Every material has an active presence and every material is susceptible to change. The task of the sculptor is to understand the natural properties of a chosen material, to know in the process of creation how best to work with, or against, its characteristics. In this generously illustrated studio manual, sculptor Oliver Andrews takes a new approach to sculpture, focusing on how the innate assertiveness of materials affects the complex act of making a sculpture.

The late Oliver Andrews was a sculptor and Professor of Art at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Beautifully researched, organized, and written, by a man who knows both how to make art, and how to teach it. The materials give the book its structure. Each chapter focuses on a single material, and is its own compact, concise textbook, complete with bibliography, sources for materials and safety precautions. . . . A marvellous book."—Craft International

"The late Oliver Andrews, well-known sculptor and teacher, writes with great clarity and thoroughness on many current technical processes of sculpture. His response to materials is unusually affectionate and understanding. . . . Chapters include discussion of living materials, clay, plaster, molds, cement, stone, wood, plastics, metals, welding, bronze and shell casting, new forms, and planning a studio."—Choice

"Concisely presents an impressive amount of information. Many photographs illustrate tools and procedures as well as examples of finished sculptures. . . Useful in universities, art schools, and museums."—Library Journal