Handmade Artist Books - Unique Handcrafted Book Art for Collectors & Gifts | Perfect for Art Lovers, Book Enthusiasts & Creative Decor

Like lots of artists who want to either alter an extant book or create one from the ground up, I've thumbed through, bought, or checked out many how-to books on the subjects. But I'm usually disappointed by the works illustrated. As is true of Dorothy Krause's new book, all come with guidelines and accompanying illustrations, but, unlike hers, and ironically, few of the resulting products actually move me, the finished works juggling text and imagery in an arbitrary manner.Most texts on the subject--including this one--tout the nearly limitless possibilities available to someone wanting to either alter or create a book from the ground up, but more often than not the flexibility of the medium is taken as license rather than privilege and weaker artists than Krause "let rip" accordingly, designing, layering, and collaging without regarding the principles of good design, textual integration, and imagery. Thematically they play it fast and loose, employing a plethora of stereotypical images and arriving at hackneyed associations.Krause's book and work, on the other hand, actually show how powerful the book arts can be. Her generosity with her knowledge and experience--a sure sign of a good teacher--is matched by the tantalizing final products lavishly showcased. My only lament, though I realize the impracticality involved: that not each page of each work is shown.I especially love Krause's painterly-ness; her rich palette reminds the reader that dark can be beautiful. The variety of binding and novel altering options offered come with great photographs, clear explanations, and helpful asides.I recommend this book to anyone whe wishes to have not just a glancing but a hands-on relationship with the book arts. But I also recommend it to anyone who just loves opening a book and being dazzled by it.