Customer Reviews

Masters: Book Arts: Major Works by Leading Artists

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been anxiously awaiting this book and just received it and I am happy to say I am overjoyed to have it! The publication quality is extremely high and the photographs are beautiful. It is really great to see that there are more than just a couple of pieces by each artist (it many similar books, you are lucky to see 2 or 3 pieces by one artist). The variety of work included is amazing and is somehting I have never seen in similar books on the subject. The best part, besides the stunning photograps, is to be able to hear these extremely gifted artists talk about their own work, allowing the reader the insight into the creative process and inspiration, which I find fascinating. I am so happy to finally have this book in my hands and I would totally recommend this book to everyone!

This is not a technique how-to book on bookbinding, but a very inspirational book filled with gorgeous photos of handmade books from today's best mixed-media artists. As such, I find it incredibly inspiring and challenging, the perfect coffee-table book and conversation starter, and a reference volume that I will return to again and again. I love the full color detailed photos, and I appreciate the brief text accompanying each book that gives some insight into the artist's materials and working methods. Anyone interested in learning more about the artists and their work can easily google them, and I have already found several that I would love to learn from--several teach around the country.
What I love about inspirational books like this is that they help me to think differently; they sort of crack open my brain and cause me to consider new approaches to my own artwork. If you're looking for a book of inspiration in the book arts, this is one of the best. I also recommend the other title in this series, Masters: Collage: Major Works by Leading Artists.
Sharilyn Miller, author of Arty Jewelry & Arty Jewelry II

For Mother's Day, my husband surprised me with Masters: Book Arts: Major Works by Leading Artists.
I love the photography and layout of this wonderful book. My eye bounces around page after page looking at all of the detail put into each creation. Incredible! I feel I got to know about each artist, in their own voice - very intimate.

As a graphic designer, I love paper, things that are tangible and hope books as an art form will not get lost in the digital static of today. Masters is a gem and a labor of love. A perfect gift!

I have been waiting for this book. Such a throughtful assortment of artists, who broaden the definition of 'book art'.

This book is, in a word, INCREDIBLE!!! I actually bought this as gift for a novice book-maker friend but when I saw the quality of the book and the care that went into it's creation I ordered one for myself as well. This is a great book to have if you're either a fan of book-arts or wannabe book artist. The illustrations are beautiful and are more than inspirational to me (although not a book artist I employ many of the processes in my own work) AND I might add that the friend I bought this for was floored by it.
I HIGHLY recommend...

I must admit to being somewhat addicted to Lark's "Masters" series. I love the format, you can't top the photography and the inspiration gained for a relatively small cost is priceless. Ever since art journaling has taken a larger part of my time I have been smitten with the idea of making journals and books. No. I haven't tried it yet because I am in the process of trying to figure out what addictions (reading, painting, journaling, fountain pens, painting etc etc) to keep and which, if any, I can let others master allowing me to be an enthusiastic, happy consumer of the fruits of their efforts.

"Masters: Book Arts" includes some utterly amazing works of art. Things that I would never begin to think about - let alone consider creating. Do you love books? Journals? Calligraphy? Inspired creativity? Then this is a book that will bring you a lot of pleasure. It's truly a feast for the eyes - beautifully curated, spectacular photography and another hit for the "Masters' series!

Having read 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series) first, I'm disappointed in Masters: Book Arts. Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely book with a good number of inspiring pieces. However, too much of the focus is on the material printed in the books. I would have liked to see more focus on the actual construction and binding, or innovative page construction, like in the aforementioned 500 Handmade Books. The cover of the book isn't very representative of the books showcased therein. Most of what's represented isn't as inspiring as those books highlighted on the cover.

I'd recommend 500 Handmade Books, which is absolutely stuffed with inspiring handmade books.

This is an amazing collection of works by 40 book artists. It covers a wide variety of book forms, binding techniques, embellishment methods and materials used. Looks like anything can be art, and almost anything can be considered a book.

I certainly am not enamored of all the works presented here but I do appreciate the creativity and inventiveness of the artists. Take Margaret Couch Cogswell's "crowning glories" - books in the form of hats/headgear assembled from feather-like panes. Or Adele Outteridge's transparent book structures made of acrylic and other materials. Very unusual, strange but unique. Many of the books are more sculpture and art installation piece. I enjoyed reading the short introductions of the artists featured explaining their process and intent.

A very impressive book that challenges the conventional idea of what makes a book - and how a message can be conveyed.

[a longer review at my blog liberal sprinkles]

I ordered this for a workshop I was teaching on bookmaking/ altered books....glad I did! Gorgeous photos of amazingly crafted books--delightful to look at--loved it!

I have been looking forward to the release of this collection and I am enjoying it even more than I anticipated. This book showcases a huge variety of work, including high-quality images and insightful commentary by each artist. Whereas most collections of this nature might show just a few pieces of work by each artist, this book shows a greater breadth of work by including multiple works by each. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in book arts.