Craft books seem to come in waves...not just the publishing month waves, but in waves that seem to signal trend spikes. As people interested in craft, it's kind of silly to watch. We know that interest in craft isn't driven by trend. It is something that resides deep in the soul. It is tactile + compelling, expansive + vital.
For whatever reason, I have read some truly exceptional books about craft lately:
For whatever reason, I have read some truly exceptional books about craft lately:
- Handbuilt by Lilly Maetzig (above) :: This book is was the one that, after reading the library copy, I knew would earn its spot on my bookshelf. I'm not quite ready to invest in a ceramics set-up of my own, but when I am this book will be my instructor. It's beautiful + so generous in the practical knowledge it shares.
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- Finding Form with Fibre by Ruth Woods :: The artists highlighted in the first half of this book are incredibly inspiring. This book has me thinking about creating small woven works as a sort of home exhibit installation.
- Cloth by Lena Corwin :: I've just checked this out from the library + I'm so excited to dig in. My mind goes racing with lines like, "From swaddling blankets to burial shrouds, people live with cloth daily and for the entirety of their lives."
- Clay by Amber Creswell Bell :: Gosh, I just love all the things you can do with clay!
- Thrown by Lilly Maetzig :: This book, like Handbuilt above, is full of instruction that you just won't always get from a class. Lilly is the teacher who remembers what she didn't know when she started doing ceramics. Such an incredible (and beautiful) resource.
I'm sitting down with iced coffee + listening to the rain. Sunflowers + hollyhocks sway in the garden outside the window. Goldfinches swoop + chipmunks bound through the tall grass. I've just returned from the library with a new book (Cloth). It's a good Sunday. Wishing you something similarly lovely.
Love,
Jane
