Lark Books

I have to admit that I like pretty, cheerful art. I also like pushing the boundaries, which isn't always pretty. This book make stitchery (do they call it that anymore??) cool, but not always pretty.

This book arrived on my doorstep from Lark (Hey! Thanks, Lark!) at an interesting time, because I was stitching madly on my Kissy Fish project. Compared to the work in this book, my work is extremely simple.

This book has a lot of intimate imagery. There are images of people in bed together, faces show more stare out at you imploringly from the pages,nakedness, roadkill and the jostling crowds of people that make up the daily life of those of who take public transportation. there are flaming eye sockets (pg.124), plenty of skulls, and sex. One of the artists says "The things that interest me are shock, sex, violence, love, laughter, absurdity, beauty, and contrasts" (pg.116). These pieces are more like paintings than the kind of embroidery to which I am accustomed.

Some of my favorite pieces are the stamps (pg.46-47, the image of the carafe and cup (pg.27), London Calling Paris (pg.104) and Driving (pg.158). The pieces and the imagery are the stars of this book. The text was minimal, both in amount and layout. It was not the star of the show and that allowed me to immerse myself in the images.

Vintage linens are used in various pieces. Pieces are also mixed with non-textile elements including china and metal. All different types of stitching are used as well: machine, hand, variety of threads and stitches, etc.

I think of embroidery and stitchery as crafts where women dominate. There are a large number of men represented in this book.

The photography is really good in this book. I was able to see the detail of the stitching in most of the pieces.

Lark is really putting themselves out there by producing catalogs of different types of crafts. I really appreciate the risk they are taking and suggest that you take a look at this book and support their efforts. show less

A feast for the eyes, this book is filled with page after page of stunning beads, like a bound museum displaying the best of the best bead art. Whether I'm getting ready to make some beads or paint or even write a story, this book is a great place to find creative inspiration. A definite keeper that gets referenced often just for the joy of spectacular colors and composition.

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 show more 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! show less

I am not a jewel driven kind of gal - most of my money goes into art supplies and the comfy clothing that I chose to wear is not conducive to wearing too many jewels. Paint and glue would not be compatible with the unearthly beauty of the gems and jewelry displayed in this beautiful book! That being said - if I could have jewels such as the ones in this book I might take a second look at my clothes and make myself fit to wear these amazing pieces. Ah! To be wealthy enough to be able to show more collect some of this art-to-wear.

As I have mentioned before - I am a big fan of Lark Books publications and their compendiums are generally the best of the best. This is no exception to that rule. The jewelry that is displayed in this book is all pure eye candy and is sure to bring out the lust for personal adornment even to those of us who generally don't have a yen for bling - like me. This book is chock full of the latest and the greatest in modern jeweled adornment.You will find everything from pins, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings to odder things like a contact lens that is filled with gems - alien looking to be sure and I wonder how long it would be comfortable in your eye - but it looks great in the photo! There are small 'Earth Spirit Guides, small sculptures, airy tiaras fit for the highest of debutantes. Mostly though this is a book about personal adornment - haute jewels as it were. With few exceptions I would be over the moon to be able to own any of the glorious examples in this book. The photography - as is always the case with Lark Books is superb. There was nothing to do but give it 5 stars for being a book that I will take great pleasure at looking at over and over again - no, I don't think I can give this one up! Kudos to Lark and to the amazing artists that are featured in this book! show less