Humans have bred plants and animals with an eye to aesthetics for centuries: flowers are selected for colorful blossoms or luxuriant foliage; racehorses are prized for the elegance of their frames. Hybridized plants were first exhibited as fine art in 1936; when the Museum of Modern Art in New York showed Edward Steichens hybrid delphiniums. Since then; bio art has become a genre; artists work with a variety of living things; including plants; animals; bacteria; slime molds; and fungi. Many commentators have addressed the social and political concerns raised by making art out of living material. In Green Light; however; George Gessert examines the role that aesthetic perception has played in bio art and other interventions in evolution. Gessert looks at a variety of life forms that humans have helped shape; focusing on plants--the most widely domesticated form of life and the one that has been crucial to his own work as an artist. We learn about pleasure gardens of the Aztecs; cultivated for intoxicating fragrance; the aesthetic standards promoted by national plant societies; a daffodil that looks like a rose; and praise for weeds and wildflowers.
#444614 in eBooks 2010-11-12 2010-11-12File Name: B004E9TVA8
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent book for artists who have worked with pastelsBy Sarah A. WeiserThis is an excellent book for artists who have worked with pastels.It covers a wide range of topics. from basic techniques. to framing for galleries. It is a book to dip into when you need to try something new. need inspiration. or just wonder how to achieve a goal. Richard is a great educator and he does a great job of sharing his wealth of knowledge in a readable way.Ive loved reading the book and expect to be dipping back into it on a regular basis.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Rosemarie Solomonlovely book by a great artist. thank you0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Essential for PastelistsBy Carolyn WigintonCant say enough about this book for pastel painting of landscapes. An important part of my library.
