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If this review were being written for a tabloid publication, I might title it "Kari Lonning Reveals All"; all, that is, of the unique techniques that she uses to create the signature wicker baskets by which she is recognized world-wide. Most basketry books, written by well-known artists, give very good basic techniques but stop short of giving instructions in the way the work was made to be distinctive. Not so with The Art of Basketry. Beginning with the basics, she soon follows with clearly written instructions, illustrated with color photograph step-by-step sequences of her distinctive styles: her double wall cone shaped pieces, her "hairy" baskets, her grid bases and her beautiful color patterning. For example, her spiral patterns look very different from the wicker spirals I have been taught. How does she do it? By using 4,5, even 6 rod waling- that's how. All illustrations are done with color photographs, not diagrams. Many full color photographs of her work are included. The remainder of the book explores the work of 23 other recognized baskets artists such as Leon Niehues, Dona Look and the McColleys. They each give their artist's statement, their motivation, and some "hints" at how their items are created. Again full color photographs of their work make each page interesting and beautiful. This book is a "must have" for anyone wanting to expand their wicker basketry skill to "beyond the ordinary". It is also for anyone interested in a collection of photographs of artistic baskets and for anyone who works with design through color combinations. I would highly recommend it. |
