Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts (ISBN 1878529676)

The Stunning Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Basketry:
I am so excited about this book! As a professional weaver and teacher of basketry I have a passionate interest in Japanese bamboo basketry. The book, Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts, makes the breathtaking aesthetics of Japanese Bamboo Basketry accessable to everyone. Thanks to people like Robert T. Coffland and his tireless efforts, basketry in general is taking it's rightful place as a serious fiber art form, worldwide. His knowledge of the history, artists, and the complexities of this discipline is apparent in the book's first section. The stunning photography of Pat Pollard and Art Streiber make even the smallest detail visible in the basketry and reveal the intense commitment in the faces and surroundings of the artists. I keep this book nearby while I am working and randomly open it to any page. As I look at the artists in their element and read their stories I can almost imagine myself there. I am inspired! I study the beautifully photographed works and I am nourished! This book is not only an essential for basketry artists and collectors but I think designers and decorators would benefit by having this book as a guide.

Arts Is Right:
Almost all of the pieces in this book go far beyond the realm of craft and some even cross the line into pure sculpture. The beauty, complexity and originality are staggering. The photography is top-notch and the artist bios are great. My only complaints are that the glue binding is not very good (my paperback copy is severely cracked after a few nonviolent leafings-through) and that it severely leaves you wanting more. If they had doubled the number of pieces shown for each artist it would not be enough (for me, anyway). However, a full five stars because the work and presentation are superb.

The Living Tradition:
Coffland presents not only brief history of traditional bamboo arts, but in a marvelously succinct introduction to the artists featured, he also presents some of the dilemmas faced by both Japanese and American basketmakers. His explanation of what it takes to become a bamboo artist/basketmaker offers the American basketry artist a cultural cross-reference on the meaning of artistry and accomplishment. As Executive Director of the National Basketry Organization, Inc., and an aspiring basketry artist, I would like to see every serious basketmaker read this book...it would refresh our minds, spark our creativity, and remind us that artistic accomplishment is not instant gratification. The quality of the writing, photographs, and portraits make this a must read.