by Kris Hurst
Check out maker books in Ignite! Ignite is building up a collection of printed material related to art and making. We have an adult collection. And we offer books for school aged children. Find both collections located on the moving shelving units in Ignite.
Check Out Maker Books in Ignite
Our adult collection consists of books and a few magazines on various mediums from abstract art to weaving, famous artists, art history and art techniques. Need help drawing the figure? We have books with tips on capturing someone’s likeness and proportions. Want to learn about a specific artist? Check out our shelves to find books on masters as well as contemporary artists. Want to find a fun DIY project? Look to Make: Magazine, which comes out quarterly and features easy to difficult projects and news about fun happenings in the maker community. Want to explore a traditional handicraft in a new way? Check out our back copies of Mollie Makes, a resource for those interested in textile arts.
One of my current favorite books in the adult collection is called The Art of the Fold by Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol. This book takes the simple act of folding paper and elevates it by showing examples of books, sculptures and enclosures all made from this everyday medium. Heidi is a book artist in a career that has spanned over 45 years. The book features full color examples and illustrated steps and dimensions for each project. Art at its best transcends the material it is created with and these elegant and precise forms do just that.
Children’s Books in Ignite
Our children’s collection features many informative and fun titles. Check out the series of books labeled 10 Minute Projects for quick projects meant to spark creativity and learning. These books cover anything from no-sew to kitchen science to engineering projects. Peruse books that aim to highlight a number of different artists, providing a brief overview of their work and life such as Famous Artists in History by Kelly Milner Halls.
One of my favorite children’s books is Unbound: The Life + Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet. Judith’s sister, Joyce, tells the story of her twin sister, born with Down Syndrome. Judy was institutionalized for 35 years, and then reunited with her sister. Joyce takes Judy to a local art studio, where Judy taps into her creativity when introduced to an assortment of natural materials. Judy begins to work with the materials. She wraps and bundles them in unique ways, creating sculptures that go on to be featured in museums around the world. Her introduction to these simple materials transforms her life and enriches those around her and beyond.
For each exhibit, we highlight books from the library’s upstairs collection and Ignite’s. Our current exhibit ‘Pattern’ features books on mosaics, tapestry weaving and historical fabric patterns. Pattern is one of the principles of art and refers to a regular arrangement of alternating or repeated items or ‘motifs.’ The titles featured in the display tie in to the infinite possibilities of pattern design across a wide variety of mediums.
If you have books you would like to see in Ignite, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We ask our Makers-in-Residence and teaching artists for suggestions, but would love to hear from our patrons as well!
