From Mud Pie to Masterpiece: The development of sculptural knowledge using clay

[Roberta Carasso]

Hi Everyone,

Can you help me find a publisher who would be interested in a classic work on sculptural development?

I am almost finished with a book about the natural stages, step-by-step, how human beings develop sculptural concepts using clay. It is based on a 525 page doctorate study from NYU where I studied youngsters sculpting, without adult guidance, either using clay (a solid material) or wire (a linear material). The outcome and extension research before and after yielded many,many works upon which conclusions are based.

The book starts with children knowing nothing about the material, not even being able to separate it to their making adult-like, in-the-round, abstract and realistic forms. I found there to be 6 stages of development,before children enter the adult world. There are also lessons for an adult to guide children, and even adults in moving through sculptural (structural) levels of development.

The book is not childish. It is very profound and would be an eye opener to adult sculptors.

Thank you for your help. I am so grateful to all of you,

Roberta Carasso
roberta@carasso.com

[jwebb]

Very interesting project. I don't know a publisher, but would suggest you contact the Art Therapy program at Marylhurst University in Oregon. (See their website). I'd guess they would have a lot of interest and know publishers in the field.

[Roberta Carasso]

Thank you. I don't see their website. Can you send me their address or site?

Thank you,
Roberta Carassi

[jwebb]

Sure. It's www.marylhurst.edu

Good luck with it.

[ExNihiloStudio]

Now this is interesting.

Art as a way to learn. I'm sure working with that clay activates different parts of the mind.

[Stephen Casey]

Writers Digest publishes a wide variety of books on the craft and publication of non-fiction and fiction.

In particular I would consult the latest "Writers Market."
You will find sections with education, self improvement etc. Current contact names and phone numbers are supplied as well. And also the chance of new writers breaking into each of these markets. Each prospective publisher is considered a market for the writer.

Also in the front section of the "Writers Market 2003" and older versions you will find the most efficient way to propose your book as well as oter very useful information. A listing of agents that more often than not actually get a book published is also in the Writers Market Books. Just think of an agent as a prefilter for publishers. Agents work their way through many contenders and pick the few they feel they can get published via their contacts and experience. Other than University presses I would think you would do well to research agents now instead of publishers.

Your project sounds quite fruitful. Good luck to you.
Check back to this thread over the coming weeks others may have more, more specific info for you.

[Roberta Carasso]

I wish you would have said more. The book shows how human beings as children move from stage to stage acquiring sculptural principles in a developmental order, and in the process, and because it is age appropriate, thoroughly enjoy themsleves because they can accomplish something special.

[Roberta Carasso]

Sure. It's www.marylhurst.edu

Good luck with it.
Thank you very much for answering. I need ideas on which publisher would be interested in such a project. Any ideas?