Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking [Paperback]

Jill K. Berry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2011

Explore your Creative Self with Mixed-media Maps

You don't have to be a world traveler or a professional cartographer to embark on a grand journey of self-discovery through mapmaking. Personal Geographies gives you the tools and techniques you'll need to create artful maps of your self, your experiences and your personal journey. Chart the innermost workings of your mind, document your artistic path and create an unfolding maze of your future dreams and goals.

Inside Personal Geographies you'll discover:

• 21 mixed-media map projects featuring artistic techniques like working with alcohol inks and pochoir, painting on a black surface and carving custom stamps
• Insight into the world of traditional and contemporary maps and how they relate to and inspire personal mapmaking
• A gallery of maps by contributors from around the world to spark your own creativity

From mapping your head, hands and heart to recording powerful memories or experiences, the maps in Personal Geographies are a gateway into the fascinating and meaningful world of you.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Discover the wonders of cartography through very interesting mixed-media projects that get our hands dirty, and our minds alive to who we are. The projects found in Personal Geographies are interesting not only because of the quality methods that they teach, but because of the meaningful thoughts that they provoke." --Jenny Doh/Crescendoh

"Quite simply, the best book I have received for review in a very long time. It does what a great book is supposed to do: Inspire, inform, teach. Berry kept it personal, and at the same time included enough history to make it a true resource. The projects are terrific and there isn't a single dud. That's something I say about once in a decade." --Judi Kauffman/Scrapbooking & Beyond Magazine/Paper Creations Magazine

"I was taken aback with the true uniqueness of Personal Geographies. There is truly no book out there like this. Personal Geographies takes readers on a journey of self-discovery by creating a series of different artistic maps. Those looking to expand their current artistic repertoire need to pick this up right away." --Christen Olivarez/Editor-In-Chief, Director of Publishing/Somerset Studio

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About the Author

Jill Berry is a graphic designer, mixed-media artist and teacher who makes lots of books, paintings and other story-telling structures. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Design, she spent a year of graduate studies in Italy. Her work has been published in Somerset Studio, Letter Arts Review, cloth paper scissors and Art Journaling magazine as well as North Light's Interactive Art Workshop. She has taught at three universities in Colorado as well as at several major art retreats. Jill Berry lives in Superior, CO.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (November 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 144030856X
• ISBN-13: 978-1440308567
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Mixed Media
  • #15 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Mixed-Media
  • #24 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Papercrafts, Stamping & Stenciling > Papercrafts

More About the Author

Jill K. Berry is a graphic designer, mixed-media artist and teacher who makes lots of books, paintings and other story-telling structures. After graduating with a degree in Design, she spent a year of graduate studies in Italy. Her work has been published in Somerset Studio, Letter Arts Review, Cloth Paper Scissors, Art Journaling magazine and many other books and publications. She has taught at three universities in Colorado as well as at several major art retreats. Jill K. Berry lives in Superior, CO.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For the storyteller in you! October 31, 2011

By Carol Sloan

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Normally when I receive a new book in the mail, I flip through it briefly then set it aside to look at later. When I opened Jill Berry's book, that habit changed. I couldn't put it down! In this age of countless new releases, Jill has managed to produce a book on a quite different subject matter - mixed media map making.
She helps the virgin mapmaker by explaining the parts of a map, tips to design a compass rose and a cartouche as well as questions to ask yourself as you begin to design your personal map.
The book is split into three sections with several step by step tutorials for different projects within each section.
The sections are:
1. Mapping the Self
2. Mapping Your Experiences
3. Plans, Projections and Possibilities
There are a total of 21 projects and loads of artwork by the 17 contributing artists.
If you're interested in map making, story telling and eye catching artwork, this book is for you!

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a new, unique and engaging way to approach journaling November 26, 2011

By Susan Bleiweiss VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Jill Berry has turned the art of cartography into a unique and engaging way to approach using a sketchbook or journal to explore your life experiences, travels and personal journeys through life.

The book opens with the basics of what a map is, ideas for things to map, explanations of the parts of a map and includes a comprehensive list of supplies that Jill uses to create the projects in the book. The first main chapter, Mapping the Self, is centered around using mapping as a tool of self-discovery. There are several projects in this chapter including creating a head and body map using paper, pencils, crayons and other every day supplies using the templates provided in the book. You'll also find a carved copper hand map, a 3d heart map, an articulated self portrait map with moveable parts and more.

Chapter two is all about mapping your experiences and you'll learn how to create a pop up memory map, a strip map as well as explore creating a map using simple repeating symbols and ideas for creating a collaborative map. The last chapter in this book is all about Plans, Projects and Possibilities and is all about creating mixed media art pieces from real or fictional maps. Create a map of a fictional place that you read about in a book or one that exists only in your imagination. Create an unfolding 9 panel map book of the future, a box that unfolds and lays flat when the lid is removed, a framed map of your Utopia, a postcard journal or a flip book of a trip you want to remember.

Every page of this book is a feast for the eye and each project is illustrated with step by step directions and easy to read and understand directions. The photography is clear and sharp making the details of the artwork easy to see. Jill's writing style is easy going and conversational and makes the entire book a pleasure to read. If you're looking for a new way to approach recording your memories, experiences and journeys then you definitely want to add this book to your personal library.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jill Berry presents a hit!!! November 3, 2011

By Glenda Hoagland

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently received my book, Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. The book is excellent and very easy to use. Not only does Jill provide great and informative instructions; she also provides templates to facilitate the creative process. The style of writing is similar to her tone used in her classes. The resources within the book are part of a growing legion of mixed media artists who are gracious and giving.

Dear reader and future readers, get the book and try the head map. I cannot wait to do it myself; I plan to work my way through most of the projects as I explore, my talent, my dreams and move toward good health.

Great work Jill.