Mia says: "I love Bisa Butler—Portraits because of the opportunity to see her incredible layered work up close. I also appreciate seeing her quilted images alongside the photographs that inspire them. This book is not only a celebration of a uniquely talented contemporary Black American artist, but an invitation to learn more about the individuals who are her subjects."
Book Art Studio Handbook by Stacie Dolin and Amy Lapidow
Stephanie says: "My go to resource for constructing books, it contains clear followable directions to take you through these rather complex processes. My favorite is the "Friend-of-a-Friend Book" which opens flat to make a perfect sketchbook or guest book. Also contains directions to make a lovely expandable book and a photo album."
The Beginner's Guide to Wheel Throwing by Julia Claire Weber
Sean says: "I think this book does a great job of spelling out the various terms, quirks, and processes that go into throwing clay on a wheel. Pottery is as much a science as it is an art and Weber effectively explains the why behind the how, something that helps me learn as a potter. Thumbing through this book inspired me to try a few different ways of accomplishing the goal of creating functional but aesthetically pleasing pottery."
Roxanne says: "The book jacket says 'From technical skills to finding your watercolor style to insights into creative mindfulness, this book has everything you need to find peace, joy and creative calm.' I would add that the nature theme is the perfect subject for creative calm watercolor exploration. It's instructional, inspiring and filled with beautiful paintings that are colorful and calming."
Mia says: "The memoir of legendary Vogue editor and icon of 20th century style is so witty and engaging, a perfect self-portrait that feels like a chatty lunch date. Diana Vreeland was a true original!"
I Dream of Dinner So You Don't Have To: Low-Effort, High-Reward Recipes by Ali Slagle
Lace says: "This book has recipes that are fairly easy to put together, but have surprising flavor combinations. Several recipes I tried were good enough to make again and used ingredients I had on hand."
Stephanie says: "I always feel like I'm creating art when I garden — and this book was introduced to me by another landscape painter. Messervy discusses the idea of analyzing one's attraction to different types of spaces, which was a very exciting concept to me."
World Receivers: Georgiana Houghton, Hilma af Klint, Emma Kunz, and John Whitney, James Whitney, Harry Smith
Mia says: "Inspirational portraits of some early 20th century modern artists whose work is only now becoming celebrated. I loved the intersection of mysticism and geometric form that unites these artists."
The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World by Lewis Hyde
Matthew K. says: "The main assumption of the book is that certain spheres of life, which we care about, are not well organized by the marketplace. That includes artistic practice, which is what the book is mostly about, but also pure science, spiritual life, healing and teaching.... This book is about the alternative economy of artistic practice. For most artists, the actual working life of art does not fit well into a market economy, and this book explains why and builds out on the alternative, which is to imagine the commerce of art to be well described by gift exchange."
Janice says: "The minimalist way she approached food and the way her New Mexican kitchen looked reflects the way her art looks. It's another look at the psyche of the great artist whose life was endlessly fascinating. The book has good photographs and recipes as well."
Abstract Painting: A Celebration of Contemporary Art by Jamie Markle
Stephanie says: "Contains photographs of some stunning art. I don't like it all, but there's a really wide variety. Best of all, the author interviews the artists. Many of them are asked about their materials and techniques, and I am finding it an excellent starting place for my own experimentation."
Sarah S. says: "I like the way the book is written. Small snippets of wisdom that are easy to take in but give you a lot to think about. The book has really inspired me to value my own voice, get out of my own way and create!"
Gagyō 40-Shūnen Kinen, Kirie No Sekai: Kami No Japonisumu by Shū Kubo
Roxanne says: "This beautiful book is filled with amazingly detailed Japanese papercut art. My guess is that it highlights several different artists but since it is written in Japanese, I am not sure. What I do know is that the variety of subject matter and technique made every page a delight and I cannot stop pointing it out to everyone at the library."
A true workshop book with clear instructions and visuals for every step along the way. Simple projects to start, progressing to striking animal portraits.
Ever wonder what the Little Red Riding Hood story might look like as an abstract picture book? This book explains story structure and how design elements impact emotions. Includes simple exercises for you to explore these concepts using construction paper and simple shapes.
Color In and Out of the Garden: Watercolor Practices for Painters, Gardeners, and Nature Lovers by Lorene Edwards Forkner
A professional gardner creates a daily watercolor art practice to help her grieve after the death of her father. Part journal with a little watercolor instruction and a lot of gorgeous plants and vibrant colors.
This modest book combines just the right amount of definitions, history, instruction, and examples. Also includes some featured artists and instructions for painting in their style.
If You Can Cut, You Can Collage: From Paper Scraps to Works of Art by Hollie Chastain
An excellent introduction to collage for beginners. Includes instructions on painting your own paper and present composition principles simply and with visual examples.