Live Art TV: Vol. 4. Sculpture In Bronze And Words

This four-part series highlights works done by little-known artists in a variety of forms. This particular volume covers a bronze sculpture and accompanying haiku. Seattle sculptor John Sisko explains each step of his work entitled "Sisyphus," while his friend and poet Dirk Stratton attempts to show how he composes his haiku, "Labyrinth," to correspond with the sculpture. Sisko's narration is much more interesting than Stratton's; having to explain a poem is like having to explain a joke... something is lost in the translation. For me, the most fascinating part of this video is the pouring of the mold and the final casting of the sculpture. There is little dialogue here, only the sights and sounds of equipment that looks as if it hasn't changed much over the years. For a non-artist, this segment really underscores the skill and effort needed to bring a work of art from inception to creation. This video is technically very well done and if your library has a need for artistic materials (which one doesn't?) this series would fill the niche. The other titles in the series are: Day In, Day Out; Stereotypes (?); and You Don't Have to Be Young. All four titles are available for $74.95. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)