5 comments about Collage for the Soul: Expressing Hopes and Dreams Through Art.

1. This isn't your average Artsy Coffee Table book! At first and second glance this book was on the verge of being traded until I actually read the words! After reading the first artist's opening page, I found myself intrigued and excited to see "what's next". The author not only formatted the book in a way that helped build upon existing skills but also increasing new found skills. The contributing artists personal commentary was fun to read and the techniques they shared invaluable. Excellent book not only for the artist teaching value but also for the search for inner "soul" searching.



2. This is a terrific book for anyone interested in collage as an art as opposed to a craft. There is a wide range of work displayed, covering a number of different styles. Interspersed with the projects in the book are several discussions of such techniques and processes as using encaustics, finding symbols, using different means of transforming papers, transferring images, using collage as a medium for your memoirs, etc. There are also useful and inspiring sidebars throughout that help the artist come up with ideas and techniques they may never have thought of before.
   
   AN earlier reviewer objects to the fact that the directions for the projects are not extremely precise. I consider that one of the great strengths of the book--I am not interested in recreating the exact piece of art displayed, I want to learn new methods to interpret my own ideas. There are some books and magazines out there that tell you exactly what brand name products to use in exactly which colors. Those books are intended for a different audience. This book is meant for those who are not afraid to experiment and learn. It encourages the reader to try new processes and new approaches, rather than handing out exact formulas.
   
   Here are just some of the techniques covered in various projects: assemblage, encaustic, monotype, oil pastels, tissue-paper lamination, using foraged natural materials, making a collaged art doll, paper-pulp casting, transferring photos to different surfaces, sanding back to reveal underlayers... There is a tremendous amount to be learned from this book. It is not quite as showy as True Colors, but it serves a different purpose. True Colors, as delightful as it is, is primarily eye candy, and is limited to altered books. Collage For The SOul covers a much wider spectrum of collage work, and provides much more information on techniques for the artist.
   
   I recommend this book and Gerald Brommer's collage book as THE two to own, if you can only have two. I can hardly wait for the next collage book by the same team, which is due out soon.



3. If you are buying every book on this subject, this could be among them. However, if making a choice, this should not be a priority. The projects are not inspiring, a challenge considering the fine artists composing them. They show some interesting techniques, but who wants to use them considering what we're offered as goals? I would recommend "True Colors", by Harrison," Altered Books Workshop", by Brazelton, and "Making Memory Books and Journals by Hand", (a marvelous compilation of 42 projects put together by Thunder Bay Press) as being FAR more worthwhile.



4. I was thoroughly disappointed in this book. Based on reviewer comments I hastened to buy it, and then found it uninspiring. It presented nothing new, not an iota of soul and seemed like a simple compendium of collage work with some scattered instructions that may not be sufficiently clear.



5. If you are a collage artist, you will want to purchase this book. It is not a "how to" book but a wonderful resource of images and artists you might not find anywhere else. Many different styles of collage are represented and I find something new and inspiring everytime I look at it! There are many women creating in the collage world today and not enough resources to find them...get this book and see new images and artists! The collages are shown in beautiful, full page reproductions so that you can study the details. Highly recommend!

No comments about Glazes and Glazing: Finishing Techniques.

4 comments about Barcelona Tile Designs (Agile Rabbit Editions).

1. I'm disappointed that there weren't any actual photographs of tile and how they were used (only one photo). This book consists of only drawings in funky colors. Of course you can use your own colors if you want to reproduce the pictures, but this book is not eye candy. It comes with a CD for ease of replication.



2. really like the CD that comes with the book and allows you to print each to in whatever size you need. I also like the way the book shows different designs you can create with the tiles.



3. This series of books from Agile Rabbit Editions has a lot to offer to graphic designers and also to those who appreciate patterns used in different cultures all over the world. Personally, I would prefer it if the motifs were accompanied by short text explaining a few things about the cultural context.



4. Designers, be they in graphics, fabrics, household products, or hobbiests can find wonderful ideas in this book. It is an excellent resource for designs with an Iberian influence from the late 1800's forward and includes a brief history of the tile making process. As a quilter who likes to deviate and/or expand upon traditional quilt blocks, I find such resources very helpful in using existing fabric prints as a jumping off point for borders, blocks, or over-all patterns. This is just one of several Agile Rabbit Editions I highly recommend. Baroque: Patterns (Agile Rabbit Editions)Floral Patterns (Agile Rabbit Editions S.)Renaissance (Agile Rabbit Editions) and many more.

2 comments about Art of Claudio Aboy Vol 1.

1. First off, the cover of this book is probably the best piece of art in the book IMO, for the simple reason that it's the only piece besides the back cover that is in color. The rest of the book is black and white, even when it looks as if some of the art inside could have been painted in color. Some of the pieces featured in this book are little more than photo mish-mashes to make a scene, and some of those didn't really turn out well. If you really need an art fix, pick this up, but I think there are far better art books out there.



2. SQP continues to bring the latest stars in fantasy and erotic art to fans all over the world, the latest being the subject of their newest release, Claudio Aboy. This is the very first collection of Aboy's erotic art. Born in Argentina, Aboy got his start as a cartoonist but his eye for detail and beautiful women soon drove him into the field of fantasy art. Today, he works primarily as a freelance artist for publishers all over the world.
   
   This book presents a diverse collection of his women, from futuristic, gun-toting butt-kickers to prehistoric warrior queens, with lingerie and bondage illustrations stirred in for good measure. In "Midnight Snack" we wee a buxom blonde in a torn, full body fishnet suit, chained to a wooden pole while a goblin-like creature delights in her helplessness...not to mention the wonderful view!
   
   "Shoulder Mounted Mayhem" presents a topless hottie in camouflage thong and baseball cap with a rocket launcher resting on her shoulder and ready to do some series damage. "Bound to Please" is one of several bondage-themed illustrations in the book. This one features a woman in thigh-high leather boots and corset, bound tightly with cords and chains. "Invitation" is a fantastically photo-realistic rendering of Pam Anderson who is shown in lace bra and panties with one breast exposed.
   
   Aboy also has several illustrations of everyone's favorite female blood-sucker Vampirella in the book. One called "Throne of Blood" finds the dark-haired vamp resting on a throne carved with demon heads. Another titled "Exposed" features a topless Vampirella dressed only in her trademark bat thong.
   
   SQP has once again found a new star for fans of erotic fantasy and pin-up art to savor. This is a marvelous first collection from Aboy!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

2 comments about Alazar's Book of Bondage Vol 3.

1. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Vargas' drawings that were showcased in Playboy, Alazar brings an entertaining and intriguing presentation of the beauty of the female form in bondage. The artwork is plausible and conveys a sense of intimate knowledge that can be derived only by first-hand experience. The restraint techniques are sound and fire the imagination. The mood of the models, whether actually posed or imagined, is palpable, like a painting that one gets lost in the longer one stares at it. Truly a pleasure to behold and appreciate, Alazar's work is arousingly delightful.



2. Alazar's Book of Bondage is back with its third volume of decadence as buxom, bountiful women are bound for the viewers pleasure in this modern twist on old-style pin-up artistry. Each volume seems to get better and better and the women more gorgeous and, not coincidently, more helpless in the hands of this masterful artist. The amusing and outrageous captions for each piece serve to make them even more tantalizing.
   
   There's Audrey who thought the pizza was 30 minutes or free, only to find herself served up to the delivery man. There's Daphne who helps out the local scout troop as the troop leaders find another use for their ropes. Jen finds herself bent over and tied at the knees...seems that Jack is in one of his moods. Roxy doesn't allow kissing on the first date...other than that, anything goes, including being bound and submissive! His parents think 21 year old Tommy is too old for a babysitter...you can't blame Tommy when you set your eyes on his "sitter".
   
   Yes the book is sinful but it's also quite playful as well. Alazar and the women are having a good time and it really shows in the work. These women are curvaceous, sexy, but also pretty darn willing as well. It's another visual treat in this always fantastic series. SQP does it again!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

1 comments about The Art of Clint Langley.

1. This book contains beautiful color reproductions of some of the best, most amazing art by Clint Langley. Combining illustrations from both the Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 game universes, these starkly "realistic" paintings have appeared on book covers and on combat card game (CCG) cards. Including commentary on select pieces of art by some of the authors with whom whose work the paintings are associated, this book will immerse you in the fantastically dark and dangerous worlds of Warhammer while providing some insight into Mr. Langley's creative process. At the current discount here on Amazon of approximately 33% off the list price, this book is a must for all afficianados of great Warhammer related art. There really are some amazing pieces in here, including Harlequin, Chaos Child, the original cover of Storm of Iron, and much, much more. I recommend it!

5 comments about Layers: Inspired Collage for Paper Projects with Meaning.

1. Had I been able to browse this book, I definitely would not have purchased it. The title is very misleading. For those that are interested in learning collage techniques, don't waste your money on this book. Instead purchase Collage Discovery Workshop by Claudine Hellmuth and Artist Trading Card Workshop by Berlin. Both books are loaded with very cool techniques and awesome photography. I've bought and used both of them and would rate both 5 stars.



2. "Layers" is beautifully written and illustrated. Shari put her heart and soul into this wonderful book of crafts. I hope she will write more!



3. Shari's book is simply amazing! She uses so many different elements to create wonderful pieces of art! I love how she has put so much of herself into this book. It's like I know her!
   
   Many of the items in her book, I have in my craft room. ANd I just love how she uses found objects in her project to create that collagy look to them. Makes me want to go out now to find items to use on my own projects! Although, I bet I can find the found objects in our garage right now!
   
   Thank you for creating such a wonderful book!



4. Shari Carroll's book is a unique approach to collaging her life experiences. Rather than putting them all on pages in a scrapbook, she has chosen many creative objects to present them. There are so many, but some of them are chipboard made into a chalkboard, old electrical outlets to make accordian picture frames, matchstick boxes to make a collapsing case(template included), wire screen to make a booklet, a darling door hanging made out of chipboard circles, and brown paper bags to make a booklet. Of course, all of these are collaged with bought and found items.
   As a crafter, I have the majority of the materials needed: papers, glues, brads, eyelets, stickers, all the tools except the Japanese screw punch(but I do have an awl), buttons, etc. Most people should have access to the found objects needed, such as brown paper bags, matchstick boxes, old electrical outlets, wire, old books, washers, old door knobs, etc. I do not have a wine case, but I do have some old wooden cannisters which would work for that project. With some creativity, many of these projects could be adapted to meet the artist's needs. I would have to buy the chalkboard spray but seldom do I start any new project without having to buy something.
   As far as collaging with meaning, everything in this book that is collaged has deep meaning for the author. I love how she shares this meaning with the reader. Furthermore, many of the objects made can also be given as gifts to family and friends to honor them for being a part of her life. Kudos to Shari Carroll for a book well done.



5. I think this is a fantastic book for the beginning to above average crafter/artist. Of course if you are professional or very seasoned artist you probably already know the things in this book, so why would you be buying it? You'd be writing your own. For those of us budding artists that like or need inspiration and new ideas, this is the book to get!

2 comments about Pottery Analysis: A Sourcebook.

1. A complete book on pottery technology. Very useful both for beginners and expert. It gives a useful and deep description on minseralogical, stilistic and archaeometric aspects of pottery and pottery making.



2. For me there are two kinds of classics. The first are the books that were printed more than 70 years ago, and are still a reference in the subject you use it. The second are the new books, less than 25 years of being edited, that are so good and so well written that any one who wants to investigate in a subject have to read them. Rice's book is the second kind. A book very well documented, written and thought. With out any doubt, if you want to deal with ceramic analyses in archaeology you have to read it.

3 comments about Heath Ceramics: The Complexity of Simplicity.

1. Definitely not a "coffee table" dust collector but a book that I have spent many pleasant hours enjoying. It gives the reader an appreciation of how the multi-faceted potter Edith Heath brought classic design into the home through her ceramics. This book is a wonderful addition to my library and it makes gift giving easy.



2. The book for anyone with a passion for Edith Heath's designs as well as people interested in ceramics from the 40s until today. What the book lacks is a catalog of Heath's ceramic designs. But this shortcoming is not a big deal. What this wonderfully designed and produced book boasts is the vision of a singular woman who will forever be a part of the design landscape. The book is an absolute steal at the amazon.com price. Dense editorials, fantastic photography. A beautiful tribute.



3. Finally, a respectable book on Edith Heath! Klausner's work really stands out in the small but discerning crowd of Heathophiles. The more I tuck into this extraordinary book the more I become fascinated by the miraculous and timeless techniques of the House of Heath. I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in ceramics.

No comments about Sticky Sublime.