5 comments about 1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations (1000 Series).

1. this book is defintely eye candy and inspiration but not a how to book. i would have loved to have a book that shows how some of these pages were done step by step but this book is still wonderful. it has given me many ideas already.



2. This is the greatest book. The entire book is photos of art journalists pages with corresponding numbers that lead to a Artist in the back of the book with thier emails or websites. The Forward ask the question Why Journal? and gives many different answerrs and views which I found interesting. There are also 2 pages of journal prompts for you to get started in Art Journaling, this was helpful to me since I'm a beginner. If that weren't enough, there are 2 pages of Resources in the back that list places to buy supplies, different magazines and artzines, books and online inspiration.
   
   This is not a book you will buy and look at just once if you are an art journaler. I've looked through this book many different times. So many of the pages just "speak" to me in so many different ways. You won't be sorry you purchased this book. It is unique and unlike any other book I've purchased so far and I have quite a few now.
   
   I think Dawn did a fabulous job with it and all the artist's who contributed their pages do wonderful work. I hope she publishes another book in the future. I'm a fan.



3. What a beautiful book. I am so honored to have had my pages accepted and included. The pages were clear and wonderfully reproduced. It's an honor to have my art along side such amazing artists. The other journal pages are indeed inspiring and great eye candy. I like the simplicity of the book.
   
   Ronni Hall
   [...]



4. I just got my book today and was going to email Dawn personally to tell her how great it turned out, but then decided I should share it here with other potential readers too.
   
   When I heard about the book, I was afraid that the pages inside were going to be tiny thumbnails, or a lot of stuff from a few people like many books on the market. Neither of these problems are true... the pages are big enough that I could read the journal text from just about every page. That's another part of my praise... most of the pages include real journaling, not just collage in a book labeled as "art journaling" as I have seen before, which is less my preference.
   
   The neat thing about being able to read the words on pages was to be connected with so many people that have so many of the same anxieties about being enough and doing enough... artists connected on so many planes in so many ways. I also really liked that, because of the many pages in the book, I began to recognize what types of pages caught my attention. I realized that I want to be able to work in the brighter colors that I was drawn to in the book.
   
   There was also really great contrast in pages that were simple to complex, and I realized I really liked a lot of the very sparse stenciled pages. And pages were submitted from international audiences too, not just people from the US. There are also several submissions from men. I was happy that the collection of pages reached different demographics, and I saw many new names alongside those artists I've long admired.
   
   I was reading one page in the book and saw references to local places (Saint Cupcake and Lincoln School) and realized it must be another Portlander. This made me wish that the names alongside the pages included city and state of the artists, as it gave me added energy to know about the local creative forces at play.
   
   I have several pages in the book, and my books were handled kindly and photographed well. My name was spelled right. All that was cool. Dawn also accepted a submission of one of my mother's art journal pages. My mother died last August and would have adored this book. It is really an honor to have her page next to mine, and I look forward to sharing the book with my family.
   
   I don't know Dawn and have only had contact with her in relationship to submitting my pages. But I am honestly impressed by how well done this book is, even outside my limited contribution. It is image heavy, and the pages are rich, honest,deep, serious and fun. There is much range in the styles, but the selection of contributed pages is quite excellent. I think this book will provide inspiration to a wide range of art journalers, and is not a repeat of any past books on the subject. It's a keeper.



5. This is a truly gorgeous and inspirational book featuring the work of well-known art journalists, as well as worthy newcomers and unknowns. I was pleased to discover several fresh faces; so often in recent art journaling books it's been the same six or seven people featured. The artists' work is presented without editorial comment. The layout is not too crowded, and the color reproduction appears to be good. Lots and lots of inspiration here for art journalists who want new ideas and a fresh perspective. The variety of the work is phenomenal and international, in several different languages, and from every corner of the globe. I had to earmark many pages for closer study in my studio. A great reference volume, especially for teachers of art journaling.

5 comments about My Secret: A PostSecret Book (Postsecret).

1. Some of the secrets are funny, some are scary & some of them are very sad but it just shows that everyone has them & to those who share them, no matter what your secret is, you are not alone.



2. I absolutely fell in love with the first Postsecret book and was VERY disappoinred by this second one. Aside from the fact it is half the size of the first one the secrets are not as exciting or juicy. In fact, some of the secrets are not really secrets at all. there is one full page secret that reads something like "If I got paid by the screaming kid while babysitting I'd be a millionaire." These secrets are mainly submitted by teenagers, but it seems as though Frank chose too many stupid, whiny, immature teenage secrets over deep, touching or funny ones. Of course, with any collection of postsecrets there are some good ones. However, if you only get one of the books, do NOT get this one.



3. If you are reading this review and havent bout the book yet , please do! this is an interesting study in human behavior... love sadness ... the entire gammet of human emotion



4. I love these books. They are funny, sad, and amazing. A great read!!!



5. Interesting book, but I'd take it out of the library. Once you've read it, you're pretty much done with it.

5 comments about The Artist's Way Workbook.

1. This workbook is exactly the same as the book, adding space for writing. There is nothing new in it at all. Save your money and buy a journal.



2. You do not need any other book as a companion to this workbook. It stands alone as a great resource. I have read a bunch of self help books on finding your true life's path. After about the third or fourth book they all seem to say the same thing. Get in touch with your good and bad emotions and use those emotions to help steer a course. What I liked about this workbook is it minimizes the theory and talk and gets right to the point of you doing practical exercises to discover what you really want in life. I only completed about 2/3rd of the workbook. I have spoken to other people who have used this workbook with great results. I have purchased a 2nd copy to walk through the exercises again. If you feel lost and at a dead end in your life's pursuit I think this workbook would be a great place to start.



3. I bought this as a supplement to the book because I was leading a class on it. It turns out the workbook is only a big version of places for people to do their exercises each week that are already part of the book. Unless you really want to have a generic journal where you write out the exercises, I recommend sticking with the book and then finding your own journal or place to do the exercises, as usually not all of them appeal to every one each week. But if you're wanting everything to match, then go ahead and buy it. Not necessary or helpful for my group, but I guess it could be for you or yours.



4. Don't pass this one up. Take the challenge and rehash those thought process downers, work them out with this book, and take a fresh path to seeing things differently. Enjoy!



5. For those whose life is so busy that is seems impossible to make it through the full text of the Artist's Way, this workbook is fantastic.

5 comments about Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring Techniques & Materials for Fabric Artists and Quilters.

1. This book has so many different techniques, it's delicious! I have most of the products to start in my own stash and purchased a few more. It's enough to keep me busy without boredom. 5 stars!!



2. I was very pleased with this book. It's creative techniques and clear instructions will be refered to often as I attempt art quilts.



3. If you like a clean house or a hot meal or clean clothes, don't, I repeat, DON'T buy this book. I received this book from Amazon, opened it up and started to read it. I was so innocent then. Then the book grabbed me and off I went on projects. I bought supplies, came home and started making samples. Vacuum? Dust? Oh, those can wait,--there is another project to try! The projects are fun, they are easy and the results are fabulous. If you want to try some fabric painting and dyeing in various forms, for example, this is your book, and that is just a small portion. Grab the book, be prepared to forget everything around you exists, and have fun!



4. This is a great textbook for budding art quilters. There's a new technique every 2 or 3 pages. I'm planning to work through it one technique at a time. It provides enough information to get you started with each technique and gives you some ideas for what to do with your creation. I definitiely recommend it for people intersted in exploring art quilting techniques.



5. This is a wonderful book if you are experienced in multiple methods of working with fabrics and fibers. It gives short, concise, information on techniques, and lets you 'run with it' on your own. I needed to research a method of working with fiber that I had used before, quite some time ago, and had forgotten the exact method for the process. This book quickly brought me up to speed, giving me an excellent reminder of how to start. I was then able to work through what I had done before to achieve my results. It also gave me the basics on a method I had thought about, but never knew how it was done (fabric beads). In a couple of short paragraphs I had the process down and was able to experiment at will.
   
   If you aren't an experienced fabric worker, or like to be given clear, step-by-step instructions on methods and examples of what you can actually do with different methods, may I suggest Art Quilt Workbook, by Waterston?
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Art-Quilt-Workbook-Techniques-Creativity/dp/157120377X/ref=pd_bbs_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213469647&sr=8-6
   
   It is very clearly written, gives good, clear instructions, and examples of projects you can try. It is an excellent choice for a beginner's book.
   
   Good luck, and have FUN!!!

2 comments about 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style (500 Series).

1. I am slowly purchasing every book in this series. I am a working artist and use photos to stimulate creativity for myself and my students. All of these books have been wonderful.



2. WONDERFUL selection of diverse styles of plates and chargers. A wonderful reference. Reproduction terrific and interesting representation of varied techniques. A MUST for all functional and sculptural potter/ceramicists.

3 comments about True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling.

1. I think this is one of the best art journaling books to come along in a long time. Beautifully illustrated with exercises and prompts along the way to inspire you to work in your own journal. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for anyone interested in expanding his or her art journaling wings.



2. Out of the recent crop of journaling books I think this one is probably the best, or at least the one marginally in line with my personal affinities and taste in this type of art.
   
   A good few pages of what I buy journaling books for, i.e. Juliana Coles and Traci Bunkers journal spread pics. My conscience tells me I should perhaps criticize on the grounds that the work of these two and a couple of other artists in this book appear in just about every non-fluffy book on art journaling, but why criticize when it's actually the selling point for me?
   
   There's also some pretty baby-based borderline-scrapbooky type journaling (can there be non-pretty baby pages? probably not) and some other work that's kind of neat. To be fair, art journaling has pretty much been exposed in recent years and one gets used to what's being done, so perhaps innovation or "newness!" isn't the thing to look for anymore. This is a pretty good book of this type, and much less overpoweringly pastel and floral than some of the other newer journaling books are.
   
   Hoping this is to recommend with faint praise rather than damn with it. I needed a journaling fix and this book pulled through. If you prefer the artier, non-pretty stuff (wish there was more of it), this book is there for you, but if you like the pretties, there's some of that, too.



3. This is the best book on art journaling to come out in years. Unlike some of the other recent books on this topic, the work presented is interesting, sophisticated, and artful. The instruction is for serious art journalists who have already done some art journaling and is not "dumbed down." The author presents a broad range of work, much of which is by well-known and popular teachers in this genre, but also includes many worthy newcomers. The layout and graphics are inviting and spacious, and the text is worth reading. Ludwig has a soulful and poetic narrative voice. The feeling tone which she brings to her writing is wonderful; she has the courage to celebrate work that goes beyond "pretty." One of my favorite aspects of the book are the in-depth interviews with some of the featured journalists, especially the ones with Juliana Coles and Traci Bunkers. There are many suggestions in the book which can be used to launch new journal pages, many beautiful quotes, and helpful "art activity" suggestions run vertically along the right hand page edge. My only criticism of the book focuses on the poor editing of the text--major bloopers! Captions are attached to the wrong pictures, paragraphs are repeated, lines are missing in one or two cases. The editor who worked on this book needs a scolding for such carelessness! Inspite of errors in presentation, this book is very inspiring and beautiful. A must for any library of art journaling books. I give it four stars.

2 comments about The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales.

1. This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!



2. I Love Catherine Moore's stamp and art paper collection, I own them all and I am not even a doll person. She has a fresh look and an incredible imagination. The book met up with the cover. All the artists books in there are fantastic! Catherine and Terry Taylor(author) live up to there expertise they are known for.
   This book is a look at many artists and how everyone constructed a childrens fairy tale book. Their lay out, plans,color choice, etc. You get a great glimpse on how they all completed their books.
   As Terry says curl up for a nice bed time story, you get that as well as an an important art book that one must have for technique. I found as a quilter this was really good for me on balance, value and colors. You don't often see that in all the "art books" being made. These people are experts at their craft. They are all wonderful. The stories they chose and fantastic display of simple book making looking difficult.

5 comments about Creating Characters with Personality: For Film, TV, Animation, Video Games, and Graphic Novels.

1. As an aspiring cartoonist with my own cast of characters on my Captain Cockle website I found this book an excellent and yet simple guide to creating characters that leap out of the page. The inclusion of guest cartoonists, many of them very famous in their own fields, is a great idea and adds depth to the book. If you have a limited budget and are confused by the huge variety of "how to" books on cartooning, I would strongly recommend this one as an essential starting point.



2. I am a student studying animation, and I purchased this book for my character design class. I really love this book, it is quite usefull, and my two roommates reference it as well! One is an illustrator, and one is a video game designer. Useful to anyone and everyone...



3. This a great book for the beginning character artist. I often have a hard time drawing cartoon characters but this book always helps me out. Covers everything from personality to color, from exaggerated to semi-realistic. Highly recommend!



4. Nice book , a lot of ideas , examples. Very good choice for beginners. My students loved it.



5. This is a great book to take your drawings to the next step. I've been frustrated that my characters lacked that certain special 'something' to make them pop from regular ol' dry drawings to likable, engaging characters. This book illustrates simple examples of a line here, a curve there, to push it up a notch. I really enjoyed the suggestions, and this book has been very helpful. myspace/kris10cartoons

5 comments about Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series.

1. Even though "Ways of Seeing" is a flawed book in many ways, it is so seminal in the development of post-modern image making that it must be considered essential reading in critical theory.
   
   The book is based on a television series. The book itself is only 176 pages. The print is all in a bold, sans-serif font. The authors are quick to claim that the book was made, not written. The pictures used to demonstrate the points are small and in black and white.
   
   The book is based on the theory that the interpretation of western art evolved out of the power and finance structure of western civilization. Inevitably books that describe the world primarily in economic terms, as an arena of conflict and a battle by the rich for dominance of the poor, are referred to by some as Marxist and I have no doubt this book has been so described.
   
   The book has seven chapters, four of which are written and three of which are reproductions of art works without words. The theme developed is that the way people view art is strongly affected by the power structure of the society.
   
   I must confess that the three chapters that were solely illustrated were difficult for me to engage, both because of the size of the images as well as the difficulty of following the thread which I felt ran through the pictures even though I was not able to decode the message.
   
   The first chapter is based on and explicates the work of the critic Walter Benjamin in his essay, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". Unlike Benjamin, who sometimes seems torn between the loss of the aura of the original and the benefit of mass accessibility, Berger seems to believe that real benefits will derive from the reproduced work of art, if the viewer can sweep away the lenses of the past through which he might view the work.
   
   The third chapter deals with the role of art in the commodification of women and the fifth chapter examines the role of oil painting in the reduction of people's world view to a matter of money. (Burger only excepts the work of a few artists, like Rembrandt, from this view.) The final chapter is based upon the use of images for marketing.
   
   This work is important because, if it did not shape the outlook of post-modern art, it was at least in the vanguard of recognizing the roles of the art that preceded post-modernism, and led to the rejectionist point of view.
   
   Berger is clear in emphasizing that the way we view art is filtered through the prism of culture in the sociological sense, although that certainly was not ground breaking in critical theory, even at the time of first publication. On the other hand, here was art criticism first presented on what was then a new media, television. Even the book format, such as using a bold-faced font throughout the book, appealed to the avant-garde.
   
   Burger would substitute art, not as a tool to help preserve an economic and power system, but rather as a way for the consumer of art to enrich his own life.
   
   I suspect that artists other then post-modernists may not benefit very much in their work from reading "Ways of Seeing". On the other hand, if you have a serious interest in critical theory, even though you may reject Berger's thesis, you must read this book.



2. "Ways of Seeing " has become so universally available, so overused (especially in academia), and so often quoted, that it's refreshing to read the reviews of so many intelligent naysayers here. "Ways of Seeing" is perhaps mistitled in that it really proposes only one way of seeing works of art, which is as artifacts in the history of capitalism. It is propaganda, and like most propaganda, it heavily skews the evidence in favor of it's main argument, which is basically that European art from Raphael to Picasso is just a tool for enslaving women, non-Europeans and the working classes. (Warning: Berger is a real kill-joy. If you read this book and imbibe it's themes, be prepared to never innocently enjoy your favorite old masters again!) However, I would advise anyone with a serious interest in art criticism and theory to get a copy, fill the margins with notes, consult the original sources, and decide for herself/himself how well it stands up. To give just one instance of how sloppy Berger can be, I would invite the reader to consider whether he bothered to learn anything about the art of perspective drawing before indicting it as ideologically tainted, and then trashing it, all in two short paragraphs.



3. Ways of Seeing is about looking at art, if you get right down to it. However, it is about looking at it from a political point of view, or a cultural point of view, or a gender point of view. He takes a few different actual art pieces and writes about each of them, taking this sort of thing into account.



4. This is a hot little book well worth contemplating if you're aspiring to become a serious artist. For the student, novice artist, seasoned practioner or curious artlover, your money will be well spent to have this on your shelf.



5. Dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck,dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck,more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, and more dreck, and more dreck, and more dreck . . . you get the idea?

5 comments about 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work (500 Series).

1. EXCELLENT review of many techniques, styles and approaches to clay tiles. Well presented with very good reproduction. A great addition to any potter or artists library. Expanded technical data would make this edition even better, but I still rate it a "9"...



2. This book is a bounty of styles and artistic ideas for what tiles could and may become, with an open mind and some creative techniques. As a beginning ceramicist, this is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for; as I wanted to break out of the traditional 4x4 square and make something wholly unconventional. I wasn't sure if my ideas would work, but after seeing what others have done I am inspired to make my dreams a reality. Thanks to books like these, I can let my imagination run wild and my only limit will be time and creativity.



3. Among the very best of the Lark Books "500" series. Brilliant color and design, not limited to traditional tiles and encouraging to the artist craftsman.



4. I must agree with the previous reviewers, the work in this volume certainly merits "Inspiring" being in the title.
   
   As the juror states in the book's introduction, so much of the fun of this book is seeing the widely varied approaches the artists have taken with this format: figurative, abstract, painterly, sculptural, small-scale, architectural.
   
   Full disclosure: my work is also included (p 409), and I am honored to have been selected and published next to so many visionary artists.
   
   What a pleasure it has been to explore the works contained here, some by artists I know personally, or by reputation, and still others I am encountering for the first time. Highly recommended!



5. At the risk of being self serving (my work is featured on page 411) I have to say as a clay artist in general and more particularly as a tilemaker this collection is inspiring. The depth of styles and techniques used here is incredible; as someone who has to date been primarily using glazes and underglazes, the examples in this book have immediately sent me back to my local clay supplier in search of new ways to express myself in clay. A must have for anyone who aspires to create art through the medium of tile.