Push!

Over the years I've collected a very nice library of books on art, needlecraft, wood turning, paper art, and more.  Sometimes I will just sit and look at the books, sometimes I'll come up close and read every title and try to see what I remember from inside each of the books.  Every once in awhile there will be a book that I swear I never saw before, don't remember when I bought it.  I'll look through the book as if looking at a stranger.  Then, on one page, I'll see something that will jolt my memory, like a familiar glimmer in the "stranger"'s eye, and I'll remember. 

One of the books I've awarded myself lately is called "Push Stitchery - 30 Artists Explore the Boundaries of Stitched Art".  It's curated by Jamie Chalmers and is published by Lark.  If you love art/craft books, you know Lark.  Jamie Chalmers, aka, Mr. X Stitch.  Heard of him?  You should!  He is one of the most recognized male embroiders today.  He has a website, established in 2008. Mr. X Stitch, the website, has become the hub of contemporary embroidery.  I highly recommend you pay him a visit, HERE.

The artists showcased in this book create some of the most amazing, creative, expressive work I have seen this side of a needle's eye.  I highly recommend!

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not any old knot.

One fine day, my daughter Shiri brought me a gift. It was a book, a retrospective on the work of Diane Itter. I had never heard of her before but from the first image I was captivated. She used only one technique; knotting using a unique double half-hitch knot. This is what she said: "By limiting myself to one technique and one material I am forced to think of imagery - not any technical tricks or gimmicks." She created miniature masterpieces, celebrations of color and texture as well as form.
She succumbed to cancer at the age of 43. What an inspiration!

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fashionable fabric

I bought a new book titled "Fashioning Fabrics", edited by Sandy Black and published by Black Dog Publishing. It is a compilation of apparel by iconic designers as well as new comers and what they all have in common is their extraordinary use of fabrics. The pieces are not always what you would wear at your daughter's wedding (can you tell there is something on my mind...), but each piece is a work of art. I took a fast look at each page but tonight I will move slowly, page after page and A D M I R E!
This ensemble is by Manish Arora from India. At night, when I dream, this is what I wear...

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You can never have too many books!

There are new inspirational books out on the market everyday. My "to read" pile keeps piling up, and yet the moment I see something new and enticing out there, Amazon, here I come...

My latest favorite is a magnificent compilation of art by Charley Harper brought together by the designer Todd Oldham. Its a huge book, about 18" x 12". It's so big, turning the pages is almost a workout. Each page reveals another masterpiece. I loved the interesting interviews Todd conducted with Charley, (excuse the first name basis). Back in the 50s Charles Harper illustrated for the Ford Times, a small magazine. He illustrated for books, including Betty Crocker cookbooks. He illustrated for many advertising campaigns, and designed posters for parks and nature centers. His most remarkable works, I believe, are his illustrations of animals, birds in particular.

I love geometric shapes. The clean lines of a triangle or circle make things so clear to me. My work in fiber is geometric. It just makes sense to me. Charley Harper is probably the greatest manipulator of geometrics I have ever come across. With a few shapes (oh, and color, of course), he can draw a bird twisting to preen it's feathers, or stooping to pick up a morsel of food. Just a few lines and some wonderful hues and the moment comes to life.

Google Charley. I think you are in for a treat.

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