Perceptualistics [Hardcover]

John Grant (Author), Jael (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2002

Richly imagined, these “Perceptualistics” are woven from the very stuff of fantasy. This, Jael’s first book, includes the very finest Perceptualistics and other paintings —including the famous “The Dream Lives,” inspired by the tragic Challenger crash as well as by the artist’s love of Arthur C. Clarke’s classic novel Childhood’s End.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jael is considered to be one of the foremost female artists of today. From beautiful illustrations for fine art book to unique commissions for collectors, her inspired use of colour and images combines with her unparalleled vision and whimsical perspective. Over the 45 years of her career she has created more that 38,000 paintings and her work is frequently featured in books, calendars and magazines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Paper Tiger; 1st edition (May 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855859718
• ISBN-13: 978-1855859715
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,748,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique book on an unique artist, June 14, 2002

By 

L. W. Perkins (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perceptualistics (Hardcover)

This book may be your only chance to see an extraordinary body of work from fantasy and sf artist Jael. Well known for her bookcovers, Jael (who goes by only her first name), had been doing an series of personal works over the last 40 years while she fulfilled the demands of motherhood and a busy artistic career. Not abstracts, not realistic paintings either, she calls them "meditations" or "journeys". They are unlike any other major paintings done in the 20th century; and while this book is beautiful, it doesn't do the original works complete justice--I had the privilege of seeing a couple first-hand, and they are stunning. Since Jael considered these personal works and "too odd" for public consumption, she had never publicised them before or even kept good track of the occasional times when she would sell one of these amazing works. The reproductions on page 40 and 54 hint at the splendor of the originals, but many of the illustrations of the perceptualistics were re-created from small slides, though Jael herself worked to restore them to something close to the original. The text is also delighful, since Jael has had a long, interesting (and rather inspiring) life. My hope is that this book will inspire a sequel, and that some of the owners of the perceptualistics will come forward for new scans of the treasures they own.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life of a True Artist!!!!!, June 1, 2002

By 

Bob Eggleton "zillabob" (Providence, RI United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Perceptualistics (Hardcover)

Jael's art is way more than illustration,or even "Fantasy" art- she goes far beyond that to create her very own "Perceptualist" work that is truly unique to her. It is not a result we are seeing, it is a voyage and a voyage to the heart of a creator. In looking at her free-form Perceptualistic works, we can see almost anything we want. In the true definition of "Fine Art", these pieces invite us to create realities around them, rather than "Illustration" which creates reality for us. In other words, it's Art that makes you THINK.John Grant's text eloquently and expertly shines some light on the path to the many mysteries that await your exploration here Explore Jael's worlds-you will find little bits of yourself in them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Into One's Imaginings and Beyond..., June 28, 2002

By 

Edmund C. Bujalski (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perceptualistics (Hardcover)

"Perceptualisitics" is a magnificent gift to the reader. But beware, you "won't find a banana in the middle of each painting..."

That quote captures the essence of a Perceptualistic painting, if such an exercise is even possible. There is nothing literal about these paintings, and a casual observer, expecting to "see" a clearly defined image or a pictorial story in them will be challenged. And that, dear reader, is exactly why you should own this book and drink in the intoxicating visions it contains.

But let me segue for just a moment, for while the Perceptualistic paintings alone are an experience that will engage and enthrall you, there is so much more to this book that make it a compelling "must have."

It is eminently readable. John Grant's prose is both succinct and lyrical, and his biographical rendering of Jael invites one into her world in a way that is palpable and enjoyable. Rarely does one find oneself wanting to finish the text in an artbook before viewing the illustrations. Reading about Jael through Grant's eyes and ears made me want to know more. If there is a shortcoming here, it is because one finds onself wanting an even more intimate and extensive portrait of the artist.

Jael's paintings, regardless of the genre, are superb. Those seeking to view her Science Fiction and Fantasy illustrations will not be disappointed. Her work is among the best in the field and begs comparison to no one. Jael stands among the pantheon of "great ones" in the SF&F area.

However, dear reader, Jael stands alone with her Perceptualistic paintings, and she stands on a lofty plane indeed.

Each Perceptualistic painting beckons the viewer to explore. That exploration might be an inner vision, a transporting to another world or level of awareness, an opening to endless possibilities and insights. In a way, these paintings are gateways to perception, and that perception may change with every viewing. Can you think of any other artist who can offer you such a journey? I cannot.

I thank John Grant for his warm and vibrant words, obviously written with much caring. I thank Jael for this incredible gift to the public, and for opening her heart and her life, if only for a glimpse, to those of us who can only dream of such creativity.

Final thanks must go to the publishers, not so much for having the boldness to go beyond the trite and conventional nature of many "artbooks," but for recognizing creative genius and giving the world an opportunity to share in it.

Jael is a genius. Her genius comes from the heart, the dwelling place of all true genius, and that is a wondrous gift to us all.

Open your heart and prepare to expand your universe, dear reader, and buy this book!