The stunning photos and brilliant essays in this book demonstrate why origami is now an international art movement-largely through the efforts and artistic genius of a few contemporary masters. The trailblazing efforts of Japanese artist Akira Yoshizawa elevated paper folding by showing how subtle shapes and figures could be created from a single sheet of paper through a variety of non-traditional folding techniques. Artists in other parts of the world-including the United States, France, England, China and Scandinavia-took Yoshizawa's cue and pushed these techniques further and further. The result has been the emergence of many new and surprising sculptural forms created through techniques such as wet folding, curved creasing, tessellating and the application of alternative materials besides paper. This book features the work of 25 contemporary master folders who are among the most innovative origami artists working today. They are pushing the boundaries of origami style, scale, materials, subject and scope in new directions. This elite group includes: Joel Cooper Erik Demaine and Martin Demaine Paul Jackson Beth Johnson Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander Robert J. Lang Linda Mihara Bernie Peyton Richard Sweeney And many more!

This delightful book is a colorful reminder of the many things that visual art can be, become, and do. Whether it's weaving or making pottery or working on your computer or turning junk into something unexpected and wonderful, An ABC of What Art Can Be is an invitation to look around and think creatively-outside the boring box. After all,
A is for artist, creator of art,
Making all sorts of things with the hands and the heart.
The playful rhymes and dazzling collages are reminders that each of us is unique and can produce a work of art that's equally unique. In this lively book readers will find an ABC that's unlike any other. It includes four pages of "fun stuff"--easy-to-do activities inspired by the text and illustrations. Ages four and up.

Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.