Customer Reviews

Living Into Art: Journeys Through Collage

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I'm a person who enjoys art but simply was not gifted with the creativity to produce it. As such, I've never considered collages to be much more than those piecemeal little creations that students in junior high art class would slap together, consisting of photos and letters cut out of magazines and newspapers and glued onto pieces of cardboard paper.

Thus, it was a most pleasant surprise to see "Living Into Art: Journeys Through Collage," a wonderfully illustrated and engagingly written book about those works of art and the effort -- and thought -- that had gone into them. But these collages are nothing like those humdrum little class products. Fantastically creative and brilliantly hued, these are the painstaking efforts by participants at the Sonoma College Studio.

The creators' stories, brought to life so well via the written word by Lindsay Whiting, paint their own colorful tales of introspection that surfaced during their making of the collages. Count me as a surprised reader to learn how much it impacted the creators' lives, and it's fascinating to hear of their personal journeys taken while putting together their works of art. But the phenomenal array and beautiful collages will catch your eye as well, striking evidence of how gorgeous this art form can be.

This is a beautifully produced book, with tons of gorgeous collages. What we aren't given is any information about physical process or materials--what foundation papers? Glues? Where are the images coming from? Also, these collages are so slick, I could swear they were digital, although the authors' descriptions of their workshops make it sound as though all collages are created on the spot and then critiqued by the group. Most of the text is psychologically-based, in an art therapy environment. I don't know about the therapy but those collages look pretty darn professional to me. I usually like books of this nature to at least offer one chapter, or page even, of basic instruction in the techniques and materials they're using.

"Living into Art" inspires, amazes, stimulates, and compels with every chapter. The words of these women artists, so simply and cleanly articulated by Lindsay, offer common yet unique stories that speak to each of us on such a soulful level. It's a reminder again that we are all one community ("artists" and otherwise), which I suspect is really one of Lindsay's main points -- that collage, as a journey, brings us all together, something we need so desperately in these current times. What a most perfect and timely message she brings! This book is a must read; if you've never done soul/spirit collage, this writing will guide you and if you've done such process work a bajillion times, you'll find that the collages you create after you've read this book reflect yourself more truly than ever before, thanks to the wisdom, vision, experience, and tips offered in these stories. If Lindsay and her Sonoma Collage Studio artists could only set up similar studio practices for those of us unblessed with such a divine-sounding creation space!

Lindsay Whiting's book "Living Into Art", is a true gem for everyone who shares her desire and appreciation for personal creative expression. A beautifully written and designed book of amazing collage work, studio tips and revealing stories by 10 unique artists. The artists involved are all part of a collage group in Sonoma, California led by two incredible teachers, Audrey von Hawley and Barbara Jacobsen. This book will inspire people of all ages and professions, to explore the spontaneous art of collage, and perhaps discover their own insights. Thank you Lindsay and the Collage Studio artists for sharing yourselves with us. A wonderful gift!

In her delightful book, Living Into Art, Lindsay Whiting explores the art of collage and its potential for self-expression and self-discovery. The simple, careful act of selecting and arranging images quiets and focuses the mind, allowing new perspectives.



Beautifully illustrated with the works of several artists, Living Into Art is a collector's volume as well as a tribute to the two women who founded the Sonoma Collage Studio. Established in 1994, this studio remains a haven for members who gather weekly to pursue their craft in like-minded company. Collage is a medium without borders--anyone can participate in, and benefit from, this fascinating art form. Each piece represents a journey of inestimable value that continues to resonate and inform.



Included in this book are comments and insights from the studio artists themselves; additionally there are quotes from various writers, philosophers and psychologists that exemplify the therapeutic nature of art. And for those who can't wait to get started, Ms. Whiting offers "studio clips," unique ideas for engaging the creative process.



For anyone interested in the art of collage, I highly recommend Living into Art.

I had no idea that working with the collage art form could bring such insight and self awareness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of the Sonoma group participants. This easy to read book and the unique art work can even inspire a "non-artist" into giving collage a try.

This is a beautiful book. I am an illustrator and graphic designer by trade and a frustrated artist at heart. I found the artwork and experiences that the author shares with the reader to be very inspirational--It made me want to try collage but more importantly, it has helped me to finally make the time for my own creative work (after 25 years of creating artwork around others ideas). The book design is also exquisite.

This is not about the collages you made as a child, but an amazing perspective of a very personal artform as seen from the individuals of a community of artists and people who did not even realize they were artists before joining the Sonoma Collage Studio. With beautiful examples and heartfelt stories, you are drawn into their world of self-discovery and creativitiy.

I never knew that collage art could be so incredible. The art in this book, which is prominently displayed on my coffee table, is not only beautiful and intricately rendered, the stories of the creators' journeys and the spiritual community nurtured at the Sonoma studio are inspiring and uplifting. Makes me want to join them!

A very insightful, rewarding book that beautifully describes the profound effects that collage art has on people who open themselves up to this transformational, creative process. Inspires the reader with helpful tips to experience inner growth through this
wonderful art form. J. P.Carucci