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Masters: Collage: Major Works by Leading Artists
Meet the Masters of Collage!
Versatility, innovation, inspiration—that’s what The Masters series offers artists and crafters, and this superb new collection offers a stunning look at contemporary collage work from approximately 40 leading artists. It features a breathtaking mix of techniques from traditional cut-and-paste to digital to collage with paint or encaustic, and styles ranging from wildly playful and colorful to evocative, almost monochrome images.
Each highlighted master takes center stage in an informative eight-page feature that includes nearly a dozen gorgeous, high-quality photos plus a short essay by curator Randel Plowman placing the impressive work and its creator in context.
The innovative featured artists include:
Cecil Touchon - Jonathan Talbot - Lynne Perrella - Lynn Whipple - James Michael Starr and others
Versatility, innovation, inspiration—that’s what The Masters series offers artists and crafters, and this superb new collection offers a stunning look at contemporary collage work from approximately 40 leading artists. It features a breathtaking mix of techniques from traditional cut-and-paste to digital to collage with paint or encaustic, and styles ranging from wildly playful and colorful to evocative, almost monochrome images.
Each highlighted master takes center stage in an informative eight-page feature that includes nearly a dozen gorgeous, high-quality photos plus a short essay by curator Randel Plowman placing the impressive work and its creator in context.
The innovative featured artists include:
Cecil Touchon - Jonathan Talbot - Lynne Perrella - Lynn Whipple - James Michael Starr and others
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 6, 2010
When I was young my step-mother's 'thing' was decoupage. For some odd reason I always equated decoupage with collage and, as such, was never that interested in the process. A turn in my artistic path has led to me to become besotted with art journaling however - and with art journaling has come an interest in collage. Yes! Collage. I never saw it coming. Collage has not been an easy thing for me to do - I tend to over think a page, but it is becoming easier and more enjoyable for me as I do more of it - as with anything in life - it's all easy when we know how - and it's all a bit intimidating when we don't know how!
Lark Books has a fabulous series that I love - the 'Masters' series. I was fortunate to have been able to review their 2008 publication "Masters- Art Quilts" I don't know how they manage to get the quality photography and gorgeous paper in these books and still offer them at such reasonable prices, but I am glad that they do! I tend to 'feel' the paper quality of books - and I am also particular about type fonts. I love everything about the Master series of books! I was therefore, thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review this book, the latest in the 'Masters' series.
"Masters Collage" is veritable treasure trove of work by leading collage artists that was thoughtfully curated by collage artist and teacher Randel Plowman. Of more than 200 entries he distilled his selections down to the work of 40 artists. Randel's introduction is excellent; very informative and well written. The styles of collage that are represented in this book vary from minimalist work to jam packed hi voltage pieces. The represented works include styles that are comic-esqe, fine art, humorous, thoughtful, inspirational - indeed, so many styles are represented that my mind is boggled at how many varieties of art can be included in the term 'collage'. I look at the work in this book and become inspired. That, to me, is the mark of a great book - a book that moves you to create more of your own art! The artists include men and women. A variety and several examples of each artist's work is preceded by a short, well done biography.
As you look through this book you just can't help but think about the process that was used, the content of the image and what you might want to do with a similar subject matter. This is an inspirational and informative book that I think that anyone who enjoys art, collage, or mixed media work will find it to be thoroughly engrossing. Looking at the work presented in this book is like creativity fodder. I highly recommend this book - and indeed I think any book in this "Masters" series will not disappoint. Buy this book - I don't think that you will regret it for a moment!
Lark Books has a fabulous series that I love - the 'Masters' series. I was fortunate to have been able to review their 2008 publication "Masters- Art Quilts" I don't know how they manage to get the quality photography and gorgeous paper in these books and still offer them at such reasonable prices, but I am glad that they do! I tend to 'feel' the paper quality of books - and I am also particular about type fonts. I love everything about the Master series of books! I was therefore, thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review this book, the latest in the 'Masters' series.
"Masters Collage" is veritable treasure trove of work by leading collage artists that was thoughtfully curated by collage artist and teacher Randel Plowman. Of more than 200 entries he distilled his selections down to the work of 40 artists. Randel's introduction is excellent; very informative and well written. The styles of collage that are represented in this book vary from minimalist work to jam packed hi voltage pieces. The represented works include styles that are comic-esqe, fine art, humorous, thoughtful, inspirational - indeed, so many styles are represented that my mind is boggled at how many varieties of art can be included in the term 'collage'. I look at the work in this book and become inspired. That, to me, is the mark of a great book - a book that moves you to create more of your own art! The artists include men and women. A variety and several examples of each artist's work is preceded by a short, well done biography.
As you look through this book you just can't help but think about the process that was used, the content of the image and what you might want to do with a similar subject matter. This is an inspirational and informative book that I think that anyone who enjoys art, collage, or mixed media work will find it to be thoroughly engrossing. Looking at the work presented in this book is like creativity fodder. I highly recommend this book - and indeed I think any book in this "Masters" series will not disappoint. Buy this book - I don't think that you will regret it for a moment!
March 22, 2014
Really well put-together collection of some of the best contemporary collage artists working today. I like how all 40 artists have some background info about their approach, some quotes, and a beautiful spread for their work. Though I'm not a fan of every artist, there is plenty here to keep your eyes happy. What a thrill to discover David Wallace, Matthew Rose, Hope Krall, Portland's Liz Cohn, the crazy map manipulations of Nancy Goodman Lawrence, and the textual magic of Cecil Touchon. And nice curation from collage-a-day dude, Randel Plowman!
November 16, 2022
The book surprised me. I hadn’t expected to like it as much as I did. Nor had I anticipated how different the collages would be from each other. Materials, inspirations, meanings and intentions varied.
A bit about the artist and their work were described in a few paragraphs. Then several pages featured several of their creations with some commentary. Biographies were in the back.
You could spend hours looking at some of these pieces. Others made quicker but still favorable impressions.
I recommend Masters Collage as another fine addition to the series
A bit about the artist and their work were described in a few paragraphs. Then several pages featured several of their creations with some commentary. Biographies were in the back.
You could spend hours looking at some of these pieces. Others made quicker but still favorable impressions.
I recommend Masters Collage as another fine addition to the series
August 23, 2017
This book is a great compilation of contemporary collage artists. I loved the presentation of each artist, their works and the quotes throughout the book about their motivations and consideration about art and the use of material culture. This book is a very good intro to those who love collage and mixed media, and who are looking for a bit of inspiration boost.
December 21, 2017
Incredibly interesting and super inspiring.
I will definitely reread this one.
I love reading the artists statements, stories or insights...
So many wonderful journeys.
The creative process is fascinating and there is much style, depth, imagination and possibilities available within mixed media.
Wonderful resource.
I will definitely reread this one.
I love reading the artists statements, stories or insights...
So many wonderful journeys.
The creative process is fascinating and there is much style, depth, imagination and possibilities available within mixed media.
Wonderful resource.
October 27, 2019
Quick impression: Another volume in Lark Books series of Masters. This one looks at 40 artists who work with and create collages ranging from abstract art to retro art and other concepts. Overall, a nice book to look over. I found that I like some pieces better than others, but as the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
December 11, 2021
As an aspiring collage and mixed media artist I found myself enthralled by the artists in this book. A few I plan to follow and maybe take classes from at some point. Collage and mixed media provide endless opportunity for creative expression.
August 28, 2011
This is an interesting collection of collage works by 40 artists. While no details are provided about their process or inspiration, the book like others in Lark's Masters series, showcases a few of the masterpieces of each chosen artist and includes a quote or two from them. It's a great way to see a curated collection, kind of like going to a museum.
While I appreciated the variety in styles represented, I personally did not like that many of the pieces chosen for the book. I found a lot of them rather dark. Also, I didn't think the textures of the collages showed through in the photography, excellent while it was.
While I appreciated the variety in styles represented, I personally did not like that many of the pieces chosen for the book. I found a lot of them rather dark. Also, I didn't think the textures of the collages showed through in the photography, excellent while it was.
December 31, 2010
Masters: Collage
"curated" by Randel Plowman
Teton County Library call number 709.22 Masters
Suzanne's rating = 4 stars
This survey of collage artists from around the world is an interesting inspirational work. There isn't much text, just a short introduction then a series of "chapters" one on each of the 40 artists. There is the occasional quote from the artists and a consistent list of materials and processes used to make the work. Good place to let your mind wander if you're thinking about making some art especially collage.
"curated" by Randel Plowman
Teton County Library call number 709.22 Masters
Suzanne's rating = 4 stars
This survey of collage artists from around the world is an interesting inspirational work. There isn't much text, just a short introduction then a series of "chapters" one on each of the 40 artists. There is the occasional quote from the artists and a consistent list of materials and processes used to make the work. Good place to let your mind wander if you're thinking about making some art especially collage.
January 30, 2011
An exquisitely curated collection of collages, I was delighted and inspired, and furthermore, surprised that there were but a scarce few I didn't fancy from this range of artists and styles. This isn't a how-to book, and is there even a need for one? No set of instructions can instill in you artistry, there are no stone carved rules, no true right or wrong. If you're a novice at crafting collages, as am I, the best medicine is to be inspired and gather up some scissors, paper, scraps and so forth, and start arranging to your appeal and taste.
October 11, 2010
This book was okay.
If you're looking for a coffee table book with images by collage artists, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a book with collage tips and advice from collage artists, this is not the book for you.
If you're looking for a coffee table book with images by collage artists, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a book with collage tips and advice from collage artists, this is not the book for you.
May 31, 2015
I've been into collage for a long time but took a greater interest with the album covers created by Robert Pollard for Guided By Voices, his solo albums and various other projects. This book was a revelation. Beautiful and intriguing works of art on every page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2011
This is excellent. A terrific selection of collage artists. it'll be a reference book. Really inspiring.
March 11, 2012
This was fucking awesome. So pretty. So interesting. Lots of different, startling styles. Mail art inspiration goal complete. Yay, free art from trash!
March 4, 2013
loved all the collages and artists statements.....very good eye candy....
July 6, 2013
Inspired several of my own art works.
August 15, 2014
So many cool pieces!
May 28, 2015
I've been savoring this book for months. There's so much inspiration here!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews