A pile of Creative Books!
A pile of new fresh books about different methods of artistic expression on my desk today. I’ve ordered this pile via amazon.com that ships from USA, because there is nothing like this in the Swedish book shops (though you can find some of the titles from Swedish online shops). Each time I order new books I carefully go through my wish list and weight pros and cones of each book. What kind of inspiration do I want right now?
This time it is mostly books on the art of collage, the art form that I am more and more claiming as my primary love. But also books on variations of fiber art, something that I am just starting to explore (especially embroidery) and want to learn more about. I am extremely interested in everything that goes into blank books, and right now especially how to keep a sketchbook for embroidery ideas! So I can’t wait to start reading Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists by Kay Greenlees. Also The Found Object in Textile Art by Cas Holmes… what a fun title!
I will share my thoughts on all of these books (and probably write long book reviews) once I finish reading them, but for now just a quick look at the yummy pile…
My pile of creative books
In my lovely pile of new books you can find the famous and often talked about and recommended The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield. It’s a lot about fear and I need to break through mine. I found this Steven Pressfield interview interesting.
The very cute Japanese book Cut It, Paste It, Sew It is subtitled a Mixed-Media Collage Sourcebook, and it’s edited by Chisa Itou. Lots of images and short introductions to a few different artists and their style.
Patchwork Folk Art: Using Appliqu & Quilting Techniques is a how-to-book by Janet Bolton, a quilting artist that I’ve mentioned on my blog before. I like her vintage-worn aesthetics.
I have followed Susan Tuttle’s blog for many years, and I was thrilled when she announced her first book. Now, finally I own it and am ready to learn from hit. It is called Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements, and I think it will be perfect autumn evening reading.
Bloggers that becomes Authors of Creative Books
Publishers believe that if you already have a blog with followers who appreciate your work your book will be more likely to become a hit. I don’t know if this is true but I am a prime example of buying books by authors I already know from the internet. Because I am a fan of their blog/art I’ve bought Traci Bunkers new book The Art Journal Workshop: Break Through, Explore, and Make it Your Own, and Sarah Ahearn Bellemare’s first book Painted Pages: Fueling Creativity with Sketchbooks and Mixed Media plus Jane Davis older book (mostly because of her awesome tutorials on collage) Collage Journeys: A Practical Guide to Creating Personal Artwork! I already know I will love their style so it was easy choosing these books over other unknown to me author’s books.
What’s in your pile of books right now?
I did mention Danish Elsebeth Gynther and Christine Clemmensen and their pretty book when it first came out, and now I’ve finally bought Scraps (also about collages). I do still follow Christine’s blog and also won a giveaway of her pretty postcards, also something that makes me feel connected to this book in some way.
This is my pile of books, waiting for me and calling my name. But right now I’m going for a after-work beer with the boys.
What book is calling you right now? I’d love to get your recommendations too. Which of these titles do you find most interesting and want to know more about once I start reviewing them? Next on my review list though is Quinn McDonald’s book Raw Art Journaling – and a giveaway of that book.
** Previous creative book reviews – by yours truly
Stay tuned my friends!
Fantastic !
Is the “digital expression” book for Photoshop or Element ?
Nolween, new books rock! Digital expression is for Photoshop Elements but Elements is a lighter version of “real” Photoshop so I’m sure if you have the suit you could do everything that can be done in Elements. :-) I haven’t started reading it yet, but I want to explore digital collage a bit this autumn/winter.
Hanna … if you are interested, Quin is leading a workshop at ART yahoo groups on her book RAW Art Journaling. We have JUST started … here is the link if you are interested …
you have to become a member (I don’t think that would be a problem, lol) … Diana Trout led a workshop recently on her book Journal Spilling.
I am to lead a workshop on the Art Journal Workshop at some point (not sure when…)
Come see us!
Melanie
Melanie, thanks for the invitation. I’ve joined now and hope I can get some inspiration to do something in my art journal that I haven’t touched for 2 months now! Thanks!
I had to laugh as I read your post because 1) I just ordered from amazon and totally did the pro/con for each book 2) I have several of those books and love them and 3) I just took The war of Art off my bookcase and it is sitting next to me to read.
I can’t wait to hear your reviews.
Samantha, haha, yes the pro/con thing is mandatory but exhausting because I want too many titles for my budget, always. But the books I settle for are often a positive and inspiring experience. Will read the war of art too soon, I started reading it on the train and must continue soon. Thanks for your comment!
The best thing about books is that you use your imaginations and not someone else’s.
50 people can read the same book and come up with 50 different scenarios.
You just have to love books and the amazingly talented writers.
I just ordered 4 of those from Amazon and I cannot WAIT until they get here!
Gina, which ones did you pick? Just curious!
Last week, I placed an order with amazon, as well. I pondered The War of Art for a long time, and finally bought The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the 5 Skills of Disruptive Innovators. It was a struggle, and I’m glad you bought the other one. Maybe we can review them on our sites. Oh, and thanks for the mention, Melanie!
I hope you enjoy!
The Art Journal Workshop (I bought stamps from Traci last month, so I had to have hers) ; Painted Pages; Collage Journeys and Scraps. Amazon has been my best friend lately, stacking up for the impending Swedish winter, lol! I bought The Steampunk Bible and Steampunkery last month and am enjoying them, too.
Janet Bolton! I was lucky enough to attend a workshop she did in Bath a while ago – she’s a lovely lady and her art work is gorgeous. I snapped up her book immediately – I hope you enjoy it and have a lot of fun with your sewing.
That stack of new books looks VERY inviting! I bought Scraps not long ago, and found the pictures just so delicious. I’ve definitely found lots of inspiration in those images. I look forward to your reviews. I have a couple of the books, and have been interested in Ahearn’s book since before it came out. Cut It, Paste It, Sew It sounds VERY fun, too!
I have the same Digital Expressions book right beside me. I am also taking a Web Design class this semester in college so I will be really focused on Photoshop and digital art for the next few months.
Nice pile! I see cups of tea in your future. Love Cas Holmes and have Cut It, Paste It on my wish list so am looking forward to your review. Another really great book along the lines of Cas Holmes is Drawn to Stitch.
I’m a ‘bulk writer’ and an art journaler who binds her own books… I bought ‘Cover to Cover’ (by Shereen LaPlantz) last month and I am in love with it! For art journaling I guess I would go for ‘raw art journaling’… I’m not much of a textile type and I find collaging fun but not personal enough (for me) Have fun with all the books!!!
Thanks for siting my book, Collage Journeys. I really liked The War of Art. Even though it’s a bit self-helpy, the message is powerful, and it hit home.
Thank you iHanna! I so appreciate your compliment on my blog! :) It looks like you’re in for a GReat time of reading and experimenting! I SO miss being able to buy books. I live in Colombia where the mail system is very third world. But…I’ll be ordering books sent to my son’s house for when I visit the States in November and really appreciate your reviews and input! Hope you enjoyed that beer!
I am so looking forward to your reviews. Maybe you’ll persuade me to buy some of the books on my Wish List.
The two books at the bottom are also in my collection…. :-) Scraps has also been on my wishlist for a while, but I can’t decide whether I need a new book on collage…
Most books are so much the same, it is only the style of the author that seems to differ, not the techniques that they explain.
So I am looking forward to your reviews and opinions, especially if you look at the books with the perspective from a ‘seasoned’ artist!
loved being included in the pile of books. i have mine too…am awaiting delivery of Elisabeth Blackcadders ‘Flowers,