Collage, Assemblage, and Altered Art – review
Collage, Assemblage and Altered Art by Diane Maurer-Mathison is a good book for a school, the library of an art organization or club, or a public library.
It’s a thorough book about collage and assemblage, and it demonstrates altered art as well. Though readers may not be able to find the exact items used in this project book, I think the ideas can be adapted to other materials, if your brain works in that direction.
However, if you want a by-the-numbers approach to learning collage, assemblage or altered art, the projects may not always work for you.
In addition, I can’t rave about this book without reservations.
I like the book cover. (Well, mostly.)
I wanted to be really excited about this book. I even read it twice, months apart.
But… it’s not an exciting book. Not for me, anyway.
Sure, there’s something for everyone in its pages, but also something to bore everyone… if they’re at all familiar with this field of art.
For me, the clue was the vintage photo with the clown’s hat (or dunce’s cap) on the cover. That was a cliche about ten years ago. At this point, that imagery can be annoying to old-timers (like me), but it might still charm people who are discovering collage and assemblage for the first time.
I don’t want to sound as if I hate this book. I don’t. I actually like it, but not enough to own it.
It’s the kind of book that teachers will love because it’s a good, general reference. Almost any student can find something inspiring in its pages.
Like most of Maurer-Mathison’s books, this is a top-quality approach to a broad, art-related subject. She touches on every major point that someone will want to know about, if they’re exploring collage, assemblage and altered art.
My problem is, I wanted more extravagance from Collage, Assemblage and Altered Art. I wanted the author — and the art in this book — to go out on a limb, try daring and exciting things, and generally inspire me. I’m not sure if the publisher was being conservative, or what, but — for me — the exuberance was missing.
Compare this book with Altered Curiosities by Jane Ann Wynn; for me, Wynn’s book will win, nine times out of ten.
That said, I don’t think Maurer-Mathison intended it as anything intense or controversial. It’s not quite a textbook, but… it’s a lot like one.
If you’re buying books for a public library or a school, get this book. That’s an easy choice, because your patrons will enjoy this book tremendously. It’ll be taken out of the library often, and recommended to others.
However, if it’s for your own bookshelf, I can’t give it the same endorsement.
Of course, you should take a look at it, but I recommend browsing through it at a local bookstore, instead of buying it sight-unseen at Amazon.
Collage, Assemblage and Altered Art by Diane Maurer-Mathison
Art Model’s Handbook
The Art Model’s Handbook, by Andrew Cahner is one of those books I look at and exclaim, “Why didn’t anyone write a book like this before..?”
If you use artist’s models in your studio, work as an artist’s model, or have ever thought of working as an artist’s model*… you need to own a copy of this book.
Yes, I usually say, “Read this book at your public library first, and see if you want to buy it.” However, this is the kind of book that you’ll refer to so often, you may as well buy a copy and save yourself multiple treks to the library.
This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There’s no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad).
Author Andrew Cahner has left nothing out. He tackles the difficult aspects of nudity in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, he tells you the two things that every model must bring with him (or her), and then lists many items that will make your work easier and create a more professional environment.
Chapter by chapter, Cahner provides useful tips and the kind of information every artist — and artist’s model — needs to think about before, during and after a modeling session.
For example, the author provides some brilliant ways to research poses, so you don’t stand in front of the group, blink, and ask shakily, “Err… what do you want me to do?” (Likewise, if you’re working with models, these resources will avoid wasted time while the artists try to think of poses, and the model responds, “Okay, how about this?”.)
There’s even a list of useful links to find modeling work, online.
If there’s anything missing from this book — from either the model or artist’s standpoint — I can’t see it. And, I’m speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist’s model during her college years.
I rarely give a book five stars, but — for this topic — I can’t think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. When you have a question, the answer will be right there.
And, of course, every working model should own one as well.
I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It’s well-written and easy to read, but — even more importantly — it’s a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics.
*If you’re willing to sit still for 20 minutes at a time — with a roomful of people staring at you — this can be a fine career choice for people who need work or want extra income. Taking off your clothes is optional but will significantly increase your chances of getting work, but it’s not vital. (Portrait and other models are needed, too, but — for economy — classes often swap-out students in those roles.)
Even better, this book will explain the nuances of working in this field so you don’t feel like a total novice.
ABCs of Art
Herman the Jester and the ABC’s of Art, by Rafael Filion, is a tremendously useful book for teaching art theory to very young children.
It’s ideal as the basis of a daily or weekly art lesson. It’s also a great preparation for taking young children to art museums. In fact, it’s one of the best I’ve seen, for that purpose.
Each letter of the alphabet is matched to an art-related word. The word — like the book — is in English, but it’s also provided in Spanish, German, and French. Each letter is also represented with Sign language. This expands the use of the book in any classroom setting.
The illustrations in the book are delightful. They aren’t too intimidating for young children, and will definitely appeal to them. They’re colorful and fun.
The brief definition of each art-related word will give teachers enough to work with, to teach effectively. They’re even more useful if the teacher spends a little time online or with art books, learning more about the subject to explain it in more depth.
I especially like that the book includes several complex art concepts, and it doesn’t “talk down” to children.
This kind of book is ideal for a homeschool group, teaching children at multiple grade levels.
For teaching a class, or reading to more than a very small group of children, larger illustrations will be helpful. The examples in the book are too small to be seen beyond the second row in a classroom setting.
However, many school and public libraries have excellent books to supplement what’s in “…The ABC’s of Art.” (Every book has its limits, and this one addresses that issue well.)
The price of the book reflects the full-color pages, but it may be a little price-y for a teacher or homeschooler who is taking this out of his or her personal budget.
However, this is a very useful book for a department, school library, or public library to purchase. It will be greatly appreciated by teachers.
As a starting point for a daily or weekly art theory lesson, this is a book that teachers have needed for a long time.
Pros
- Every page is in color, and has a lot of visual appeal.
- The terminology doesn’t “talk down” to children.
- Helpful tips make it easy for teachers to share this information without an art background.
Cons
- The price of this large paperback book isn’t competitive with some art books from larger publishers.
- Images of the art being described are small for students to see from a distance.
(Aside from the price, I had to look hard to make a second negative comment.)
If you are buying books for a public or school library, I think this is a must-buy. If you frequent your public or school library, recommend this book as a useful resource for teachers and parents.
Glorious Glues! Art with Adhesives, Paula Guhin
With Glorious Glues! Art with Adhesives, art Teacher Paula Guhin has put together a wonderful little book that showcases the many uses of glue in art making.
All of her projects are rated either easy, moderate or advanced and 
can be used with all ages.
The lessons are well written and easy to follow. Tips to evaluate the artwork are included at the end of each lesson. Both 2-D and 3-D projects are included.
A chapter with simple recipes for assorted pastes, paint and clay is included as well as a glossary of terms. Black and white photo are included throughout the book.
There are some great ideas presented here to encourage creativity and experimentation. She also inspires students to incorporate the elements of art into their work.
Positives:
- The projects are low cost. Anyone can afford them.
- Most projects can be used for all ages. Older students can incorporate some of the techniques into more advanced art projects.
- The projects are fun and creative.
Negatives:
- Many of the projects, as written, are too easy for high school students.
- All of the illustrations are black and white.
Artful Card by Alison Eades
Cards! We all need cards at some time or another, and very often fall into the trap of making one in the same old style, as we either left it too late (again!) to get too experimental – or else we chickened out (again!) and went and bought one.
So, as you can imagine, I was delighted to discover this book! Alison concentrates mainly on cards, and you’ll find this luscious book just that little bit different. Alison has a style all her own: a little bit collage-y, a little bit scrapbook-y.
Her projects range from cards to full-size framed pieces and cards are themed to the recipients – here are just three:
Retail Therapy : ’50s retro, tongue-in-cheek, girly pink and very charming – I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be delighted to receive something like this.
A Lifetime of Chocolate : an adorable hanging card, and would grace any kitchen – or workspace!
Cake : a shadow box (this one is going to grace my kitchen, just as soon as I have made my own version).
Talking of versions: for every project, there is one (often two) alternatives made in the same theme, so you can easily see how to adapt the instructions to incorporate materials, stamps and photos you already have on hand – great for cards on the run!
Materials used are eclectic – anything and everything is grist to her mill, from bottle caps, antique lace, eyelets and chipboard letters, to matchboxes (transformed into little drawers full of keepsakes, complete with pull handles).
The emphasis is on collage, with antique and scrapbook papers and memorabilia, and Alison shows how to age and distress these using a variety of techniques including inkpads and gesso.
Not just collage: Alison also uses rubber stamps to achieve the effect she is looking for. A very charming book altogether, with a very fine judgement of colour and composition.
As you would expect, this is another great publication by North Light Books, so you know there will be full colour photographs throughout, and well planned and stepped-out projects, very clearly explained.
Highly recommended – especially for card makers wanting to stretch their wings, and scrapbookers wanting to escape from their albums!
Learn more about The Artful Card at
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