Detail from "Rain Dance," an original quilt by Sherrie Spangler

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Book giveaway: "Vibrant Quilt Collage"



Interweave Press sent me this VERY COLORFUL book to review a few months ago, and I've been soaking up the photos of Bethan Ash's vivid abstract quilts like they were rays of sunshine. Now it's time to give it away. Leave a comment or send me an email (sherriequilt@yahoo.com) if you'd like the chance to win it. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. I'll draw a name at the end of the week. Now, on to the review ...
 

I love the book, but I must caution you that it reportedly is a reprint of a book by Bethan called "Instinctive Quilt Art." According to Amazon reviews, the content is the same but the cover and title are new under the 2012 Interweave Press printing. So don't rush out to buy "Vibrant Quilt Collage" if you already own "Instinctive Quilt Art."
 

Again, I love the book. Throughout, Bethan advises us to follow our instincts and intuition to spontaneously create unique art quilts. Her emphasis is on fused collaged abstract work, but she also includes photos of work by other quilt artists who do more realistic work. Mostly though, the book is about becoming comfortable working in an abstract manner.
 
"Learn to appreciate the abstract method of fusing and use of color and by doing so you will discover that your self-confidence grows as you become more accomplished."  page 6 
 
She discusses design concerns -- patterns, form, composition, color, texture -- and offers technique exercises. "The ultimate goal of the exercises," she writes, "is to help you free yourself from the psychological barriers that inhibit creativity, and to open up a myriad of new and exciting possibilities for making quilt art." 
 

Techniques discussed include fusing, collage, surface design, digital transfer, action painting, print techniques, resists, and giving your work a professional finish. You won't find anything about 1/4" seams or how to make your points match :)


Even though the emphasis is on abstract quilts, which she does so well, she offers this:

"To follow the abstract method of improvisation does not mean that you only have to work in an abstract way; on the contrary, the method and exercises in this book are designed to help you develop your artistic skills and feelings for color, shape, texture, composition, and harmony. The more you practice these skills, the better your work will be, even if you work figuratively."

So if working more freely and intuitively is one of your New Year's goals, this is the book for you. Leave a comment and it could be yours!

Have a colorful day

29 comments:

Quilter Beth said...

I'd LOVE to have this book. Sounds like my "cup of tea." Thanks for the giveaway.

Judy Ferguson said...

This sounds like my kind of book. Would love to have it. Put me in.

Charlotte said...

Thanks for the review and chance to win

Nancy B said...

Sounds like an interesting book, thank you for the chance to win the book!
Nancy B.
imanav8r@sbcglobal.net

Nancy B said...

Sounds like an interesting book, thank you for the chance to win the book!
Nancy B.
imanav8r@sbcglobal.net

Unknown said...

I'd love to try some of the techniques you describe. Thanks for the give-away.

sonja said...

how wonderful you got to review the book!
i come from "the seat of the pants school of hands on art" and it sounds like a good way to start the new year for anyone so if i win send my copy to Pat R and she can read it to me in January!
a hui ho, Sonja

Nightstitcher. said...

Can't seem to post my comment, so giving it another try. Google doesn't seem to let me comment without a Blogger account. Anyway, I'd like to learn how to work more improvisationally.

Cheryl Lynch Quilts said...

This seems like a great book. I have been interested in doing more fabric collage. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

Debbie Bein said...

Very interested in exploring this book, Bethany and I work in similar veins, it seems. Debbie Bein
http://deborahbein.com
email: dbein@hvc.rr.com

Judy Sall Fiber Art said...

I'm always on the lookout for good instructive books to further my art quilting! Please add me to your list for the giveaway. tiedyejudy@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Judy

Nancy Schlegel said...

I've seen many books on "intuitive" designing of quilts which seem to be more geared toward piecing. This one using fusing and more organic shapes is sparking my creativity. I would love to win the book and appreciate your offering it to us.

Kathi said...

Looks like a great book. Thanks for the review and the opportunity to get it from you!
Throw my name in the hat please!

Cedar Ridge Studio said...

Looks like a good book to use in 2013. Have A great New Year and a productive one.

Linda M said...

I'd love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the review.

Angela Grasse said...

This sounds like a really good book! I would love to win it!

Sandy in CA said...

I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.

ellen gets crafty said...

This looks like a great book. Thank you for a chance to win.

Linda Mac said...

I would love to win this book, thank you for the opportunity.

Vivian Helena said...

Looks like a wonderful inspirational book,,, would love to have it.

email vivianhelena@sti.net

KAM said...

I would love to add this book to my quilting book shelf. I am currently teaching my daughter and granddaughter how to quilt...this would be a great instructional book for exploring the world of art quilts
Kristin

David said...

Just watched a video this weekend on The Quilt Show where Katie Pasquini Masopust demonstrated how she does organic abstraction. It would be so nice to have this book to compare the two techniques that work in very freeing right brain. Thanks for the giveaway.

Diane said...

I would love to read thru a copy of this book. In the New Year, I am trying to develop new skills that will move me forward in my work. Best wishes to you in the New Year, too!

Elaine Millar said...

I would love to win a copy of this wonderful book. thanks for the opportunity to win it.

Claude Larson said...

I have been looking at the ads for that book for quite some time now. Would love to add it to my inspirational collection of books. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

Claude Larson

Dotti said...

What a fun book...I would love to win a copy!

California Fiber artist and composer said...

I have been eyeing this book in Barnes and Nobles and would love to win a copy.

Shirley said...

I would LOVE to get out of my 'rut' and spontaneously cut, fuse, and embellish.

Marybeth said...

This book would be treasured in this household!! Thanks for sharing with one of us who enter.