WordPress changes have affected this website.  The site has been around for a long time, and it relied on some software that’s now outdated.

So, in the near future, I’ll be changing Art Books Reviews.  Until then, some of the links may not work, or there may be some odd code in some of [...]]]> Hi,

WordPress changes have affected this website.  The site has been around for a long time, and it relied on some software that’s now outdated.

So, in the near future, I’ll be changing Art Books Reviews.  Until then, some of the links may not work, or there may be some odd code in some of the reviews.  Ignore it.  It’s not anything weird, it’s just not working now.

As I upgrade the site, it’s going to be much better. In this case, progress is a good thing!

Thanks for your understanding, and I wish you a brilliantly creative day!

Cheerfully,

Aisling

Sometimes I buy a book because it’s simply delightful.  The art is very original, made with refreshing and simple materials, and the book just makes me [...]]]> Happy Voodoo Gris Gris: Over 45 Easy-To-Make Lucky Charms & Talismans, by Mademoiselle de la Brindille / Valerie Lefebvre; text by Anne-Claire Leveque.

Sometimes I buy a book because it’s simply delightful.  The art is very original, made with refreshing and simple materials, and the book just makes me smile.

This is one of those books.

Sure, some of this artwork has a Voodoo connection. The author talks about magic numbers and pious images used in art.  If that bothers you, don’t read this book.

However, if you’d love to include more art in your everyday world and whimsy delights you… this book is a must-own.

It’s also ideal if you’re working on a sacred area in  your home, or creating a personal shrine.

For me, this book is wonderful!

• I fell in love with the loops of wire and charms and flowers that comprise the very informal “Unusual center light” on pages 26 and 27.
• My cat (like the author’s) would be fascinated by the “Wishing tree” on pages 38 and 39.
• The “Garland of happiness” on page 40 is something I want over my desk… it’s a truly glorious idea!

Every project (there are 45 in this book) includes a list of supplies and step-by-step directions.  They’re not terribly detailed.

For example, “…top-stitch with the machine using turquoise thread” assumes that you have a sewing machine and know how to use it.

However, the informality of this book makes it clear that you can do the same thing with a needle and thread, and no sewing machine.

In fact, you can (and should!) improvise to create your own versions of these projects. This book is the inspiration; you make each project unique.

45 projects including shrines, household decorations, jewelry, fabric art and wearables, and painting projects.

Pros

• Lots of colorful, whimsical photos to inspire you.
• An informal writing style makes this very accessible to beginners through advanced artists (and non-artists).
• On at least every second page, I see something to gasp at and think, “Ooh, I could do something like that…”

Cons

• If Voodoo and alternative spirituality bother or offend you, there are other great books to inspire you.  Skip this one.
• Students who want every step spelled out with basic directions and lots of photos… well, this isn’t your kind of book.  It’s for free spirits whose lives are very spontaneous and unstructured.

Summary

Every time I pick up this book, I read just a page or two before I have an idea for a very cool project.  So, I’ve never actually read this entire book, even though I’ve owned it for over a year.

If words like voodoo, talismans, and magic make you shudder, avoid this book.

However, if ethnic, improvised art inspires you, this is a book you’ll display so you look at it often.  It might be on my top 10 list of favorite mixed-media arts/crafts books.

[rating: 4.5]

Available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

See larger image Happy Voodoo Gris Gris: Over 45 Easy-To-Make Lucky Charms & Talismans (Paperback) By (author) Valerie Lefebvre List Price: $16.99 USD New From: $0.09 In Stock Used from: $0.01 In Stock

If you’re like me, you’ve seen books that claim to be “a workshop in a book,” and then… well, they don’t quite [...]]]> Altered Curiosities: Assemblage Techniques and Projects, by Jane Ann Wynn is one of those rare books that delivers more than it promises.

If you’re like me, you’ve seen books that claim to be “a workshop in a book,” and then… well, they don’t quite live up to their promises.

Altered Curiosities really is like a workshop in a book.  Ms. Wynn shows exactly how to work with things like metal, solder, patinas, and etching solutions.  The photos take you step-by-step through the process.  You barely need to read the text to understand precisely how to achieve the same effects she does.

The author also holds nothing back.  She shares brand names and clever tips that spare you a lot of trial-and-error.  (Personally, I hate the error part, and any author or teacher who gets me past that… well, she’s on my list of heroes.)

If you’ve looked at assemblages that include lots of metal, and thought to yourself, “One of these days, I have got to learn about working with metal,” your wait is over.

Or, if you’ve taken a jewelry (or metals) class and you’ve gone home with the artistic equivalent of writer’s block, this book features some great step-by-step projects that you can adapt to found materials you have on hand.

If, like me, you practically worship artists like Keith LoBue, Jane Ann Wynn, and Michael de Meng (and many others in that visual genre), Altered Curiosities will show you techniques that can take your own art into that lofty realm.

This is a truly great book, and one that every mixed media and assemblage artist will appreciate, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist.  Altered Curiosities gives you a chance to look over Jane Ann Wynn’s shoulder and learn from one of the best!

If you’ve read this far, go get the book.  I mean it.  You may be creeped out by some of her projects (I was), but oh my goodness, this is a book to own. It’s like assemblage and found art inspiration, on steroids.

[rating: 4.5]

Buy Altered Curiosities at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

See larger image Altered Curiosities: Assemblage Techniques and Projects (Paperback) By (author) Jane Ann Wynn List Price: $22.99 USD New From: $13.40 In Stock Used from: $12.95 In Stock

It’s also an insightful book for fans of Mr. de Meng’s work, or those who want to understand how artists think and work.

What it is not: [...]]]> Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art, by Michael de Meng, is a visual delight for mixed-media and found object artists.

It’s also an insightful book for fans of Mr. de Meng’s work, or those who want to understand how artists think and work.

What it is not: A step-by-step guide to working with specific tools and materials to create art from found objects.  (If you want step-by-step directions, I recommend ‘Altered Curiosities’ by Jane Ann Wynn.)

Instead, Mr. de Meng takes us on a flying carpet journey into his studio and his creative visions.  It’s breathtaking.

For example, the artist explains, “Morpheus is cool.  Of all the Greek gods, he is my favorite and, actually, one of the most obscure.  I love to envision him flying from dream to dream and transforming his physical appearance…”

Regarding his technique, at one point Mr. de Meng says, “As long as it is still in my studio, nothing is sacred.”  A lot of artists will agree with that… and perhaps even more should, to get past their own creative blocks.

Experienced artists will be able to glean a lot of technique tips from the lavish illustrations throughout this book.

However, this book is about Mr. de Meng’s art and his creative process.  It speaks to other artists about the passion behind his work, and guides art collectors to understand the depth of meaning in each of Mr. de Meng’s pieces.

Pros

• Well-designed book, loaded with visual inspiration.
• Reading the book immerses us in a richly creative world.
• Opens new doors to found art explorations.

Cons

• If you’re buying this book for step-by-step technique, you’ll be disappointed.
• Photos focus on process, and provide many insights, but I’d like to see additional angles of the finished work.

Summary

If you’re a fan of  Keith LoBue or Jane Ann Wynn, this book is a fine addition to your library.  It’s like an individual artist’s journal about the creative visions and creative process behind his work.  Though it’s not a how-to book for beginners, this book is like sitting next to Mr. de Meng and being inspired by how he thinks and works, and why he chooses the materials and techniques that he does.

[rating 3.5]

Available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

See larger image Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art (Paperback) By (author) Michael de Meng List Price: $24.99 USD New From: $24.99 In Stock Used from: $23.85 In Stock