Switzerland, to name a few.

These art quilts showcase such versatility, innovation, and beauty that readers can’t help but be truly inspired. The gifted artists come from across the globe—including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America—and their work displays their varying sensibilities and backgrounds. Esteemed curator Martha Siebman contributes an illuminating essay, and each artist is showcased in an eight-page feature.

This title features 40 artists who have their own distinctive style, exhibit fine workmanship and have a unique vision. This title includes some of the world's most dazzling and innovative work. Featuring the world's most dazzling and innovative work, this new entry in the "Masters" series focuses on the incredibly popular medium of polymer clay. Curator Rachel Carren has selected 40 artists who have their own distinctive style, exhibit fine workmanship and have a unique vision they communicate through polymer. Vessels, jewellery and sculptures of intricate design reflect a range of moods, from Kathleen Dustin's poetically expressive art to the luscious colours and forms created by Lindly Huanani.