I picked up a library book recently that is just a visual feast. Botanica, published by Uppercase magazine is an encyclopedia of inspiration. It is a look at how artists, illustrators, photographers and other creatives use flowers as their subject matter. Whether it’s a still life photo or the base for a silkscreen print, the arrangements are used in a variety of creative ways and to evoke different thoughts or feelings in the viewer.
I love floral motifs and often use them in my journal covers. When I go paper shopping whether it’s scrapbook papers or Italian Florentine paper, if there are florals then those are probably the ones I’ll gravitate towards first.
I haven’t gone through the whole book yet but I am enjoying the artists’ bios, and a peek at their studios and/or creative process. I think this is one book I’d love to add to my book collection so I could go back to it time and again.
Part of this collection also has books on illustrations, typewriters, and a bunch of other fascinating subjects. I’m most excited about their upcoming release which will be a compendium on ephemera! Oh my, I need that I am sure.
How about you, have you picked up a book that’s inspired you lately? It could be on any subject!
Sounds like a fun book, even if all you have time for is to flip through the pages enjoying the pictures!
A compendium on ephemera! I need that one!
Oh…typewriters?! I would LOVE that. What a beautiful series!
I haven’t browsed anything lately which has been especially inspiring, but I did take the train outside of the city and walked back into the city alongside Lake Ontario (the one of the Great Lakes on which Toronto sits) and the endless horizon and sun on the water and all the bird activity (including more than twenty white swans in one sheltered area) certainly got my creative juices going. Nothing much else proves better for story ideas than roaming the city and its fringes without a specific destination in mind!
This sounds wonderful. I am going to have to check out this series. I love books like this. I think most recently I found a really great art book: Women Artists in Paris, 1850-1900 that is gorgeous. I might check it out from the library but it is one of those oversize art books that is unwieldy to carry about.
I love flowers also, this sounds very nice. Enjoy your week!
Kim@TimetoRead – It’s really fun to flip through this and find new artists to enjoy!
BuriedinPrint – It’s so cool. Hope you get a chance to check it out. And, yes, totally agree, going for a walk/roaming around is the best way to get some inspiration! I love finding it in nature, new buildings, graffiti, anything can be inspiring if you just look!
Danielle – I know what you mean! I would love to check out the book you found too. I love reading about artists but a book featuring women artists is a must read!
Bookworm – It is such a gorgeous collection. I want to keep this book but I think I’ll have to treat myself to this book one of these days!