This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a critical overview of the relationship between contemporary ceramics and curatorial practice in museum culture. Ceramic objects form a major part of museum collections, with connections to anthropology, archaeology and other disciplines that engage with the cultural and social history of humankind. In recent years museums have provided the impetus for cutting-edge artistic practice, either as a response to particular collections, or as part of exhibitions. But the question of how museums have staged contemporary ceramics and how ceramic artists respond to museum collections has not been the subject of published research to date. This book examines how ceramic artists have, over the last decade, begun to animate museum collections in new ways, and reflects on the impact that these new initiatives have had in the broad context of visual culture. Ceramics in the Expanded Field is the culmination of a three-year AHRC funded project, and reflects its major findings. It brings together leading international voices in the field of ceramics, research undertaken throughout the project and papers delivered at the concluding conference. By examining the benefits and constraints of interventions and the dialogue between ceramics and museological practice, this book will bring focus to an area of museology that has not yet been theorized, and will contribute to policy debates and art practice.

This book is about partnership problems and the difficulties which come with commitment and marriage. It analyses the origins of those problems, common and less common, and leads the reader along a path from understanding to the possibility of resolution. The author addresses the part played by sexual difficulties, which often arise in long-term relationships but receive little recognition in a society swamped with images of idealised sexuality. Indeed massive exposure to sexual ideals in the media produces an inevitable sense of comparative failure in many people. With divorce now so commonplace, marriage more than ever requires the glue' of sexual satisfaction to heal conflict and keep love viable. The author's approach is to show how satisfaction in a partnership depends on understanding both the emotional intricacies of promising to share a life together, and the way these complex issues affect sexual responses -- and vice versa. Dr Christie-Brown explores the way individuals bring unconscious demands and unrealistic expectations from the past into their partnerships; unless these are understood, conflict can result. A Tug of War model is used to illustrate the various conflicts that engaging with a partner can bring. The book is aimed at the open-minded reader who is prepared to look at their partnership problems in a new light; complex emotional issues are dealt with in an accessible way. It is also an essential tool for counsellors, doctors, social workers and all those involved in psychotherapy; it combines -- in a unique but tried and tested manner -- analytical and behavioural disciplines to produce an effective remedy.

Within the Fuchsia Forest of Fae, where charming pink pixies play pranks all day... enter a world where mermaids abound and fauns dance around! The Fairy's Song is one of the finest collections of stunning fantasy fairy art and poetry. This eclectic treasury picture book includes a wealth of watercolor paintings and rhymes depicting fairies, mermaids, dragons, goblins, witches, and Celtic mythical creatures. Also includes a gallery of art cards, editions, and originals (ACEO cards). Adorable and bright, with just a hint of a dark twist, this book will enchant fantasy lovers of all ages!

This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a critical overview of the relationship between contemporary ceramics and curatorial practice in museum culture. Ceramic objects form a major part of museum collections, with connections to anthropology, archaeology and other disciplines that engage with the cultural and social history of humankind. In recent years museums have provided the impetus for cutting-edge artistic practice, either as a response to particular collections, or as part of exhibitions. But the question of how museums have staged contemporary ceramics and how ceramic artists respond to museum collections has not been the subject of published research to date. This book examines how ceramic artists have, over the last decade, begun to animate museum collections in new ways, and reflects on the impact that these new initiatives have had in the broad context of visual culture. Ceramics in the Expanded Field is the culmination of a three-year AHRC funded project, and reflects its major findings. It brings together leading international voices in the field of ceramics, research undertaken throughout the project and papers delivered at the concluding conference. By examining the benefits and constraints of interventions and the dialogue between ceramics and museological practice, this book will bring focus to an area of museology that has not yet been theorized, and will contribute to policy debates and art practice.

Christy Brown was born with cerebral palsy and severe physical disability. He grew up to become a brilliantly imaginative and sensitive writer who would take his place among the giants of Irish literature.

This autobiography, published in 1954 when he was twenty-two, recounts his early life in Dublin – the poverty of his childhood, the support of his mother and his hope for a better life. Above all it describes his struggle to learn to read, write, paint and finally type, all with the toe of his left foot. Warm, honest and inspiring, this is a unique and captivating story of disability told by an extraordinary man.