greenpepperpressblog

Tag: Books

New article: Buttonhole Books

The Winter issue of Somerset Studio arrived this week. My column features Buttonhole Books – named for the style of binding. It was a really easy method to stitch together pages with an exposed spine. I loved it. There's something really satisfying about working on a project that just fits into the palm of your hand. Here's a sneak peek from Nov/Dec/Jan, out soon at your local bookstore or it can be ordered online at Stampington.com.

For the article I made three books, wrote my text, and took 20+ photos. Since the magazine was a little skimpy on what was shown I have decided to share many more views here, because I can! You'll see the completed books, as well as the full sheet painted papers used as a foundation. It's always fun to start a journal with paint + stencil backgrounds….great jumping off platform, and plenty of opportunities to enhance, elaborate, and unify a spread with more color, pattern, or repetitive motif.

Stencils in these books are from StencilGirlProducts.com and GreenPepperPress.com, as well as some hand cut designs. Rubber stamps used are from ShopTheInkPad.com and GreenPepperPress.com.

October 21, 2020
there’s a book for that

Day 4: If you're like me, whenever you're at the beginning of a new infatuation you look for books on the subject. There's not a lot of publications covering manholes but here are a few. I have the three, and the bright one is on the way from England. I have to say while I appreciate the colored covers from Japan, they don't really interest me. (We will talk about those another day). I'm sure I'd flip out if I came across one, but I tend to prefer the rusty, corroded covers found on streets and sidewalks plus the surrounding environment like gravel, cobblestone, or pavement.

I wish the top two were in color. The black and white photos don't take away from the content as we are mainly looking at patterns and shapes, but the colored versions would so much more interesting, as in the cover above.

There is a book "Manhole Covers of Los Angeles", a rare find, and out of my budget, but was one of the first to glorify street hardware. Text/Photos by Robert and Mimi Melnick, it was a limited edition print run and is now a collectors's item. In 1994 Mimi Melnick released the follow-up, Manhole Covers. I love this book. Nice big photos, in black and white, and the story behind their crusade to find a lid to hang over their sofa, which started their obsession. The cover is embossed – a clever detail for a wonderful book and the story of the Melnicks.

Designs Underfoot is another great resource. It separates the different style covers and provides locations of where to find them in New York City. The photos are small, in black and white, but it offers the opportunity to compare similar styles with the choice of chapters.

Mandalas from the Streets, by Kim Christiansen is a ninety page book, single sided images as they are intended as a coloring book. I would never! I just like seeing how his selection of covers appear as rubbings. Check out his website for more wonderful examples of his art.

Just this week I found this: Overlooked by Marina Willer. It features twenty-two rubbings in neon colors. In addition to the book there are posters (swoon!! GO SEE THEM – two different shaped covers silk screened together). These were featured at the London Design Festival last month. From the shop page: Overlooked is the 45th Pentagram Paper, the self-published series shining a spotlight on quirky or vernacular design, produced by design studio Pentagram. In it, London partner Marina Willer wanted to “celebrate the gatekeepers” to the subterranean world beneath London’s streets – the street or ‘manhole’ cover.

Gatekeepers. Cool description.

And host of other books I don't have but found on Amazon. Love the title: Drainspotting. There are two of them – one from Japan, one from Sheffield. Several more volumes on the colored Japanese hatches, one is ebook only. And how about the one that takes the Japanese covers to a new level, turning them into quilts? Who knew.

I'm finding that there are so many online resources if you just want to look at manhole covers. Some really wonderful and dedicated photographers who have put together specific albums. One connection leads to another and all you keep thinking is "I wish all of these were in a book – like all of them from everyone around the world". I will share links soon – still compiling as I find more every day. Warning: it becomes addictive.

This is only day four of Manhole Madness, and I can't tell you how exciting it has been. I've met so many generous folks. You write an email, asking a question or seeking permission, and you get one back. That doesn't always happen. And the enthusiasm multiplies. Can't wait to introduce you to some of my new friends. Stay tuned.

October 4, 2016
mandala making

Full disclosure: I was given a copy of this book to review. To be perfectly honest, I probably would never have seen the book if it didn't arrive in my mailbox. As you know, last year I went on a massive studio purge and since then I not only don't buy new books, but I don't even shop for them. I do admit that I love books and I'm not opposed to adding to my library, but there is no longer a book store convenient to home – in addition, it seems that my last few out-of-the-way trips to look at books left me frustrated that there were less and less actual books in the store. You gotta love that as an alternative you can visit Amazon, who offers you a preview of contents, a nice deal, and great shipping options. For more on the book I'm going to talk about, or to order, click here: The Mandala Guidebook: How to Paint, Draw, and Color Expressive Mandalas by Kathryn Costa.

I'm not sure of the exact date that I "met" Kathryn online, but I know it was through the Creativity Crusades I hosted back in the day. Kathryn participated in many of the challenges with her own personal flair and was always a generous and thoughtful commentor to other crusaders. For my review, I've decided to interpret this book as a prompt, as though she is hosting a challenge, and see what happens when I run the information through my own filters, and make it my own. You can scroll down and see the results.

I love that in the bio section of her book she describes her passion in three words "create and connect". That's a perfect summary of her creative journey as she's been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration through several blog platforms – CollageDiva, True North Arts, and most recently 100 Mandalas. She intentionally creates from the heart and deliberately and genuinely makes connections within the art community. My impression of Kathryn is that she would feel like an instant friend should we ever get to meet in real life. It did not surprise me to learn she had authored a book on making mandalas – sharing her verve for the unique topic, with user-friendly teaching methods, vibrant illustrations, and authentic encouragement to discover personal style and ultimately, joy, from plugging in and applying the process in your own way.

I've always been intrigued by beautiful and intricately drawn mandalas. I also resonate with mandala-like structures created from natural materials, and have been mesmerized by watching videos of mandalas formed by patterns of colored sand. As a person who had never tried drawing or designing one of my own I decided to read through the book, gather all the step-by-step instructions into my mental vault, then have a go myself. Kathryn breaks down the process with clear illustrations and offers many wonderful examples of her own, plus a gallery of mandalas created by guest artists. She has a gentle yet enthusiastic voice that walks you through options for designing, embellishing, and adding color to mandalas with many demonstrations, and invites you to dig even deeper moving from decorative to meditative.

Before committing to paper, I had an opportunity one afternoon to mess around with temporary mandalas. I filled a basin with sand and sprayed with water so the surface would hold designs I marked with sticks and embellished with stones. It was really a pleasant practice to try something, then wipe away all evidence, and try again. Eventually I grabbed a few more tools – circle cookie cutters, a stencil, and other mark-making devices. I documented compositions made in minutes – such a quick and easy introduction to building off a circle. Next, I went from nature basics to high tech – and manipulated some of my artwork into digital mandalas. It was addictive to work on an axis and move elements around then experiment with color. The results are also below. I always have a takeaway from play on the computer – this time I recognized that I'm not into the coloring part. I'm more interested in the fine lines of design. So I moved forward with pens and paper.

I had to laugh – in chapter one, page 13, Kathryn admits to being a "recovering perfectionist". I can relate. Since I'm educated as an architect, my initial approach was to get out the templates, protractor, compass, ruler and triangles, with the intention of creating precise, perfect circles and segments on graph paper. I did use these tools with pencil for a preliminary layout, then set aside and free-handed everything with black and white pens. I didn't even use the graph paper! I love the results on kraft and the imperfection proves that they were conjured up by hand, not machine. The wonky black lines kinda bugged me until I started highlighting with the white pen and then the tension washed away and I finally began to enjoy myself. Not only that, but I also couldn't stop! I will definitely be carrying on with this simple interpretation.

If you have considered jumping into mandala making then I recommend seeking out Kathryn's book. It's a wonderful introduction to the unique art form. Thank you Kathryn, for prompting me to try something new. I can't wait to get back to discovering additional ways to work with black and white starting from a circle and a few basic shapes. Maybe I'll even venture into color!

Visit Kathryn's site: 100 Mandalas and again, the link at Amazon:

The Mandala Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Expressive Mandala Art by Kathryn Costa

June 2, 2016
just arrived

Last week I received the new book by Joan Bess: Gelli Plate Printing: Mixed-Media Monoprinting Without a Press. It is fabulous, with easy-to-follow processes – I already have some new ideas for making textures on the gelli plate. As I wrote to Joan, I applaud the force she has become by infusing creative energy into this community with her genius invention, and the classy and stylish manner in which she presents many ideas on the blog, with the photos and video tutorials, and now this book! I recently scored the new small size gelli and can't wait to break it in – Joan makes it look so effortless, and it really is! Visit GelliArts.com and GelliArts.blogspot.com, and pick up the book at your local store or an Amazon. In addition to many techniques you'll want to try, the book has a guest gallery that displays how other artists are using the addictive printing process.

Also, just arrived is the newest issue of Somerset Studio. In my column, Make It Your Own, I write about taking some travel souvenirs and moving them from the keepsake box to the wall, so that they may be enjoyed every day. Are there any treasures you have tucked away that should move to your wall! What are you waiting for?

I'm prepping and packing to teach in San Diego next weekend. It's been ten years since I've visited California – looking forward to it!!

September 7, 2014
just arrived

Last week I received the new book by Joan Bess: Gelli Plate Printing: Mixed-Media Monoprinting Without a Press. It is fabulous, with easy-to-follow processes – I already have some new ideas for making textures on the gelli plate. As I wrote to Joan, I applaud the force she has become by infusing creative energy into this community with her genius invention, and the classy and stylish manner in which she presents many ideas on the blog, with the photos and video tutorials, and now this book! I recently scored the new small size gelli and can't wait to break it in – Joan makes it look so effortless, and it really is! Visit GelliArts.com and GelliArts.blogspot.com, and pick up the book at your local store or an Amazon. In addition to many techniques you'll want to try, the book has a guest gallery that displays how other artists are using the addictive printing process.

Also, just arrived is the newest issue of Somerset Studio. In my column, Make It Your Own, I write about taking some travel souvenirs and moving them from the keepsake box to the wall, so that they may be enjoyed every day. Are there any treasures you have tucked away that should move to your wall! What are you waiting for?

I'm prepping and packing to teach in San Diego next weekend. It's been ten years since I've visited California – looking forward to it!!

September 7, 2014
one thing leads to another

I've been a fan of M.C. Escher for a long time….like before high school. I added another book to the collection – a super fun flipbook, HERE. I love how a familiar piece of work takes on a new form. It got me thinking about a poster I've had rolled up for a while. Metamorphosis II – it comes as 4 panels, 8.5" x 41" each. I thought I would install around the ceiling line of my studio, but I never did it, and now my shelves go up so high it would hardly be visible. The little flipbook gave me an idea, and the motivation, to alter the present state of the poster, and turn it into a book that I could hold in my hand.

It took some manuevering to flatten out the rolls, match up the pattern and make the attachments so it was one loooooong panel, then measure and do a little math to arrive at a suitable division. I left an extra flap at the leading edge so it could be tucked under a paper strip to hold in place within a cardboard portfolio. The whole thing can be pulled out and still viewed in its full panoramic glory, but within the covers I'm enjoying savoring the details page by page. One thing always leads to another! This accordion generated more ideas….still in progress, I'll report in later 🙂

April 12, 2014
one thing leads to another

I've been a fan of M.C. Escher for a long time….like before high school. I added another book to the collection – a super fun flipbook, HERE. I love how a familiar piece of work takes on a new form. It got me thinking about a poster I've had rolled up for a while. Metamorphosis II – it comes as 4 panels, 8.5" x 41" each. I thought I would install around the ceiling line of my studio, but I never did it, and now my shelves go up so high it would hardly be visible. The little flipbook gave me an idea, and the motivation, to alter the present state of the poster, and turn it into a book that I could hold in my hand.

It took some manuevering to flatten out the rolls, match up the pattern and make the attachments so it was one loooooong panel, then measure and do a little math to arrive at a suitable division. I left an extra flap at the leading edge so it could be tucked under a paper strip to hold in place within a cardboard portfolio. The whole thing can be pulled out and still viewed in its full panoramic glory, but within the covers I'm enjoying savoring the details page by page. One thing always leads to another! This accordion generated more ideas….still in progress, I'll report in later 🙂

April 12, 2014
get out your awl!

If you don't have an awl, you can use a pushpin, or needle….and these can be used with pen, pencil, and paint….I am thrilled to announce two new half sheet stencils as part of my Cardboard Collective! Available at GreenPepperPress.com. Notice the word placements, and how you can use the phrase "OPEN THIS END" or "THE END". And you can combine "PROPERTY OF:" with the alphabet to pierce your name. Love these.

More new stencils on the horizon. Estimated time of arrival: April.

March 6, 2014
get out your awl!

If you don't have an awl, you can use a pushpin, or needle….and these can be used with pen, pencil, and paint….I am thrilled to announce two new half sheet stencils as part of my Cardboard Collective! Available at GreenPepperPress.com. Notice the word placements, and how you can use the phrase "OPEN THIS END" or "THE END". And you can combine "PROPERTY OF:" with the alphabet to pierce your name. Love these.

More new stencils on the horizon. Estimated time of arrival: April.

March 6, 2014
new reads and more crowning glories

It was a terrific Christmas and a nice few days of just enjoying family time. Today I'm catching up on loose ends, wrapping up a few deadlines, and planning to do some reading. A fabulous graphic book from Lynne looks amazing, a cool book of architect's libraries from Santa, and a handful of magazines are piled on the table. I've been hearing about Flow magazine (for paper lovers) from Lisa and Julie so I ordered from the Netherlands and they arrived in two days!

The Jan/Feb Somerset Studio arrived and like last year, Lynne and I collaborated on an article. The title of our workshop Crowning Glories is not meant to be literal or limiting, and we each presented different ways you could interpret the title. Lynne describes and illustrates how impressed she was at seeing pages on exhibit from The Persian Book of Kings. For my part of the article I took on a self-imposed challenge to incorporate faces, something I rarely do, and found inspiration from playing iPad Solitaire! Whether you're traveling to see something unique at a museum or gallery, or you're procrastinating on the couch while playing games, you can find new directions to influence your work.

I decided to leave my panels in black and white for the article, but I've been working additional pieces in color, which I will show you another time. This design style has become addicting and I can't stop making them. Here are the original four colorized in Photoshop.

And a reminder about our workshop, which is filling up! I think there is only one spot left in the first weekend before we start the waiting list, and a handful of spots left in the second weekend. If you are interested, email Lynne, lkperrella (at) aol (dot) com for the packet of details.

December 30, 2013