Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exactly what the art world needs, June 27, 2008
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (6/08)
When I saw this book, my thoughts echoed a phrase on the back cover exactly, "Finally, It's Here!" A book that would explain the ins and outs of art collecting. What type of art should I collect? Who are the up-and-coming new artists? Where do I find the best art? What should I be looking for to make my art collection shine?
In "The Art of Everyday Joe: A Collector's Journal" I found the answers I needed, without finding the answers to any of these questions. There is no right and wrong when looking at art, you go with what moves you. I should have known that. It was nice to have this book remind me in a subtle, easy manner.
As an artist myself, I was also drawn to this book to find out how others view art. What is an art collector looking for? What does an art collector look like? Where do I find them? Again, I was expecting hard and fast answers. I got a reminder in simplicity. The art collectors are looking for the artists to create from their hearts so that they can buy from their hearts. Art collectors are anyone and everyone. The "Everyday Joe!"
Michael Corbin's "The Art of Everyday Joe" is the second in a series of "Collector's Journals." A writer by profession and lover of art, Michael uses essays on all topics to make the reader realize that art is all around us. In his essays he talks about a varied range of topics such as rudeness, airports, and bubblewrap. Some essays are about specific artists or art forms. Others barely mention art at all. But all have the same purpose -- to show us that collecting art is not stuffy and only for the rich. Cover your walls from floor to ceiling with art from living, working artists. Tear that Picasso image out of that magazine and frame it. Revel in the beauty of the oatmeal box!
In "The Art of Everyday Joe: A Collector's Journal," author Michael K. Corbin uses images from his art collection to enhance the book and complement the essays. He did a great job of matching art with essays and showed a variety of art styles. It was a pleasure flipping through and looking at the art, and I am sure quite a thrill for the author to show off his art collection to so many people. Corbin's writing style is simple, sometimes rambling, but always passionate, no matter the topic. This series is exactly what the art world needs. I expect Michael Corbin to spread the word far and wide.
|
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Art for the Rest of Us, August 13, 2009
I've always enjoyed art books, but often felt they were not written for the regular guy or gal on the street. You know, those of us who can't afford the masterpieces, but have a great appreciation of the beauty, individuality and charm of all medium of art work.
Lots of great art, lots of great detail, and a totally enjoyable read. I have a new appreciation of art as a whole, and will view many pieces with a new eye. Anyone new to the art world, or anyone intimidated by the style often used to review and describe art will find this guide invaluable. It's going on my keeper shelf, for sure.
|
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An art book for the common person, July 7, 2009
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (07/09)
"The Art of Everyday Joe: A Collector's Journal" by Michael K. Corbinis a very down-to-earth book about contemporary art. I by no means consider myself to be an artist. I am also not an art collector, unless you count collecting the masterpieces that my children paint. However, I do enjoy looking at art. My sons and I make quite a few trips to the museum to look at various exhibits and participate in the art museum's activities.
Michael Corbin's book is a book for people like me: average, everyday people who are interested in art. In the introduction to the book he states: "Oh, even if you are not an art lover, start here and now. Everyone appreciates art. They just need a little confidence. Invite art into your life! Let it take you over. You won't be sorry. You can have your own personal relationship with art. All you need is curiosity, desire, goodwill, and a willingness to travel." (p. ix)
The writing in the book is easy to understand and completely relatable. Corbin presents us with a series of essays, intermixed with pictures of various pieces of art from his own collection. The essays vary quite widely in subject matter, but all have the same purpose of showing us that art is everywhere.
I think that "The Art of Everyday Joe: A Collector's Journal" will appeal to a wide audience. It is definitely not a stuffy book, nor is it intimidating as some books on the subject can tend to be. It is a book for the common person who is interested in art and I believe that anyone even remotely interested in the topic will enjoy this book!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
