Customer Reviews

Self-Made Worlds

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

 

 

I just keep buying this for gifts -- it's a coffee-table book that not only stays on the coffee table, it gets read and passed around. amazing background on how America's visionary roadside shrines are imagined as well as built -- i love the insights into the hearts, minds, and spirits of these folk art contrarians. by giving copies of this book as gifts, i feel i'm doing my own small bit to help people appreciate this art form -- and maybe even create something startlingly original of their own someday! the perfect present for every outer yuppie/inner wildchild on your list, or for anyone who's stuck in a rut or going through a life change. this book reminds us all to cherish eccentricity -- keep America weird -- and nourish our own (and everyone else's) inner visionary.

I'm a fan of what the author calls 'self-made worlds' and take pictures of them wherever I find them. This book treats its subjects with respect, but could include more photos of each place, and perhaps a general map to its location. I find myself wanting more from each section. Also, there are some particularly famous spots that are missing from the book, most notably Gilgal Gardens in Salt Lake City. There is a very handy index to self-made worlds in the back.
Maybe a Self-Made Worlds Volume II is in order?

As a collector that is just getting started in this field, I found this book both highly interesting and amazing. Anyone who is interested in this field will find this book enjoyable. I would have given it five stars, but it is the first one I have read and did not have a reference point.

I was first turned on to this book by Ross Ward of Tinkertown. I like the good photos. The writing is good because it doesn't make fun on the subject and it doesn't try to "explain" the subject. If you are interested in what the odd guy in your town is doing with the shiny things he picks up off your street - then you should get this book.

Having met with Mr. Leonard Knight of Niland, CA (Cover Picture), and visiting his "Salvation Mountain" it amazes you to think of what can be accomplished with inspiration and hard work. You don't have to be a person of faith to come away impressed with his artwork. It doesn't matter where your personal inspiration comes from as long as you have a clear cut goal and are willing to do whatever it takes to develop the skills and resources. I listened to Leonard describe the setbacks and saw the faith he had that he would obtain the tbings he needed. Nothing could have been more impressive or beautiful than being shown around the mountain and listening to him talk. Another remarkable thing is that he NEVER asks for money or donations and absolutely does not allow endorsements or affiliation with any group or denomination. Pure faith and determination sustain him and his mountain. It's up to the individual to decide where the personal faith and inspiration come from. A very nice man and a remarkable achievement.

Mark Sloan and Roger Manley must have the patience of jobe and the lightening trigger fingers for their cameras to find such interesting photographs to take. Despite the fact that many of the subjects have to be mentally unbalanced to produce such erie art, the writers handle their discriptions and text with caring charm and humor. It's a learning book for all scholars of art and photography. Many setrious writers could also learn a lesson from just reading the words.

Having met with Mr. Leonard Knight of Niland, CA (Cover Picture), and visiting his "Salvation Mountain" it amazes you to think of what can be accomplished with inspiration and hard work. You don't have to be a person of faith to come away impressed with his artwork. It doesn't matter where your personal inspiration comes from as long as you have a clear cut goal and are willing to do whatever it takes to develop the skills and resources. I listened to Leonard describe the setbacks and saw the faith he had that he would obtain the tbings he needed. Nothing could have been more impressive or beautiful than being shown around the mountain and listening to him talk. Another remarkable thing is that he NEVER asks for money or donations and absolutely does not allow endorsements or affiliation with any group or denomination. Pure faith and determination sustain him and his mountain. It's up to the individual to decide where the personal faith and inspiration come from. A very nice man and a remarkable achievement.