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Masters: Book Arts: Major Works by Leading Artists
This collection in the popular Masters series, chosen and introduced by one of the world's top curators, offers field-defining work from 43 master book artists. The selections demonstrate conceptual, aesthetic, and technical excellence, as well as incredible beauty. Brief comments from the artists about their work, careers, and philosophies accompany the stunning images of their most innovative and technically accomplished book art achievements.
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 24, 2011
[ read a longer review of Masters: Book Arts at my blog liberal sprinkles ]
This is an amazing collection of works by 40 book artists. It covers a wide variety of book forms, binding techniques, embellishment methods and materials used. Looks like anything can be art, and almost anything can be considered a book.
I certainly am not enamored of all the works presented here but I do appreciate the creativity and inventiveness of the artists. Take Margaret Couch Cogswell's "crowning glories" - books in the form of hats/headgear assembled from feather-like panes. Or Adele Outteridge's transparent book structures made of acrylic and other materials. Very unusual, strange but unique. Many of the books are more sculpture and art installation piece. I enjoyed reading the short introductions of the artists featured explaining their process and intent.
A very impressive book that challenges the conventional idea of what makes a book - and how a message can be conveyed.
This is an amazing collection of works by 40 book artists. It covers a wide variety of book forms, binding techniques, embellishment methods and materials used. Looks like anything can be art, and almost anything can be considered a book.
I certainly am not enamored of all the works presented here but I do appreciate the creativity and inventiveness of the artists. Take Margaret Couch Cogswell's "crowning glories" - books in the form of hats/headgear assembled from feather-like panes. Or Adele Outteridge's transparent book structures made of acrylic and other materials. Very unusual, strange but unique. Many of the books are more sculpture and art installation piece. I enjoyed reading the short introductions of the artists featured explaining their process and intent.
A very impressive book that challenges the conventional idea of what makes a book - and how a message can be conveyed.
June 7, 2011
I must admit to being somewhat addicted to Lark's "Masters" series. I love the format, you can’t top the photography and the inspiration gained for a relatively small cost is priceless. Ever since art journaling has taken a larger part of my time I have been smitten with the idea of making journals and books. No. I haven't tried it yet because I am in the process of trying to figure out what addictions (reading, painting, journaling, fountain pens, painting etc etc) to keep and which, if any, I can let others master allowing me to be an enthusiastic, happy consumer of the fruits of their efforts.
"Masters: Book Arts" includes some utterly amazing works of art. Things that I would never begin to think about - let alone consider creating. Do you love books? Journals? Calligraphy? Inspired creativity? Then this is a book that will bring you a lot of pleasure. It's truly a feast for the eyes - beautifully curated, spectacular photography and another hit for the "Masters' series!
"Masters: Book Arts" includes some utterly amazing works of art. Things that I would never begin to think about - let alone consider creating. Do you love books? Journals? Calligraphy? Inspired creativity? Then this is a book that will bring you a lot of pleasure. It's truly a feast for the eyes - beautifully curated, spectacular photography and another hit for the "Masters' series!
October 13, 2011
This fabulously illustrated book shows the extraordinary breadth of what can constitute book arts and infinitely stretches the possibilities of what constitutes a book for anyone less familiar with the genre.
I highly recommend this book to bibliophiles, art lovers and artists, and those who have seen some example of "the book arts" to get a survey of what the field entails, whether it be sculptures involving miniature books, altered books, zigzag books, books with sculpted hollows, alternate bindings, hand press, computer process, mixed media.
Note:
I acquired this book attending a reception for Jody Alexander for an altered book/mixed media/installation which simulated the world of one of her characters, Ruby B. So this book takes on additional significance, in that her section of the book is signed by her, and I have a hand made bookmark in it made from a sewn page of a German book.
I highly recommend this book to bibliophiles, art lovers and artists, and those who have seen some example of "the book arts" to get a survey of what the field entails, whether it be sculptures involving miniature books, altered books, zigzag books, books with sculpted hollows, alternate bindings, hand press, computer process, mixed media.
Note:
I acquired this book attending a reception for Jody Alexander for an altered book/mixed media/installation which simulated the world of one of her characters, Ruby B. So this book takes on additional significance, in that her section of the book is signed by her, and I have a hand made bookmark in it made from a sewn page of a German book.
December 3, 2011
The artist in this book redefine what books can represent. The art displayed is gorgeous that transforming the very nature of the book. The artists use a variety of techniques and incorporated unusual materials and unique bindings. For example, some books become sculptural, others incorporate miniature, hand-bound books into larger art pieces. Its very cool to look through the very different and captivating art pieces and read what inspires the artist.
July 26, 2012
This collection in the popular Masters series, chosen and introduced by one of the world's top curators, offers field-defining work from 43 master book artists. The selections demonstrate conceptual, aesthetic, and technical excellence, as well as incredible beauty. Brief comments from the artists about their work, careers, and philosophies accompany the stunning images of their most innovative and technically accomplished book art achievements.
January 18, 2012
I like the "Masters" series. I've looked at the one on collage, the one on art quilts, and now this one on book arts. The work showcased is often inspiring--sometimes because it's just so good, and sometimes because you look at it and say "well, if they can do that I can certainly match it."
September 20, 2011
beautifully wide scope of book artists, with bios and artist statements. good photography of the pieces as well. like a gallery in my hands.
December 26, 2011
2011 Book 123/100
Loved this collectioin of fabulous book art - and was thrilled to see an Iowa Citian representing!
Loved this collectioin of fabulous book art - and was thrilled to see an Iowa Citian representing!
March 19, 2012
Were it not for all the readily available books for them to dissect, I'm pretty sure most of these people would be serial killers.
May 22, 2012
Awesome collection of art made from books!
August 25, 2016
So much beauty in this book. A glorious collection of book art/ists. Definitely worth owning/perusing if you find this sort of art amazing, inspiring, and soul-filling.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews