Customer Reviews

Beyond Paper Dolls: Expressive Paper Personas Crafted with Innovative Techniques and Art Mediums

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A feast for the eyes and spirit, Beyond Paper Dolls could not be richer or more sumptuous. The book has been edgily compiled (and written and contributed to) by Lynne Perrella, whose skill in bringing together large and diverse communities of artists to create to particular themes is renowned.

Most of the "paper dolls" in this book, while occasionally paper, and in general, loosely fitting the definition of doll, push the envelope in ways that will inspire and delight anyone with even a passing interest in the human figure as art.

Vivacious and luscious colors and textures abound - the photographs of each artists' project(s) almost jump off the page - just short of 3-d. From Michelle Ward's fashionable Zelda Fitzgerald - complete with playing cards - to Deb Trotter's Buffalo Bill Cody shrine, the art created for this book shimmers and pulses with personalities, of the author, the artists and their subjects.

I would be remiss to not give a nod of approval to the design and production of this nice thick volume. The backgrounds stand on their own, the quotes and typography add additional interest, and the layout, while easy on the eyes, is never static.

I must admit I am a bit biased, as my work appears in this beautiful book. But - after looking at my own three pages! - I was continually impressed with page after page of wonderful artwork. These are not so much the traditional "paper doll" the phrase brings to mind -- cut from a book, in childhood, with its clothes attached by paper tabs -- these are glorious mixed media figures of every shape and form. Collage and mixed media artists will be enthused and inspired by the many pages of amazing art, presented beautifully, accompanied by thoughtful text. This book would be a wonderful addition to any mixed media artist's library, as well as anyone who enjoys magical, whimsical art.

Here comes an unpopular opinion: In a way it seems ironic to me because I reviewed (#140006161x) with a similar theme a year ago, receiving favorable responses. This book is more free-wheeling; it is waaay beyond what a buyer might expect from the lengthy sub-title. Fashion comes to the forefront in book publishing & design nowadays; if editors guide the contributors toward restraint this will bring their craft more credibility.

This is Lynne Perrella's book, containing at least 28 pages of her designs. She is designated as author, photo stylist and co-art director, and possibly had veto power over her editor's decisions.

If you purchase this book sight unseen, especially if choosing a child's gift, or in a fever of nostalgia, I pity you. Today a flair with graphics, scissors & glue stix plus a lively conceit seems to be all it takes to put someone's name on the cover of a book. YES, that's a rude remark, but come on - when someone is paying $62.48 (as of 10-21-07) plus tax & p/h, couldn't there be a satisfactory hint of age range, and editing that respects the audience? Some of these "assemblages" do not really relate to each other or even to the book's sub-title and seem to suffer from a case of "aren't-we-clever-itis"?

Many show talent with using ephemera & sumptuous colors and fabrics. Perhaps the market for books about collage is saturated requiring the theme to be twisted in a different direction? Some of the ideas used would be more convincing as "art" if scaled down to the size of "A.T.C.s" (# 1592533345), OR, at the other end of the spectrum: as kite designs?!

Craft enthusiasts eagerly read reviews. Many will judge these paragraphs as being 'off in left field' - but a balance of opinion is not a bad thing, and presumably Amazon makes this space available so that perception is less skewed.

Sometimes judging a book by its cover can be a wonderful thing! Lynne Perrella's gorgeous paperdoll-assemblage on the cover of Beyond Paper Dolls is a colorful invitation into this beautiful volume. Given the opportunity to create their vision of a "paper doll", over 50 top artists let their imaginations run totally wild. Every page is populated with glorious creatures fashioned from materials as diverse as a vintage fly swatter to gilded leather antique book covers and their pages. This is a hefty book at almost 200 pages and every single one is stunningly styled and photographed in full color. I really appreciated the Details Dossier feature of this book--interesting elements from each doll were singled out and special focus was given to technique and inspiration with a close up photo as a helpful visual. Lynne Perrella is simply one of the best writers around. Her insightful intros (graced with her own astonishing artwork) and commentary for these dolls add depth and playful dimension to each one. She is a joy to read.

I have been a paper doll nut since I was a child. I consider myself to be a very creative person and very jaded when it comes to new ideas. Lynne Perrella, however, really got me on this project. It was not what I expected. Yet again, she has gathered an amazing group of artists in this book. It was six weeks ago when I reviewed this book. I am still dreaming nightly of paper doll projects! CP...artist, author and publisher of Art Freak, a zine

Inspirational more than instructional, "Beyond Paper Dolls" is a book that will delight the eye with the artistic creations of the author and other contributors. Rich and sumptuous photography is accompanied by text that explains the artists intentions and includes some tips on how these paper doll creations came to life. Collage and installation artists whose work involves the human figure and/or fashion will find lots of inspiration within the pages of this book.

I waited quite awhile to buy this magazine because of the price. I finally had to have it so bought it. It is a beautiful book with great photography but is not worth the price.More like $12.99 would maybe be worth it. And it really isn't much beyond paper dolls. It IS Paper dolls

Offers a variety of creative techniques for making alternative paper dolls. Artist's contributions stimulate creative styles and themes. These are not the paper dolls of our youth.

Very fine! Jan - Artastics

I found this book delightful. Great eye candy, and some super ideas that you won't find just anyplace. Definitely recommend it.

I found this a well-presented book, with lovely pictures, but felt it was none too informative and many of the vignettes seemed to have no theme, just a lovely mish-mash of items put together and have been done before.