Art, Craft, & Photography from our 2019 Winter Newsletter

This showcase of 400 artists from 50 countries of the past 500 years, the latest book in Phaidon’s Art Book series, is a stunner. From familiar names like Frida Kahlo, Mary Cassatt, and Georgia O’Keeffe, to lesser-known artists, each painter, sculptor, photographer, and performance artist is celebrated with an image of their key artwork and a short essay. Even as an art major myself, I was excited to discover artists I hadn’t known before as well as to revisit old favorites. Any art lover will enjoy this beautiful book. - S.B.

Although I have been embroidering for almost 2 years now, I still consider myself a beginner. I am often hesitant to look at patterns and new projects, for fear that I will be intimated. But celebrated embroidery artist Yumiko Higuchi’s new book was the perfect one to ease my fears and boost my confidence. With splendid photographs, and clear, step-by-step instructions and diagrams, this book will be a delight for embroidery novices and experts alike. The designs somehow manage to be fresh and simple all at once. My favorite aspect of this book were the tips on using metallic thread to make a motif feel layered and stand out. This is a beautiful and lovely book for any embroiderer in your life (including yourself!). - S.M.C.

Sewing, embroidery, and anything to do with needle and thread have long been considered “women’s work” and disregarded as frivolous. Clare Hunter takes us on a journey through time to shine a light on the enormous impact of these underestimated crafts—embroidery used as medieval propaganda, quilts that World War II POWs made to regain their individuality, the 1980’s AIDS quilt, pussy hats after the 2016 election. This trip through textile history is perfect for the history nerd and contemporary sewist alike. - J Gallo

This book is a beautiful tribute to Maestrapeace, the mural that adorns the Women’s Building in San Francisco’s Mission. Angela Y. Davis’s foreword provides not only an introduction but historical and social context, which is followed by sections that explore the art, the meaning of its imagery, introduce the seven female muralists, and detail the artwork’s history from inception to today. To hold this book in your hands is to hold Maestrapeace itself—its art, journey, intent, and spirit. - Jocelyn

This book is a piece of art in and of itself. It details the process of artisans who work on crafts that have almost slipped into obscurity. I jump at every chance I get to learn about a new form of crafting and making. The chapters on the book mender and the kintsugi (the Buddhist art of mending pottery with gold lacquer) are especially fascinating. Get this for the crafter in your life who flits from one practice to another and is equally excited about all of them. - J Gallo

I was not expecting a memoir about a bale of wool, but it turns out the bale is the perfect vehicle to explore the American wool landscape and its future. Parkes’ writing allows the newbie to jump in feet first, while at the same time provides a homey return for those familiar with the lifestyle (from shearing to spinning to knitting). This is a love letter to wool, to the process and the people involved, and to the joy of being able to play with it to create something new. - Rachel

I’m very excited to read the testimonials extolling the virtues of quilting in this book. I’ve been sewing for most of my life and quilting for at least the last 5 years, and I love hearing about how sewing and quilting have changed people’s lives and helped them to change the world around them. Each of the chapters speaks to me: I quilt to connect with tradition, I quilt and sew to eschew consumer culture, and I quilt because I can! Gift this to the fabric addict who handmakes their gifts every year. - J Gallo

This collection of spectacular images reveals our planet as we’ve never seen it before. Utilizing satellite images, locations that were previously too remote or could only be seen from space are revealed—including newly formed islands born from volcanic eruptions and turtles traveling on ocean currents. Still photographs from the ground—from Bangladesh to Florida—complete this stunning look at the true colors of our planet.