Join 14 very special artists on a Creative Pilgrimage as they share exciting projects that they teach through the various art retreat venues from across the nation. As they teach their special projects, we experience what it's like to learn from this celebrated cohort of talented artists. Hear their unique perspectives about the importance of teaching-a process where through sharing knowledge, they also gain knowledge and develop community. Featured artists -Alisa Burke -Julie Haymaker Thompson -Lisa Kaus -Mary Beth Shaw -Maya Donenfeld -Roxanne Padgett -Sarah Ahearn Bellemare -Stephanie Jones Rubiano -Tracie Lyn Huskamp -Heather Smith Jones -Carla Sonheim -Mati Rose McDonough -Alma Stoller -Flora Bowley Peppered throughout the book are snapshots that give us a glimpse of some of the most amazing art retreats from across the nation. They -Squam Art Workshops -The Makerie -Artfest -An Artful Journey -Artistic Bliss -Valley Ridge Art Studio -Art & Soul -Silver Bella You'll get a special behind-the-scenes look at these special gatherings from the unique points of view of the coordinators, students, and instructors alike. Take a leap of faith into your quest to learn, teach, grow, and create with Creative Pilgrimage!
The book is very nicely presented with lovely photos but is somewhat disappointing content-wise. It contains three elements: information about some art retreats, profiles of 14 selected artists and one project each from these artists.
The pages about the art gatherings read like PR brochures - a short summary about the activities and workshop and a few quotes from the founders. The information is scanty and I couldn't really tell the difference between the various creative gatherings or what made them unique other than the locations and set-ups.
The introductions to the artists and their teaching philosophies and styles are likewise basic. I was already familiar with most of them so I didn't learn much. Most of the artists featured are mixed-media artists and the projects they share are limited to mixed-media paintings, with a few tutorials on creating ornaments and decorative objects. It would have been more of a balanced book if the artists chosen included those with known skills in sewing, jewelry-making, surface design and textile arts - representing a wider range of arts and crafts that are practised and for which workshops are offered at the retreats mentioned.
Most of the tutorials are guides to making similar projects, not detailed how-to's. To get the most out of the projects, you'd have to already be familiar with most of the techniques used. One of the steps in the project on making a mixed-media fabric journal actually tells the reader to Google video tutorials on quilt binding!
Overall, the book felt like a glossy magazine to me - very digestible but superficial. I enjoyed reading it but didn't learn much and won't need to touch it again.
I really enjoyed this book. It includes projects from various artists around the country, some of my favorites artists that I knew about before (Maya Donenfield, and Mati Rose). Also introduced me to other creative souls who I can't wait to check them out more. I am excited to try out the image transfer project that Sarah Ahearn Bellemare included in her project!
This book has lovely photos, but seems more like a piece of sales material. There are some interviews with mixed media artists, and some projects, but as a whole, it was like I was reading a sales pitch. 2 stars.