Article Contributed on: 5/29/2007 10:20:40 AM
By Joyce Deming, information services librarian, Golden Library
When you think about art, what comes to mind? Dimly lit museums full of classical paintings? Modern works consisting of blobs and splats of paint that you're sure your child or grandchild could replicate? While the Library is full of books about both traditional and modern art, I invite you to explore art in some unexpected forms and places. Here are some suggestions:
While many consider finely handcrafted tools to be works of art, even ordinary tools can be used to create something beautiful. Pete Hamill showcases the Hechinger Collection of hardware-based art in his book, Tools as Art. Whether it's hundreds of vise grips arranged to look like schooling fish or an O'Keefe-like rendering of a pair of needlenose pliers, this book is sure to delight even the most unhandy readers.
Several years ago, the Denver Art Museum featured an exhibit of Amish Quilts, evidence that the once strict distinction between craft and art is blurring. These utilitarian objects created by women with no formal art training have been compared to works of modern masters such as Josef Albers and Mark Rothko. You can explore the simple yet striking beauty of Amish quilts in Amish Quilts of Lancaster County by Patricia Herr and A Treasury of Amish Quilts by Rachel Pellman.
Nature has long inspired artists and I've found field guides to be a wonderful, if unintentional, source of artistic inspiration. Such is the case with the hefty tome Lichens of North America by Irwin Brodo. Weighing in at more than five pounds, this large-format book contains hundreds of stunning photographs of lichens in a rich variety of forms and colors. The text is surprisingly accessible for such an academic work, and you may find yourself not only enjoying the pictures, but learning some lichen biology as well.
Unless you have children, you may not be aware of the incredible art to be found in children's picture books. Indeed, I sometimes wonder if the artwork is more for the parents' enjoyment than the children's. Every year, the Caldecott Medal is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children, and that list of winners is a good place to start exploring the world of children's book art. Some of my favorite illustrators include Leo Lionni, Eric Carle, Mary Azarian and Suzanne Tanner Chitwood.
You can check out these books and more at any Jefferson County Public Library location. Look for them on our web site, http://jefferson.lib.co.us, or talk to your librarian for more reading suggestions.