A Universe of Metal Sculpture Hardcover – Illustrated, September 28, 2010

I could have easily done without all of the homilies, life-guidance sermons, and almost endless statements of uniquely personal preferences and values that have little to do with metal or sculpturing. (Then the book would have been considerably shorter.) Honestly, the writing is just not that interesting to read. Second, the title of the book seems very misleading; the so-called "universe of metal sculpture" is simply this artist's listing of his own sculptures. In my limited experience, I'd say his objects shown in this book tend to be a bit more craft-oriented in their development than artistically-oriented in terms of a vision. Of course, "de gustabus non est disputantum" applies. The book was mezzo to me. It also needs updating when it comes to implementing the internet with its many techniques available to date as of 2023. Good printing, though.

I just got the book today and am feverishly reading the book. I just got started with metal sculpture classes and this book has given me some great things to try in my next class. There are lots of pictures of projects. Most are abstracts but, the instructions cover everything from coloring the metal with a torch to creating a water fountain. The book is great and well worth the money I spent. I highly recommend the book.

Artistic and writing ability aside I read this and followed some advice without doing my own research. I read the chapter on the jet fluxer and I thought I'd need it to get the best colors on copper. I know the author uses it for brazing and he accomplishes color and fluxing.The Jet Fluxer sounded like I was looking for a unicorn but these are being made by the Gasflux Company in Elyria, Ohio which has been around here in the US since 1938. It cost 500.00 dollars plus shipping and the liquid flux needed. So give or take, 600.00. I filled and hooked up in line with my oxy/ acetylene to flame patinate copper. I purchased their Model 69, btw.It did color the copper of course but after using regular oxy and acetylene as well as straight propane, I'd argue that the colors are equally as brilliant without this "jet fluxing" rig. I'm an artist in multi-metals.Otherwise, I like the writing and the story and very nice pictures in this book. But a very big unnecessary on the GasFlux unit unless you want the brazing action. For primary coloring just clean the 110 copper well and use propane and various sized torches and propane is cleaner so less residiual to clean off etc... Or, if you primarily use your oxy/acetylene and various sized brazing tips for some feathering effect, fine.. But, all this being said, I guess I wish I knew that for color applications any heat source will get the brilliant rainbow colors. Now, I'll add that when you throw some clear coat to preserve the flame color you will lose some of the brilliance. By refraction. The clear coat diffuses the light and some dulling will occur. I hate losing any of the brilliance. But it is common knowledge that it happens. I tried a new product made by Sculpt Nouveau that is specifally made to prevent the dulling effect of lacquer on flame colored copper but I found it did not live up to the claim. They said I may not have cleaned the copper beforehand. Maybe so. Try it yourself. Hope this helps some folks.

I got this book for my father based on the positive reviews. My mom says he liked it but I haven't got a book report from him yet!

Nice!

My husband knows how to work with all types of metals, stainless - copper, etc. anyway - I had hoped this would be given hi more ideas on how art work like that of Jon Allen is done. This is a nice book but did not show him anything he did not already know. Please do not misunderstand my review I am not saying this is not a good book, just was not useful in my particular instance. It is a great book for looking thru and for those new to the art.

Very good!

Not the art I was expecting, too plasma cut, not original

Great book and it's absolutely worth the cost.