Customer Reviews

The Found Object in Textile Art

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In her introduction the artist writes " The ideas, processes and methods contained in this book are intended to
act as a stimulus for the textile artists who like to use found materials as part of their experimental working
practice". Indeed, once you start flipping through the pages of this book you'll find it hard not to look at everything from the contents of the recycle bins to old textiles, coffee filters and other seemingly mundane every day objects as a potential art supply.

The book opens with an overview of processes and methods using paint, ink and dye along with found natural and man made objects to create marks on the surface of paper and fabric. This chapter gives the reader a library of
potential techniques and ideas to refer to when considering how to alter the surface that they're working with.
The second chapter gives advice on where to search for found objects, how to recycle previous materials and
gives the reader a guide on sorting found textiles and papers . You'll also find ideas for presenting work with a section on creating unusual frames for displaying the finished art work. The author also discusses working with found containers and boxes, altered books and provides directions on creating simple journals from folded paper.

The "Magpie of the Mind" chapter talks about observation and recording as a way to inspire your creative muse.
Using the camera, keeping a sketchbook, elements of design and a discussion on Notan are followed by some
helpful advice on what to do if you feel stuck or uninspired. Finally the book closes with a chapter on Sharing and how teaching and working with the community can help enrich the artistic process.

This book does not contain any step by step projects. You won't find directions for recreating any of the beautiful pieces showcased in this book. It is meant to be a guide and source of inspiration for those who want to incorporate found or recycled materials into their artwork and stretch their mixed media wings.

I recently reviewed the work of Cas Holmes' on my blog and wanted to share it here. I pre-ordered the book so as to see it as soon as possible and I was not disappointed. If you are a textile artist, art quilter or simply someone who is looking to stretch your stitching experimentation, open new doors and discover how to bring layers of meaning to your work, you will enjoy this book.
(This first bit is from my blog entry, followed by a further detailed peek into the book)
Cas Holmes is one of those artists who leaves you with a lot of questions. There is no confusion over deciphering if her work is an art quilt. It isn't. It is textile art, stitched through layers of fabrics or paper, or cast off clothing or the discarded. There is no worrying over the oft regulated "stitched through three layers surrounded by a definitive binding." Cas makes art. If it happens to reference the techniques of the quilter, it is coincidence- same brush, different painting. Her work has a primitive quality that wanders the earthly through the ethereal. Transluscent layers of painted fabrics, collaged papers or stitched bits combine and then recombine across different series of her work.
...The simplicity of her thread sketching brings a charm to her work and a sense of urgency; as if we need to look now to see a moment or thing before it is gone. This simplicity can also bring reassurance to any of us- to say that we need not worry about the perfection of every line of stitching...Cas is a giving teacher who works without pretense. Her materials are sparse and often come from whatever is on hand or can be scrounged from the surrounding environment. I would say that she is a very practical artist with a magical talent to transform...Cas brings light and life to the invisible; in her work and in her students.

How does she communicate this talent through her book? By giving us her all... She holds nothing back. Cas takes what she has been developing over years of work (simply google her art to enjoy), and teaches it all through this book. Our task as readers is to read, practice and then make those methods our own.
The first chapter is on creating work surfaces- why start with a blank canvas when one that is transformed by our tastes, surroundings and what we have on hand can add more depth to what we stitch right from the beginning. Cas calls her techniques "low-tech." Print with textured wallpaper or create a collographic print from our children's old clothing....By page 40- you have learned at least 16 unique techniques.

Next- we discover the great potential of "the Found" and how to use what is the detritus of our life in our art. This is not simply about going 'green' but bringing life- your life- to your work. Simple project type ideas follow- like Found Containers & Boxes, Book Forms, Altered Books...

'The Magpie of the Mind' gives you specific tools for how to capture what you find in your work. I find the presentation to be brilliant because as I read, I find myself able to say "yes- how wonderfully simple" while also discovering why certain ideas work well and how to improve on others. I get technical tools and inspiration and the many images in the book are a visual feast. Her work is textured and layered with history and surprise.

Finally, 'Sharing' is a brief look at working in the community, with other artists and on commissions-a brief glimpse of the artist's world beyond the book

Cas concludes: "...The idea of creating something from virtually nothing, or nothing of real value, and the sense that a found object is simply a free gift form the world provides the textile artist with a whole new vocabulary as part of the making process... You really do not have to look beyond your own footsteps." Her conclusions are really just the opening words to telling your own story.
This is one of the most satisfying crafting books that I have had the pleasure of reading. In giving freely of her talent, techniques and opinions, Cas speaks to the whole person. You will learn so much more that "place this bit here and stitch this way." You will discover a new and irresistible vocabulary.

I simply adore this book. When I read a book or a magazine, and find something I want to remember, or come back to, I fold over the corner of the page. I think I folded nearly every single page of Cas Holmes book! Seriously, it's my new favorite art book and I'm already influenced by her wonderful, creative, intuitive work. I think I could open any page of her book, and be inspired to go into my studio and work! The fact that she combines paper and cloth, with a fresh approach, yet the work seems to take on a timeless, ancient artifact quality. LOVE IT! I highly recommend it.

We would NOT need landfills, if everyone created art, sharing Holmes passion for" re-using " found materials.
The elegant simplicity of her hand stitchery is profound, encouraging us all to practice drawing.
The analogy of being a magpie, gets right to the point! Collect things that interest you! Then, realize why!
As applied to any art form, her discussion of Design Elements emphasizes these are important tools for
successful art.

Textile, collage and assemblage artists should love this book. It's instructional without getting boring and has the greatest photos and tips. I think design, decor addicts, and artists of other genres should find this book as inspirational as I do.

loved it....i love books with lots of eye candy.....and don't give you instructions and directions....and it doesn't have the same art as all the other books out there...