The Altered Object: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Curious crafters might want to--although it is not mandatory, by any means--begin with the author's helpful primary book on the subject, Altered Art (2004), before looking at this delightful follow-up volume, which takes readers further into the craft. Altered art is a fast-growing one; it entails transforming almost any object that is readily found--and often overlooked--into a two- or three-dimensional artwork. As Taylor indicates in his introduction, altered art can be something as unprofound as a pair of old scissors mounted on an interesting cutting board. A specialist in the craft, Taylor here features his own projects as well as those from two dozen other specialists in altered art. A fascinating world of creativity and imagination awaits the crafter who pores over these pages: a mint tin turns into a visual tribute to a loved one, and a vintage shoe last (that old wooden foot-shaped item people used to place inside shoes to kept them in shape) becomes a mesmerizing sculpture. Brad Hooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

Altered art is the fastest growing craft trend today—but its  practitioners can’t live by books alone: they long to expand their horizons and explore new directions. And this follow-up to the hugely successful Altered Art will fulfill their creative desires. It moves into uncharted territory, focusing not on books, but on transforming the surfaces of a multitude of everyday objects into artistic canvases. The 25 projects clearly prove that the possibilities are limited only by one’s own imagination. For example, in the hands of five different crafters, those ubiquitous mint tins become a small shrine, necklace, photo book, and doll. Profusely illustrated profiles showcase ten contemporary artists doing their work; all provide invaluable insights into the creative process.

  

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (January 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579908799
• ISBN-13: 978-1579908799
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #46,139 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make room on that bench please, Mr. Cornell, July 23, 2007

By	S. Fishburn (Fort Collins, Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Altered Object is bursting with photos of some of the best known and most accomplished assemblage artists working in the US today. While I really appreciate Mr. Taylor's inclusion of "A Brief History" of altered objects, pointing out that this artistic movement has been around for a good long time and shows no signs of imminent demise and the deliciously informative section on "The Basics", which includes everything from how to organize random bits & pieces, to making one's own ephemera, to a thorough adhesives guide, and while I acknowledge that many people will relish the step by steps found within these pages so they can duplicate a piece exactly, for me, the best part of The Altered Object is the plethora of pieces pictured, and the commentaries and quotes of the artists included. I was delighted to see the Joseph Cornell inspired work of Theresa Petersen, who produces pieces "in the tradition of", but with her own colorfully mod twist, and allowed to revel in the work and words of one of the most adept and prolific artists out there, Pat Chapman. Working in her New Mexican studio, she is putting together pieces of exceptional wry wit and decadent beauty. Seven of her assemblages are shown - check out pages 60-63.
A new fave artist for me, I had my introduction to the cool altered work of Joe de Camillis in this book and will definitely be watching for more!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add entertaining to this title ..., February 9, 2007

By	M. Smith "iquill" (Fort Worth, Texas) - See all my reviews

This is another Terry Taylor book you will not flip through and put down. He has managed to keep you amused with an array of altered objects that not only give you ideas, but also inspire. Each piece of art, by Taylor and the exceptional artists he selected, tells a fascinating story. The "tin dolls" by Janet Cooper are my favorite. The instructions and details are plentiful and as always, Taylor's "intro and basics" section is a complete how-to book within a book. Brilliant!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended for Mixed Media Artists, March 9, 2007

By	Canace "Canace" (The Catskill Mountains) - See all my reviews

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in art assemblage. It has interesting stories about the artists and what inspired their art pieces as well as lovely pictures and descriptions. A very motivating and inspiring book well worth the price. This one is a keeper.