Review of A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials - Second Edition (Paperback)

I purchased this with the thought it would help educate me on different sculpting products (clays and tools) by discussing their various properties, etc.It did do very brief overviews of different clays (plasters, plastilinas), but nothing in detail and no mention of specific brands or their product lines.I really don't know much more about clays/tools now than I did before I read through the book, other than how plastilina is made (interesting, perhaps - but of no practical use).

It covers sections on tools (with some pictures) and accessories, and provides (again, brief) overviews of mold making (it does NOT give instructions or recommendations or tips on any mold making process or material), casting materials and tools/materials used in stone and wood carving.However, don't expect to read this and be able to make any kind of informed decision on what would be the best materials for mold and casting your sculpture.

At the end is a rather limited reference section of books on sculpture, and absolutely NO supplier references (ie, websites or company info for purchasing any of these materials/supplies), or links to foundries, art schools/etc., that would be of use.At the end was a long list of tools, no pictures, listing their weights and dimensions - I'm not sure what purpose this is supposed to serve; I found it absolutely useless information.What matters to me is how it feels in my hand and how well it does the job I want it to do.

I found it to be a waste of $22, personally.Go to your local sculpting supply store - you'll get much more practical and useful information there (for free, too) and can see the products and materials and decide which will be good to try for your needs.Worked for me.

Product Description
Written for the student sculptor, this second edition of the popular Sculptor's Guide, now with more than 90 images of sculpting tools and accessories, is an introduction to the wide world of sculpture: clay and wax modeling, mold making, casting, and the enlarging of pieces of sculpture, wood carving, stone carving, ceramics, and moist clay products.Addresses all aspects of the use and function of sculpting tools and materials used in traditional sculpture. Each chapter concludes with a troubleshooting section which answers questions most frequently asked by the student and those troublesome areas experienced by the sculptor. Also explains how tools are made. Charts on proportional requirements of materials, weights and measures, plus an extensive glossary of terms are provided. A key word technique can be used to easily explore a topic.

About the Author
Bruner F. Barrie was born in Abington, Pennsylvania in September 1947. He is a member of the Board of Directors as well as a patron member of The National Sculpture Society in New York and is a member of the International Sculpture Center in Hamilton, New Jersey.He is also certified as a professional Lifecasting Artist.Mr. Barrie joined Sculpture House, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of sculpting tools and materials,shortly after his discharge from the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, in 1971. He became and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer.He is also the author of Mold Making, Casting & Patina for the student sculptor, a book for those who want to make basic molds and casts. This 116-page publication with over 200 photos and line drawings is ideal for the beginner.

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