Annemieke Mein

I've coveted this book for many years but it's always been a bit expensive on a cost benefit basis. But at a charity bookstall, it was a steal and it's a wonderful book. It depicts the textile sculpture and embroidery-artistry of Annemike Mein and her work is truly stunning. I guess i have a multiple interest in her work. I dabbled in sculpture for a while and her work is often very sculptural and in three dimensions. Also, I'm interested in the invertebrates such as insects and butterflies show more that she often chooses for subjects. And I've also dabbled in botanical painting and spent ages drawing a banksia infructescence (cone) ...which she also depicts. And, finally, I note that we are both the same age. But apart from interest in her work she just seems to be an outstanding artist. I just love her use of space and imagination with a vision of saw flies (not the most attractive creatures....especially their larvae) scrabbling for the light.One of the things I especially like about the book is the way she is so open about her techniques and what has gone into them....things like felt from discarded army berets and felted wool wrapped in a stocking. And then she lets her imagination go and designs fantasy butterflies ....which could easily be real. As a craftsperson, she is clearly right at the top of the pyramid and it shows in some of the working drawings which are annotated with little notes about how she will pucker the fabric here to give a 3D textural effect etc. Occasionally she uses painting techniques for backgrounds so she is not shy about mixing her media...whatever works.
There is enough there to not only display her works but also to show the working technique. Maybe I would have liked a few more photographs of her "on the job" ...or in the studio....orr in the wild making sketches etc. But Hard to be too critical. (Actually, after writing this I've gone back to the book and realised that there are a reasonable number of these sort of shots.....maybe I would have liked more). It's a really nice publication. Excellent colour rendition (well it looks good...impossible to compare with the originals...I note that it was printed in Spain)....and I'm really glad she put the effort into making the book. As her Lawyer said: "Make it and you will have regrets for a month ...don't make it and have regrets for a lifetime". An easy five stars from me. show less

This is by far the most inspirational textile art book that I have ever read. Her original techniques for creating barnacles, mussels, moths, plant leaves complete with insect bite marks is spectacular. It is so interesting to see how she goes from the samples, studies and drawings to the actual work. I was so excited that she had a new book out that I immediately ordered it only to find out that it was the same book with a new cover. I sincerely hope that she actually does come out with a show more new one...please!!!!! show less

This artist was far ahead of her time in 1994. Now many authors are teaching thread painting or thread embroidery- but this work is exquisite.

A beautiful coffee table book for those who appreciate unusual art forms or enjoy machine embroidery and textile art.