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