Center of Gravity: A Guide to the Practice of Rock Balancing Paperback – February 1, 2013

I really enjoyed this book, which describes how one can create art/meditate/commune with nature/seek peace using perhaps the simplest and most plentiful artistic medium available to humans: the lowly, or perhaps exalted, rocks and stones that you can find on a shoreline or in a ditch. I love how the artist/writer uses these simplest of materials to create, and photograph, temporary artwork that is truly captivating.The book recounts how the author became interested in balancing rocks, explains the physics involved in rock balancing, tells how to get started and how to improve one's rock-balancing skills, describes a number of distinct aesthetic approaches people use, and provides tips for capturing one's work photographically. It includes quite a few really interesting pictures showing the work of the author and a number of other rock balancers. The pictures are great - check out the "Look inside" feature to see a few of them.Though this is a thorough and well-organized how-to manual for aspiring rock balancers, this book is more. The author shares his personal voice and made me feel like I was in a thoughtful conversation as much as reading a primer on how to approach an art form.I really did enjoy this as much as any book I've read in recent memory. If you have any curiosity or interest in the topic, this book will be worth your while.

As a life-long rock balancer, and a teacher of balanced rock sculpture for over 7 years, I'm thrilled (and a bit awed) to see such a skillful and comprehensive guide. The "how-to" section for beginners includes a series of "lessons" with carefully considered instructions, elegant diagrams, and suggested materials for learning and exploring an array of basic techniques. The "Beyond the Basics" section delivers on the promise of its title, including a wide array of information extending even to techniques for photography and a discussion of the "illusion of impossibility" elicited by some balanced rock sculptures. The currently active worldwide network of rock balancers are using a wide variety of techniques - well represented in inspiring color photos throughout. I'll be recommending this book to my students, and have purchased a few copies to bring to my public events.

The book is what it is, a good written about the art of balancing rocks.No fancy word porn and so.Are you in to or like to get it to, this can be a good book for the inventory :-)

Went right out in my land and started with small basic rock balancing. The book shared key elements on how to begin. It worked.

I've been a rock balancer for three years now, and it's very nice to read a book on the subject which is written by someone with lots of good rock balancing experience. Peter really covered the subject thoroughly, with good examples and diagrams and nice photos. He also covers the science of rocks in balance, which I imagine, can really give someone a head start if pursuing rock balancing further. I'm glad there's finally a book on the subject, and it was well written. I'm totally satisfied.

A delightful read- very informative and witty too! I've always been entranced by rock balancing, and now that I have a better understanding of this artform, Im more confident and ready to practice on my own. I look forward to reading more from this author,and would highly recommend this title to anyone wanting to start working with rocks in a new way.

I have not finished it yet, but so far, it is very helpful. I would definitely recommend it to someone interested in learning rock balancing.

Mr. Juhl does a great job of explaining basic concepts, and he does this in a way that allows one to go from the basics into more complicated balances. He presents concepts in a great order. Rock-Balancing is such a terrific hobby/practice. It will teach you a lot about yourself!