Book Description

Art and Photography is the first book of its kind to survey the major presence of photography in artistic practice from the 1960s onwards. Today photography is art's pre-eminent medium, yet it took the whole of the last century for it to acquire this status. On its invention, the photograph was considered a purely mechanical, 'artless' object which could not belong among the fine arts. Despite its increasing use by the century's most significant artists, only since the late 1960s have art museums gradually begun to exhibit and acquire the photograph as an artwork. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is the most in-depth examination available of the terrible Chaos powers that so threaten the Warhammer Old World. Each of the four Chaos powers is examined in fascinating detail. As well as the classic material, more secrets are revealed for the first time, which every Warhammer fan will be desperate to know.

Reviews (3)

Nice Little Book
I gave this one to a friend who never heard of Ruscha before. He loved it. It's a little unpretentious experience through Ruscha's world. It's not that kind of 7-colour-printed-on-coated-expensive-paper, but works very well as good entertainment and a valid introduction to west coast fine artists. Worth its price.

A must for all Ruscha fans/influencees
Funny, but it seems as though every time a new Ed Ruscha book gets released, it then becomes the standard "must-have" edition. In my opinion, this is an excellent book for the price, even if only for a single viewing. What I mean is this: it's more like an object than a book, due to its small area (but thick volume), and lack of publisher information distraction - the absolute first page blatently plunges you into the art immediately. It will take the average art fan a good two hours alone viewing each plate at a contemplative pace. I have had two art shows myself, and Ed's work is by far my closest influence, so I am heavily biased. This book lacks the token interview with the artist, and also his other forms of work (notably the parking lot photography series, which is a sheer delight in its own right), but for the sake of the design, perhaps the book as it is says all it has to say (no pun intended, if you're familiar with his works). Part of the fun, though, with viewing these kinds of Ed's works, is reading his titles and materials used, as they are equally insightful; yes, I miss that. But the average or novice art buff wouldn't even notice it missing. All things considered, this is a great little form of entertainment all contemporary art lovers should own.

very nice
My adventures with They Called Her Styrene began on a subway ride in Boston earlier this month. I saw an older woman flipping through a book, each page containting a picture with a few words written on it. I started looking with her as as she flipped through it. She flipped through it for about 20 minutes, and then my stop was next. I was worried I would never know the title of this book, and, being too shy to ask, would leave the train and be unsatisfied. Luckily, just as the train stopped, she closed the book and I saw the title.

I bought it shortly afterwards.

I already described it- it's a book of pictures with words across them. I enjoy it very much. As you sit and thumb through all of the pages, each word or group of words, combined with the colors on the background, conjur all sorts of thought and feelings inside you.

For me, it serves very well to just sit and thumb through it, looking at all the pictures and letting my mind wander as the book prescribes.

Its wonderful. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

beautiful photographs; beautifully written
Ms. Grossman did an excellent job of introducing the reader to the religious side of Jewish culture. As a non-Jew who observes the Sabbath and Holy Days, I found the book to be of particular interest, since I belong to a very small church which has very little in the way of either Sabbath or Holy Day tradition. For this reason I refer to books such as "Jewish Art", since the Jews have such a rich religious heritage -- a heritage which I believe churches such as mine can draw upon for ideas and inspiration. I only wish the author devoted more material to the Sabbath -- i.e., more examples of items used at a Jewish home on this special Day. This is not so much a critism as a comment, since I understand that for most readers her coverage of Jewish art relating to the Sabbath is probably adequate. Overall, however, I would say that the author succeded in introducing the Sabbath, in all its richness and beauty, to the average non-Sabbatarian. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It WILL help u a lot!!!
Well, I've searched for many, MANY, books and when I found this one I couldn't belive on it! It shows marker techniques very simple to use and step by step. But I'm still a student of architecture, so it's also good for those who already knows a little. It's woderful for those that like design! ^^

Learn to do amazing renderings with markers and pastels
As an upcoming concept designer I've been searching for a book which explaines the techniques on how to render a sketch with markers and pastels. This book shows you how to rendering different products with the same technique. Some of them do almost look as if they were a photo. It is much of a Japanese styl, but it really illustrates your idea. Actually, iF Amazon would have shown the cover you would see whats really in this book. If you like those illustrations done by industrial designers, drawn with markers and pastels on vellum, with flying perfect lines, amazing shadows, you will love this book.

BUT WAIT! The only bad thing is that it shows you how to work the SAME tachnique on a variety of objects. The technique is great, sure is, but it is one technique! ... Read more

Book Description

Refiguring the Archive at once expresses cutting-edgedebates on `the archive' in South Africa and internationally, andpushes the boundaries of those debates. It brings together prominentthinkers from a range of disciplines, mainly South Africans but anumber from other countries. Traditionally archives have been seen aspreserving memory and as holding the past. The contributors to thisbook question this orthodoxy, unfolding the ways in which archivesconstruct, sanctify, and bury pasts. In his contribution, JacquesDerrida (an instantly recognisable name in intellectual discourseworldwide) shows how remembering can never be separated fromforgetting, and argues that the archive is about the future ratherthan the past. Collectively the contributors demonstrate the degree towhich thinking about archives is embracing new realities and newpossibilities. The book expresses a confidence in claiming forarchival discourse previously unentered terrains. It serves as anearly manual for a time that has already begun. ... Read more

Book Description

For the past twenty-five years an extraordinary art movement has been underway in the remote countryside of northern Mexico, a renaissance of ceramic art in the tiny village of Mata Ortiz.As unlikely as it may seem, this phenomenon was sparked by the genius of a village woodcutter of rare artistic talent and equally rare determination, Juan Quezada.

Over the years, by trial and error, Juan Quezada gradually recreated the technology of the ancient pre-Columbian masterpieces, until modern masterpieces also emerged from his own hands.Now this reawakening of the ancient art is taking many forms in the hands of some three hundred villagers.

Noted Arizona author Susan Lowell has written a fascinating traveler's introduction to the region, the town, Juan Quezada, and many other village artists.Lowell's essay is followed by a biographical survey of a cross-section of 100 potters along with color photographs of their work and portraits of the potters.Included is a guide for travelers planning to visit the village, an index of Mata Ortiz potters, a schedule of exhibitions in the U. S. and Mexico of Mata Ortiz pottery featured in this book, a glossary, and a bibliography. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Next Best Thing To Owning A Pot
Almost 40 years ago Juan Quesada from the village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua singlehandedly revived Casa Grande style pottery. This book is a beautifully illustrated account of his success, along with the other artists of the village who learned from him. Becoming familiar with these artists should lay to rest the notion held by many Americans that Mexican imports are second class. These paper-thin pots are as beautiful as any you will ever see. This book has color photographs of many of the potters from Mata Ortiz as well as pictures of their pots. There is information on how the pots are made-- they are all built by hand from native materials, painted with brushes made from the artists' children's hair and fired over cow dung.

The book has a lot of interesting details-- for instance, when the Pope visited Mexico a few years ago, he was given three of these magnificent pots. Another fascinating tidbit is that one of every seven citizens of this village makes these pots. They have gone from doing manual labor to creating works of art.

Owning this book is the next best thing to owning a Mata Ortiz pot.

The Many Faces Of Mata Ortiz
This is the best pottery book I have ever found! It is layed out in an informative, and beautiful manner. Not only is the pottery exquisite, but the photographs represent the pieces at their best. It is easy to understand, and gets one passionate about an art movement, that we can actually be a part of, in this twenty-first century. It is highly unsual to be living during a time when a new art movement is going on, and still striving for it's pinnacle. We see this with the unequalled workmanship of the Matiz Ortiz people in their Casas Grandes/Matiz Ortiz pottery. I really enjoyed getting to know each potter by name and photo, coupled with seeing their work, and feeling a part of their extended family. Juan Quesada, the founder of this artistic movement, is a highly spiritual individual, generous and gifted beyond belief. He is the reason that this wonderful pottery is being shown to the world. I am an artist that does pottery, and a retired teacher. I would recommend this book to all art teachers, and anyone who appreciates great art.

BeauBeautiful photography of sublime pottery and artisans
This book was my introduction to the world of the artisans of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, and their amazing ceramic creations. While the decorative motifs and other aspects of the pottery were familiar to me, I found that the photography, which I suspect was done with specialized "light painting" techniques, brought out the form, texture, and pattern of the pieces with wonderfully rich detail and nuance. The images were clearly created by a photographer who was very intent on rendering a physical, tactile sense of the objects she was recording. Coupled with other photographs of the artisans at work, and the surrounding Mexican landscape, the book is a compelling portrait of both the people who create the works of art and the art itself.

Unleashing a Ceramic Art Movement
There have been other books and journal articles written about this remote Mexican village, but with the publication of "The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz," a more comprehensive exposure is given to the talented artisans living there. No longer will Americans snub their noses at the Made in Mexico country of origin trademark.The incredible pottery of Mata Ortiz has done much to dispel the notion of Mexican art as being inferior to American art.People the world over can now appreciate the beauty of the works that are produced in the village since the book clearly shows the artists with full-size colored photographs of their creations. In addition, but not less important, the authors introduce us to the potters in such a personal way that we can't help but feel an attachment to them and to their lives.We also learn of the historical importance of the ancient Casas Grandes ruins from which Juan Quezada, the founder of the movement, first explored and experimented. This nearby pre-Columbian city was an important trading center from Mesoamerica to the Southwest and was noted in the 12th to the 15th centuries for its high quality pottery production. Now, people will have a greater understanding of the connection between the tribes of Mexico to the tribes of the Southwest. This book has it all and is most welcomed by experts and collectors alike. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bridging Time & Space describes layered art.
In separate, but harmonious, voices, eleven writers describe layered art as an expression of a holistic perspective. Each chapter addresses a theme, illustrated in color with artworks related to: alchemy, the spirit, earth metaphors, cosmic forces, healing, archaic traces and the millennium. Layered art reflects the forward edge of syncretic thinking, the recognition that the universe is held within a matrix of shared consciousness. Everything is connected with everything else. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspiration PLUS!
I got this book for my birthday nearly three years ago. I was so inspired I wanted to do everything in it. I love it. It is fabulous for the beginner with step by step instructions and great photos. And the best part is that it is so simple. Once you've tracked down the tiles, etc - hard to find in New Zealand, it took me two years. And you don't need all the fancy tools the book give handy hints to get around without them. The book features not only the authors work so it appeals to many tastes. This isn't just a great starter it's good even when you know what you're doing - you can refer back to it all the time or just look at if for insipration. Another book by Martin Cheek, MAKING MOSAICS - with a fish on the front is great too. It also has step by step details and more great photos of more great projects. Get them both it's worth it.

Will inspire confidence & creativity in the beginner
I have had this book for about 2 years now (from UK)& since my first attempts at mosaic, have found it invaluable. The author gives clear & full instructions from start to finish on all of the projects, which are well illustrated in phototgraphic sequences. Other mosaic books like this seem to be in the same format but lacking such clear instructions which a beginner would have no problems with. I would recommend it to total beginners & more experienced mosaicists alike, perhaps even to someone with an artistic mind who has never considered mosaic would be inspired by this book. Mosaic is becoming ever more popular & this book will allow anyone to create their own designs at home at a fraction of the cost of a professional (& much more satisfying !) I don't think you'll be disappointed............. Have fun !

This is a complete, concise, little book of mosaics.
Martin Cheek is the finest mosaicist on the planet, and his books are a testament to that. (Professional mosaicists will especially love this book because the materials lists are so daunting that beginners are likely to shy away from the craft!) Cheek's work is an inspiration for the already-are and elegant poetry for the wanna-be mosaicists. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

Excellent overall source
I bought 5 mosaic books while learning the technique and this is my favorite. Of the books I have read, this has the most comprehensive guide to the actual process of making a mosaic. There is an extensive section of tools, as well as the best explanation of the direct and especially indirect method that I have seen. Pictures are plentiful too for every step and offer some fabulous examples of what is possible with the art.

Very well done!

Unique projects
So far, every mosaic book I have collected has something to offer. This one has a few notable characteristics. The section on tools and equipment is more complete and detailed than other mosaic books I have seen. Beginning mosaic books usually suggest some kind of spatula, a tile nipper, and glass cutter. Quite a few other tools are suggested and described here, as well as what they are for. Although I feel daunted about buying and using so many different tools, it is helpful to know what I can look for if a particular project requires something different.

The projects are fairly simple, but unique. For example, there is a lamp base covered with broken plates and cups, including the cup handles which protrude from the lamp! There is an irregular-shaped plaque, formed by pouring concrete into a polystyrene foam that you design, and then covered with an ancient Roman-simulated design. There is a mirror frame which is jig-sawed into an interesting shape, and this project alone is for me worth the price of the book.
There are projects with very clear instructions for using both the direct and indirect method of applying tesserae.

What I particularly like is that the instructions include how to finish the projects, such as how to put the back on the mirror, what hardware to use, and how to apply it. The other mosaic books I have seen so far only tell how to make the mosaic part, and leave the finishing steps up to you.

Finally, there are many photos of incredible projects (such as an entire facade of a house) made by professional mosaicists, which the beginner would not attempt, but from which beginners and experienced alike can find inspiration.

Inspiring and easy to understand with delightful photos
This has been the single most inspiring book I've read on mosaic. The instructions are not only clear in their description, but there are photos in the different stages of progress for those of us who are "show me" people. The many photos throughout the book are fabulous and offer a wide variety of ideas and techniques for creating. There are helpful artist's tips included throughout the book too, as well as tools and materials listed for each project.

A great resource for the mosaic artist.
Has all the basics, plus more. Great photos.

Overall a good beginning tutorial with excellent photos.
Pros

1) Writing is friendly and encouraging.

2) Good beginning tutorial for several mosaic techniques.

3) Loaded with excellent photos of works in a wide variety of styles, by some very skilled artisans. The examples and designs in this book are above average.

4) Great project section in back of book. Designs and writing in this section are above average.

Cons

1) Expensive. It would have been nice if the publisher had printed the book in paperback, especially if it came with a wire-o binding, so you could lay it flat and read while you experiment.

2) Gallery photos are interspersed with descriptive text in first part of book, making it harder to read. It would have been better to have just the tutorial text and accompanying instruction photos in the first part of the chapter, and end each chapter with a gallery of examples.

3) Tutorial text in early chapters does not have numbered steps, although the projects section is formatted this way.

4) Writing throughout the book, especially in the first section, could be more clear.

5) No resource listings. It would have been nice if the authors had compiled a list of places to buy tools and materials.

6) Glossary and index are sad. Glossary defines seven words. Index is probably complete, but is loaded with undefined references (47, 51, 72, etc.). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

a beautiful book
a beautiful book of green's work
if you are a fan of his artwork--this book is an excellent compilation in both presentation and accompanying text

Jonathan Green's art is a quite simply a celebration
of color and of life. His vivid paintings make you feel glad to be alive

A wonderful, colorful accounting of Mr. Green's work
Conroy has done a splendid job of putting together the works of Jonathan Green. Not only does the book show Green's unique style to best advantage, but includes great information about the Gullah people and the artist. A must have book for anyone interested in the Gullahs or Jonathan Green.

Alive with color and culture.
This is a perfect coffee table book. It is educational as well as asthetically pleasing.

Growing up in the North, my grandmother often took my sister and I back to South Carolina to experience our "roots". The flavors of the Gullah tradition (custome, food, language, religion) come alive in Jonathan Green's work.

Stunning imagery that evokes a timeless place...
...and captures the spirit of a people of African descent. Having seen Mr. Green's original canvasses, I can attest to the accuracy and quality of the color reproductions in this book - it is a true feast for the eyes as well as the soul. Every time I open this book (and I do often) it lifts my mood and fills my heart, and always, always, makes me smile - broadly. It is a must have book to have and hold and to gift to others. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An edgy and artsy look at the female bottom!
Over 300 photographs from a true master of the genre. Each image is a "loving, backward gaze at that roundest, fleshiest, most curvaceous part of the female body: the bottom". This book is a masterpiece of fine art erotica, many of the images are quite provocative, some are even blatantly sexual, and is without question one of the best works ever to devote itself to a particular feminine body part. If your like derrieres, erotic photography, or just fine art photography in general, this collection is a must have.

You have to see these 366 variations of a sexy theme!
Can on photographer make 366 variations of a theme without becoming boring? Yes he can! Trevor Watson presents a picture range from the classic fine art prints to hot erotic shots. Each picture is of good quality from the technical and artistic point of view. There are different books dedicated to one of the sexiest parts of the human body the bottom. The book of Trevor Watson is the best I know. Every lover of erotic photography should have this book in his collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Making monotypes is a fun, painterly approach to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-printed impressions. This introductory, step-by-step guide is unique in that it eliminates the traditional use of a mechanical press or other expensive equipment, making the process readily accessible to anyone.

Readers are invited to explore a series of creative monotype projects by following the easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions. Materials used are readily available, such as unflavored gelatin, water-based printing inks and tempera paint. Demonstrations by different artists show how to use one, two, or a combination of basic techniques to create truly unusual prints while encouraging improvisation and discovery.

It's an ideal resource for professional or amateur artists who wish to experiment with printmaking, as well as teachers or parents who want to introduce their students or children to the process. ... Read more

Book Description

Glazing pottery is an ancient process, dating back 25,000 years, yet is a medium and art form that is still being explored and advanced today. So many variables go into creating a beautiful glaze--from ingredients to application to firing--that their recipes are prized among potters.

This breathtaking collection of work from 53 ceramic artists goes beyond a mere gallery of their work, inviting readers into their studios to share their insights into the aesthetics of ceramic surfaces as well as the formulas for some of their most successful glazes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not Susan Peterson's Best
This book is a whole lot of eye candy and not a lot of information. If you are looking for glaze recipes and clay body recipes, forget about this book. This book is more of a current look at the broad range of what can be done in the ceramic medium. The title says it all 53 artists, one piece each that's it. One of the upsides to this book however is the quality of the work. However in, Susan's book, "The Craft and Art of Clay," the quality of work is just as high with tons and tons of more information, that book is a must have. This book of 53 artists is more of a coffee table, once read.

EXCELLENT RANGE AND SUCCINCT DEPTH
Peterson chooses a wide variety of functional and sculptural work, from low fire through high fire, and has the artist explain their processes and give recipes. What more could you want! As a ceramic artist, it takes going to a lot of workshops, talking to a lot of artists, and reading a lot of books to get the breadth of information she puts forward in a succinct and visually pleasing manner.

The pieces chosen represent a thoughtful variety of work being done in both functional and sculptural ceramics. Each piece is superlative in its relationship between surface and form. As a ceramic artist I found myself with many ideas and left with the resources to explore and execute those ideas. It was like going to a really great show and being told all the artist's recipes and secrets.

While not exhaustive of information (see Dan Rhodes), it presents everything in a very visually appealing manner while not losing technical information. This is to be expected from the author of the classic "The Craft and Art of Clay."

Susan Peterson does it again!

Not Exactly Smashing
I was greatly disappointed with this glossy glaze/coffee table book. I could not honestly imagine anyone would be interested in re-creating the glazes used on the second-rate ceramics pictured here. Sure, the photos are nice and the layout is attractive, but the selected works are mostly sculptural, with the glazes being not really essential to the focus of the work.

The book is thoughtfully organized by maturing temperatures of the glazes, and recipes are given. I was suprised to see so many commercial glazes, stains and clay bodies used. The whole thing came across as a come-on for Guild.com and its pottery supply company sponsers. ... Read more

Book Description

Chalky blues, sultry ochres, imperial reds, 1,000 Tiles dazzles with the brilliant color and design that has adorned even the farthest reaches of the world down through the centuries. From Mesopotamian to Post-modern examples, each exquisite tile or tile plate is presented in rich color and matched with a profile describing its origin, history, symbolism, and decorative motifs, as well as providing information on techniques such as fire glazing and dust pressing. Arranged by period and style, this comprehensive book makes it easy to access tiles from any era or movement. Artists and designers looking for inspiration, especially in the realm of patterns and color play, will find much to admire in this visually arresting volume. Complete with a resource section and tips for building a collection, 1,000 Tiles is the ultimate guide to an ancient art form that remains vital today. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Outstanding book
This book is one I bought a while back when I had some money burning a hole in my pocket and it has stood the test of time. The focus is not on specific projects (like decoupaging your wastebasket) but on an overview of collage history and techniques. The book doesn't give step-by-step information- what it does give is specific information on the processes used to create the numerous collages beautifully depicted in the book.

Between the collages shown and the techniques described, I get fired up every time I look at this book. It has inspired me in photography, collage and digital imaging. Collage is definitely something that can be created through a multiplicity of methods and Larbalestier's numerous examples and technique tidbits illustrate the point well. This is a book that works well in conjunction with more specific technique oriented books, specific classes (like photography), or as a visual boost when looking for a new approach or inspiration.

Books of this calibre aren't easily found on the typical Arts and Crafts bookshelf at the store. I almost wish that I hadn't seen this book so I could have the pleasure of discovering it all over again.

pretty elementary
one of my friends had this book way way back in the day, like in grade or middle skool. i thought it was the most amazing thing before or since sliced bread. especially cuz i couldn't find it anywhere and his was the only one i'd ever seen.

anyway early last semester i came across an old notebook with the title and author written on it, and it had been a long time since i'd even thought of this book, but i remembered how great i used to think it was and instantly looked it up and scored a copy.

i was prepared to be disappointed the way that you are when you watch an old episode of he-man and you can't believe you ever liked anything quite that...whatever. in this case, it's not that bad. this book looks elementary, and it is. it's not even so much a "how-to" as a general overview of various techniques and materials. but for what it's worth, the illustrations are quite nice, although not exactly as astounding as they were when i was 12 - joseph cornell has since ruined me for all rivals. it's helpful in that it tells you (in many cases) which media and techniques were used for which pieces, so that you might visually learn about crackle varnish or photomontage or some other process or medium with which you were previously unfamiliar.

basic, elementary, but decent, with pretty pictures.

A beautifully published book
The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star rating is because I am not interested in applying photography processes or photocopying in my artwork. Atleast not at this point. I'm still pretty new to collage art and found this book a little over my head. While it might not have had what I was looking for, I was impressed by the way this book was put together.

Best Collage Book Available!
I have looked for a long time for a book that addresses collage and montage from a historical as well as a contemporary perspective. This is the best book available for beginners to practicing artists and teachers. I used this book in conjunction with a college level art course and the student response was outstanding! The book offers basic information from paper and adhesives to more complicated reproduction techniques. The examples are excellent. The book appeals to a fine arts audience rather than the craft oriented. My students were challenged and inspired by the great examples. Collage is not just cut paper!

A collage book with fresh ideas
I own several books on collage and I found this one to be completely different from the rest. Rather than step-by-step projects it focuses on explaining a wide variety of techniques you can use in your artwork. There are lots of new ideas here that are not discussed in the other collage books.

The book starts out a brief history of collage and an overview of art styles such cubism and pop art. Then various collage assembly methods and approaches are discussed. Some include using different adhesives, varnishes and paints. There are some great tips on three-dimensional construction.

Many mechanical methods that use computers and copiers are next. Some techniques include blurring, distorting and altering the color of images. This is great for those unfamiliar with computers who would like to use them to make fantastic pieces of art.

My favorite section focuses on manipulating photographs. It starts out with basic information on cameras & films. Then it a reviews photographic editing techniques including bleaching, toning, lith-printing, film sandwiching, creating multiple exposures, making photograms and using liquid light to transfer your image to a variety of surfaces.

There are also many inspiring full-color artwork examples throughout the book. I found the artwork here to have a different tone than the other collage books I own. You won't find lots of flowers of butterflies here. It tends to be more eclectic or modern than pretty. The accompanying captions in combination with a listing in the back tell the title, size and artist's name as well a bit about the piece and how it was made. Each of the artist's (most are British) addresses are listed as well. A glossary, index and a small list of suppliers are also included. If you are looking for some fresh ideas and new techniques to use in your next collage, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Inspiring and informative paper arts book.
I've read a LOT of craft and art how-to books, and many of them are geared towards beginners or focus on techniques like rubber stamping, which is pretty self-explanatory.

I liked this book because it shows examples of altered books by artists working in the medium and has an accompanying section called "Technique Highlights" that tells you how to do things like gelatin prints, image transfers and bookbinding.

For those already familiar (as I am) with some of these techniques, it was a pleasant surprise to find alternative methods of accomplishing these methods.

Finally, it's always inspirational to see what other artists are doing with the medium. It helps you look at your own work and supplies in new ways.

I'd definitely recommend this one.

Not quite like the other AB books.
This is more of a tastefully done showcase for a few of the better-known AB artists as well as for some artists' work we don't always get to see. The emphasis is not heavy in the how-to department though the text and limited examples could very solidly start a less seasoned book alterer/art journaler in many different directions, provided one possesses the initiative to try to ride without training wheels.

What I appreciate most about this book is the diversity of featured artists, placing the rubberstamp and ephemera-focused art alongside the "artier" or more painterly collage and traditional book art. I also enjoy seeing book altering and art journaling represented as inter-related, as the mediums are for myself personally, though I can certainly understand why artists who maintain more of a boundary between the two mediums might object to precisely that as being too inclusive.

Books like this make me welcome the publishing market's newfound determination to "cash in" on the altered books craze, as it increases their ready availability without always having to seek out the harder to find and less commerical though certainly no more or less valid sources of inspiration to be found in the zines and independently published works that originally founded (or at least crystalized and helped popularize) the current movement.

I wouldn't mind seeing something like this turn into a series of books featuring not only newer, different artists but also tracking the continued development of the ones featured here. I may be contributing to the selling-out of the altered book, but I can't help liking this book because I don't neccessarily need more how-to information or another Yahoo group or to feel that I'm part of a book altering community--I just want more access to more artists' work, and that's what this book provided.

Misleading blurb, but a beautiful book about artist's books
Only 4 stars because if you buy this book for what it's supposed to offer you'd be disappointed. This is not a book about the HOW to alter books.. but more of a journey at looking at other people who have.

• This book is a showcase of books.

• This book will not help someone who has never got into book-making before

• This will provide you with inspirations to do something, it doesn't treat you as a pre-schooler saying 'cut here.. paste this' etc. It is all about setting your own creative spirit free.

• Combine this book with a more basic 'how to' if you really need it, but for someone who is willing to experiment this book will get you going.

amazing inspiration for experienced artists
This book goes far beyond "eye candy". It's a visual delight with page after page of juicy and intriguing examples of book ideas and altered books. If you're a beginner, you may be frustrated by "how'd they DO that?" questions that could never be answered in just one book. Instead, the author has filled this book with vivid, rich and dazzlingly innovative examples of what you can do with an altered book. Intermediate and especially experienced paper artists will leap from one inspiring page to the next, saying, "Ooooh, what if I mixed this idea with that one and...," in lightning-fast brainstorming that this book can spark. I highly, highly recommend it if you want raw inspiration by artists with originality that soars. (Holly, we want MORE of this!)

Not what I expected
Although the talent of the artists who contributed to this book is without question, the book comes across more as a presentation of the artwork and artist, and less so as a teaching or how-to guide for us. I also thought the techniques used were a little out there and impractical, compared to the other altered book literature I have and have heard of. ... Read more