Customer Reviews

Take Joy - The Magical World of Tasha Tudor [VHS]

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After 82 years, renowned children's book illustrator Tasha Tudor has finally allowed a documentary to be made of her life and work. Her art and life seem interchangeable, and for once a video subtitle does not seem hyperbolic. She dresses in the style of the 1830's, cooks over an open fire in her New England farmhouse, lives by the light of candles she makes herself, milks her own goats, and tends a flock of chickens and a menagerie of pets. She looks the very image of a sweet old grandmother. Her old-tyme lifestyle and appearance are so engaging that it comes as something as a shock when we see her in a car, driving to a book signing. Reality is what you make it, she says, quoting Thoreau's philosophy: if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected. She doesn't mention that one ultimately needs a special talent in order to do that, but we do get to take a peek inside her sketchbooks at some examples of her extraordinary talent. This charming video is highly recommended for a variety of audiences. Also recommended is "Take Peace", Tasha Tudor's Christmas Special. -Video Librarian

Over the Christmas Holiday's, I saw 'Take Joy-Magical World of Tasha Tudor' & 'Take Peace-Corgi Cottage Christmas' for the first time on cable TV. I can't begin to describe how I felt after viewing these two films. Miss Tasha Tudor enchanted me. Her life seemed simple, graceful and magical. I never knew about her until I saw the films. Corgi Cottage is vision of delight, peace and harmony. It's a place I could only hope to have someday. Thank you Ms. Tudor for enchanting us with your world of dreams and fantasies.

I recently saw this documentary as part of the Christmas Morning programming on public television. What began as a diversion quickly became a fascinating insight into the artist Tasha Tudor, her philosophy, her way of life, and her crafts.

The first book I read by Tudor was a copy of "Pumpkin Moonshine", which is almost impossible to find as a used book at a price mere mortals can afford. There are clips of the paintings from the book (and many others), which I had not seen in decades.

Tudor describes her outlook on life, art, and raising children. Many of her real life experiences find their way into her stories, in one fashion or another. She also recounts the almost-fantasy world of her own happy childhood.

Some may feel that her pastimes and lifestyle border on the rediculous if not the edge of senility. But after watching this insigtful program, I think you will agree she is far sharper and wiser than most of us "normal" people.

Tasha Tudor claims that her "whole life has been a vacation". Watching this video is like taking a trip with her to a different place and time and coming back with a renewed spirit. While I also enjoy "Take Peace" - especially during the Christmas holiday season - "Take Joy" is a wonder for it's aesthetic qualities and insight into the private life of a noted illlustrator as well as a valuable reference tool for the gardener. It mirrors the same tone set in the three "coffee table" books about Tasha Tudor done by Tovah Martin, Richard W. Brown, and Tasha Tudor. This short video is artistically crafted, giving the viewer a glimpse into her private life: her kitchen, her gardens, her dollhouse and marionettes, her books and illustrations, her family history through photographs and some vintage film clips, her sense of humor, her steadfastness and her self-sufficiency.

While I have enjoyed my own copy, I have also given this video as gifts to appreciative friends. Take Joy is, indeed, a joy.

If you need to be refreshed, this is the video for you. Tasha Tudor is child inside artist and she succeeds in introducing a charming world to the viewer. Her garden, her art, her life philosophy is fresh and reminds us all what life is made of. It really refreshs the spirit. Oh that we all were as young and new as Ms.Tudor. If you want to give a really great gift, give this video. It is true gold.

How inspiring to observe Tasha Tudor's present life. Yes, she has been successful, has 'had it all' -- marriage, children, meaningful work -- and of course a special gift. What comes through so wondrously in this video is that she is a work in progress at 82, involved, loving, reflective and creative. I loved this video!

Charismatic,perhaps eccentric,Tasha exhibits an extraordinary insight and interpretation of life around her that is shared with us through her wonderful illustrations and stories, written and verbal. We should all cherish life as simply and profoundly as she does at Corgi Cottage. Really makes you reflect on life's priorities.

Charismatic,perhaps eccentric,Tasha exhibits an extraordinary insight and interpretation of life around her that is shared with us through her wonderful illustrations and stories, written and verbal. We should all cherish life as simply and profoundly as she does at Corgi Cottage. Really makes you reflect on life's priorities.

She is the most enchanting person I have ever encountered save my 85 year old father. Learning about her life and talents will enchant your children, the children in your care and you.

I watched this enchanting video about 15 yrs ago on PBS and was enthralled. I think watching it would be a great tradition (like reading "The Night Before Christmas"). Tasha Tudor reflects a joy of life that is so uplifting. I have been trying to find this for my own artistic grandchildren to inspire them.