Art of Albert Paley

In work that was extravagant, organic, often reminiscent of the Art Nouveau styles, Albert Paley brought a sinuousness to jewelry and sculpture. In The Art of Albert Paley: Iron & Bronze & Steel, critic and art historian Edward Lucie-Smith assesses the work of this contemporary American artist whose work combines art and craft. ""There was a sort of battle going on between the major and the minor arts,"" recalls Paley of his 1960s arts education. ""It seemed to us that creativity alone should be the supreme consideration. We wanted to elevate what was seen as a minor endeavor and make it a major artistic statement."" 130 illustrations, 40 in color.