Art, Crafts & Photography from our 2020 Winter Newsletter

As a knitter I am confident in many techniques, but one that baffles me to no end is colorwork. I need something that teaches me step by step, as most patterns are either too simple or extremely complex and leave me floundering. That’s why I’m so excited about Ostermiller’s new book, which walks you through different color techniques and lovely patterns with which to try them. If you’re ready to take your knitting to the next level, this promises to be the perfect fit. — Jax

Updated for only the third time in its 16-year history, this edition of The Art Book includes 40 new artists among its more than 600, and spans from medieval to modern times. What continues to be exciting about this book are the dynamic pairings that occur as a result of arranging the book alphabetically by artist rather than classified by category. A page on Joan Mitchell opposite a page on Zanele Muholi forces you to consider them in relation to each other, not just on their own, and I love it. An excellent book for any art enthusiast. — S.B.

Take a journey around the world with this beautiful book about international dyeing techniques, from the owners of A Verb for Keeping Warm textile shop in Oakland. Full of gorgeous photography, fun projects, and textile references, this book is perfect for someone who spent the beginning of lockdown in a crafting frenzy. — Jae

In this disquieting new book, 12 photographers team up to expose the world’s imminent decay at our own hands: poaching, habitat destruction, factory farms, pollution, ocean acidification, climate change. The heartbreakingly beautiful photographs capture and crush the soul. Read the photographers insights for “the stories behind” and glimmers of hope. — Kalina

Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York online series has been one of my lifelines this tumultuous year, as I’m sure it has been for many. The photos and poignant stories of those featured remind us of our shared humanity. Stanton’s wonderful new book, a collection of hundreds of photographs and stories he gathered from people around the world, continues that mission. With human connection in low supply these days, this book, filled with an abundance of love, hope, and determination, is exactly what I want to immerse myself in. — S.B.
 

Urinals, anthropomorphic instruments from hell, Jack the Ripper’s art career, museum heists, Andy Warhol’s 610 time capsules, and Monet’s cataracts—oh, my! From cover to cover, ArtCurious is a delightful dive into the quirky lore and contentious tales of art history. It’s all the mesmerizing bits that my college courses left out. Dasal, with her robust background in art curation and podcasting, debunks the myth that art history is boring, and her writing is approachable for budding and experienced art historians alike. — Charlotte
 

This beautiful book profiles 25 fabric designers from around the world, including printmaker Jen Hewett of the US (San Francisco), textile designer Naomi Ito of Japan, and First Nation artist Destiny Seymour. This visual feast is filled with a bold range of patterns and vibrant colors as well as inspirational text about each designer’s creative process. It is a fantastic gift for any artist or lover of textiles. — S.B.

Take up your tools of repair, fellow makers, fellow tinkerers! The revolution is coming, and it is here to mend your old jeans, fix that broken toaster, and finally get the missing leg on the chair you’ve had for years! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, and invite them to share in the wonderful world of repair! — Jae