Customer Reviews

Exhibition 36: Mixed Media Demonstrations + Explorations

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm the type of gal, who's always a bit skeptical ordering a new book - I consider myself an advanced artist and always dread the possibility of being disappointed upon a new release. Really, who enjoys buyer's remorse? Fresh ideas and perspectives are difficult to come by; but Susan Tuttle managed to not only impress me with her book - but inspire me as well.

It's visually stunning, and truly a delight just to page through! However, the real value lies within the words, the techniques and often very personal glimpses into these artists' lives, and creative processes. The diversity of styles, voices, and mediums presented here is extensive... genuinely offering that proverbial something for everyone.

Artists at any level will find themselves inspired to try a new project, or look at something they may have already done, with a new viewpoint. There are tips and insights into overcoming artists block, dealing with the dreaded white canvas, interviews and oh-so-much more. Assemblage, Mixed-media, Art Dolls, Digital Art, Challenges, journaling, jewelry, photography, creative exercises and a plethora of other artistic goodness lies between these covers.

Know the feeling you get after an evening with a close friend, who reveals just a bit of themselves you didn't see before? Exhibition 36 leaves me with that same inspired, touching feeling. Susan gathered an amazing array of creative souls, and so many of them allowed us a peek into their creative genius - priceless.

This is a must have book; it's on my shortlist of mixed-media gems.

There are so many books about mixed media art that I have been a little bummed by some of them. But not this one! This is a book you want to read cover to cover; it's a little bit like crawling into the head of an art exhibit if you can imagine that. Very interesting interviews with artists, including some new intriguing folks. Great projects. Terrific eye candy. The author has done a wonderful job presenting new and inspiring material in a very unique way. This is one to add to your library.

Susan Tuttle has created a book that it a true gem. This is an excellent mixed media book. Artists at any level will find the inspiration to try a new project and/or to look at their own artwork from a new perspective. Each section of the book is filled with tips and insights. Susan has drawn together the talents and inspired thoughts from many artists and writers. What a privilege to be able to view and read.

It is a must-have book and is definitely a keeper - one that will bring pleasure and inspiration to the reader time and time again.

Nanette L. Jones

Some books on the art and craft market have veered away from the purely `step by step how-to' books to ones that seek to inspire through discussion and description combined with some prescription. Susan Tuttle's book definitely falls into this category.

Exhibition 36 - Mixed Media Demonstrations + Explorations covers much ground in its 160 or so pages. It is divided into 6 sections and there is something for everyone who is interested in viewing and creating mixed-media art.

In the first four sections artwork is presented by the artists, who give insight into what inspired their pieces and steps on how they were constructed. The themes are divided into: art created while preserving important artifacts and images, art that is created through a playful spirit, art that embraces the imperfect and finally art made with objects that are found.

Some of the articles are short, some prolific and very moving, such as Judy Wilkenfeld's story about her father's flight from the Nazis and the art it inspired. Most of the articles contain stepped-out projects, and a few are more inspiration-based. Often after the artist has described their inspiration and method, he (yes, there are a number of excellent male artists in this book!) or she then gives a list of suggestions, tips, and tricks to inspire the reader's own art.

My favorite section is the `Guest Speaker Forum'. I was on the edge of my seat reading insights from working artists (Claudine Hellmuth, Jonathan Talbot, Suzanne Simanaitis and Ted Orland) on the development of your own artistic style, sticking with art over the years, over-coming creative blocks, creating artist's gatherings, learning from your mistakes and so much more. Susan has done a tremendous job in getting these artists to be transparent, bringing forth insightful, thought-provoking discussion.

The last section is a series of prompts so you can `Now Go Make Art'. Again, artists give some inspirational discussion on the given topic before laying out steps for creating each project yourself.

All in all, this is an excellent book for the mixed-media artist who wants to delve a little deeper into creating art and who wants to understand how other artists go about creating their pieces, not just physically, but also psychologically.

I like that Susan has provided headshots of the artists represented in the book. I like to see the faces who are educating me!

It is definitely a book I will be returning to time and again.

I am a full-time artist looking to expand my range of work. I bought this book thinking it would be a demonstration of collage and assemblage on the more serious contemporary art side of the form. It is not; the book leans more towards the sentimental and crafty side of "mixed-media", almost to the point of scrapbooking. It does talk about how to "age" objects to make them look vintage and gives hints on collecting and displaying family artifacts.
I will be donating this book to the local library.

I've bought so many of this type of book, read it in one sitting, thought about trying a technique, then either sold it away or let it sit gathering dust on the bookshelf. Susan has managed to pull together not only great eye candy and interesting techniques, but my preferred diet of a full meat and potatoes meal of insightful text. Both her writing and that of the other artists who share their wealth is well done, fascinatingly revealing of creative process and output. These pages inspire me to do my own work, not just mimic someone elses. I've had the book for more than a week now, and not only have I not yet read it all the way through, I'm taking great enjoyment in slowly reading and absorbing every page, sometimes more than once. This book will be close at hand for some time to come. No dust. Not for sale.

This is a great book on multi-media collage for both the experienced artist and aspiring artist, alike. The collection of several different projects from different artists provides an expansive collection of the possibilities in this genre. The text accompanying each project is much more than a step-by-step on how to reproduce the artwork at home; it is a window into the creative process and methodolgy that will allow you to pull some techniques to create your own individual expression. And for those who appreciate a fine book, this one won't disappoint--the layout, images, and paper stock are top notch. Bravo!

Susan Tuttle has done an amazing and awesome job with the creation of this book. It is truly an art/technique book for artists of every level. The book is infused with artwork that is rich with both color and texture and more importantly, a very personal connection. The kind of connection with artwork that only happens when the artist is creating from that place that has the most meaning for them. I was touched by the often times, very candid thoughts from the artists on their own process they bring to the artwork which gives the reader an expanded way of experiencing mixed media art but also offers a way to tap into one's own artistic spirit.

The layout of the book truly has the feel of having the pleasure of being given a private and personal, one of a kind art tour. Susan has pulled together the talents and gifts from so many amazing artists and writers. The techniques shared within it's pages offer a delightful range and goes beyond being the 'typical' how to book. The artists offer many different insights that add a level of energy and excitement to this book. There is something for everyone here.

Excellent on every level. A book to be savored and absorbed.

This book was a gift from a friend for my birthday --- at the time, I didn't even know Susan Tuttle. To my great surprise, this was not a "typical" how-to book, but one that truly covered every medium possible.

Not only does Susan introduce the reader to new artists who contributed to this book, but gives the us the insight into the how and why. I am always intrigued at how other people create. Do they have the same blocks that I do, where do you begin, when do you stop...with this book comes all of that and more.

Artistically, the book is stunning with about 160 pages of the highest grade printing and paper -- this is something that always draws me to any book. How does it feel and look - I want to get the most for my money.

If you are in question as to buying this book, just look how many of us are raving about what Susan's put together -- this will be a lifetime reference for me in order to get some creative ideas for my own work.

Susan Tuttle's gentle and intuitive heart and its ourpouring into her artistic life has long inspired me in the deep, vulnerable places. I have been greatly anticipating the arrival of this beautiful new work. This book truly offers an incredibly wide and diverse banguet of delicious art, techniques, inspirations and encouragement for the artist of any level. Like Susan, it is not a shallow offering but one that conveys her depth of spirit and her immense knowledge and experience as one who must create in order to fully breathe! It is an authentic journey she invites us on and truly a priviledge to take it with her! I will dine often from its pages!