The so-called “fine” arts are usually understood to be the visual arts: painting, sculpture, etc.  Technically, the fine arts means any art that has no additional practical value -- it exists only to be appreciated for its aesthetics.  The term has also been applied to other forms of “impractical” arts, like dancing and poetry. Every culture on Earth has a long tradition of creating, appreciating, and debating the fine arts.

Decorative arts, on the other hand, have some practical value in addition to their form.  They may include fine pottery, wallpaper, religious artifacts used in ceremony, and countless other objects.  The difference between fine and decorative arts is often blurred in certain times and places, as some cultures produce their most beautiful, precious, and interesting art as decorative pieces (and sometimes these pieces are indeed intended only to be admired, despite taking the form of a useful object).

This book outlines techniques for modeling traditional and modern decorative arts using polymer clay.  Lavishly illustrated, a great deal of the history of fine arts and decorative arts are explored, including not just historic uses for ceramics but also many other materials whose art can be adapted to this new medium, including metal, glass, and even quilts.  It’s easy to start using polymer clay and you can have a lot of fun while learning about decorative art history. This book is primarily intended for a more advanced audience with some prior experience working with clay, but if you’re already experienced in the basics, you’ll find all kinds of ideas here to test your skill.

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