This is part of the Check Her Out! series. Today I review Lyric's book. We are both Interweave authors, and we originally met through our contributions to Quilting Arts TV. I have come to know Lyric as an individual and am in awe of what she applies herself to and how much she accomplishes. Her writing style is gentle, encouraging, almost an embrace but like a good friend she also knows when to push and when to nudge. There are no excuses! And this makes for an even better creative ride.
Lyric Kinard's book Art + Quilt, Design Principles and Creativity Exercises is an absolute treasure. If you haven't added this book to your library already, here are a few reasons why you should.
Lyric's style is permissive and encouraging. She reminds us that we are all creative whether organizing our household or daring to embrace our own artistic selves, the basics are all within our grasp and ready to be shared with the world. Lyric breaks down the key aspects of art into 5 categories, Texture, Shape, Line, Color and Value and provides prompts to explore each idea.
Once these ideas are integrated into your repertoire, Lyric expands on these ideas by discussing some basic artistic principles; focal point, depth and space, motion and rhythm, to name just a few. She does all of this while peppering the text with ideas taken from major works of art, reminding you to place one foot in front of the next in order to become an artist in your own right, inspired by your very own experiences, armed with the basic concepts and ideas to keep you motivated, one piece of art at a time.
One of the best things about this book is the design game on pages 88 and 89. Just take your copy to a decent copy shop, ask them to print these two pages off onto card stock, cut them down to playing card size and play! Another great thing is that Interweave published this book with a perfect binding that conceals a spiral, this book will open and stay flat as you work your way through Lyric's exercises. It is a true workbook.
So. If you need to learn basic principles of design and composition or need a refresher course, this book will help you on your path, encourage and support your explorations and inspire you with the art contained on each page. And don't get me started on the quotes and essays by other artists!
You might consider purchasing a book directly from Lyric! She will sign in and (it seems) she will even tuck a little something special into it.
And as I said last week, Lyric and I will be making a postcard to give away at the end of the four week Check Her Out! spotlight. If you leave a comment on either of our Monday posts, you will be entered to win a postcard. Without knowing it Lyric and I sent one another a printed fabric featuring Gingko leaves! Please go check out the fabric I sent her! This is quite a coinkydink~
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I just got done reading Lyric's blog about your book and thought I'd check out your blog on her's. How wonderful that you two are inspiring each other and the rest of us. As I said in my comments on Lyric's blog, I really have to have both of your books now. I can't wait any longer. I enjoy following both of your blogs.
You say Lyric's style is permissive and encouraging. How true, as I discovered in an online class.
It's funny that I have both of your books out and am using them! I have your book out to the page where you talk about the free motion grid (I'm teaching mysedlf free motion machine embroidery). I'm intrigued with the use of tulle and masking tape mask as seen on Quilting Arts yesterday. I had used freezer paper in Lyric's class but not the way you use it. I'm looking forward to the collaboration between you both. I am doing Lyric's exercises in her book as time allows. I have so much to learn and you are both so encouraging of others creativity! I'm also working with the third book Art Quilt Workshop by Jane Davilia and Elin Waterston. I didn't go to art school and so this is my way of trying to learn some art theory. Thanks for being such an inspiration. I've been amazed on Flickr at what you've gotten people to do in your class. Inspirational!
I've got Lyric's book on my coffee table, just waiting to be read! and her dvd is very good too.
So much inspiration, so little time. I love both your's and Lyric's book. The photographs alone are enough to get the creative juices flowing. If anyone is on the fence about purchasing either book, let me give you a shove;-)Have a great week Melly!
Okay- you have convinced me to buy Lyric's book- I have been waffling for a while since I have like way too many books already. But it looks like a very worthwhile book. And I already have yours!
Great book review Melanie.
I am loving Lyric's work.
Alma
Hi Melanie,
It was a pleasure to meet you Tuesday.
I am glad that I could help you by getting my projector and getting it up and running.
You are a very good presenter and I really appreciated all the information you shared.
I have heard from several people in that guild and they were all very impressed with you presentation. Thank goodness we had a projector because the images were beautiful. Your work is really very detailed and seeing the images helped us understand what you were talking about in terms of techniques/process.
Kendell
Oh! Wonderful review! and fab art. I'm looking forward to getting a copy of Lyric's book. It looks fabulous. I may not need that shove - looks like my Summer Reading program is going to start early. Thanks Melly and Lyric! You are both an inspiration.
like the review, you have done another great job melanie
I am excited to check out Lyrics book... Thanks so much for a peek.
These books look so inspiring, thank you for sharing :)
I have both your and Lyric's book. You have helped me set my focus on working my way through both of them....I am bowled over by the work you and Lyric have featured!!!
Great review of a very wonderful book.