Average customer rating:
- Amazing Visuals, Informative Text!
- Another Gee's Bend book
- An exciting look at quilts as modern art
- Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt by Paul Arnett, William Arnett
- A great book on a legendary art
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Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt
Paul Arnett ,
William Arnett ,
Bernard Herman ,
Maggi Gordon ,
Diane Mott ,
Dilys Blum ,
Lauren Whitley ,
Amei Wallach , and
Joanne Cubbs
Manufacturer: Tinwood Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0971910456 |
Book Description
In 2002, Gee’s Bend burst into international prominence through the success of Tinwood’s Quilts of Gee’s Bend exhibition and book, which revealed an important and previously invisible art tradition from the African American South. Critics and popular audiences alike marveled at these quilts that combined the best of contemporary design with a deeply rooted ethnic heritage and compelling human stories about the women. Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt is a major book and museum exhibition that will premiere at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), in June 2006 before traveling to seven American museums through 2008. The book's 330 color illustrations and insightful text bring home the exciting experience to readers while displaying all the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that have gone into these remarkable quilts.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing Visuals, Informative Text!.......2007-09-17
This book is gorgeous!!! It includes large photographs of tons of quilts, in a size that allows you to see the smallest details, such as topstitching. It also includes inspirational photos of details of the town. However, it's not your typical coffe table book, because it has probably equal parts very informative text and visuals. Since it's not small enough to carry with me on the train, it's been hard separating myself from this book-- it is beautiful!
Another Gee's Bend book.......2007-05-13
I like this book because it is full of information about the construction of the quilts and alot of trivia about the makers of the quilts. Very beautiful pictures! A great book for learning.
An exciting look at quilts as modern art.......2007-02-08
This book illustrates the link between the incredibly beautiful quilts produced by five generations of African American women in the South to the architecture they saw around them and to their own artistic vision. Their personal stories, contained in chapters toward the end of the book, are very moving and inspirational.
Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt by Paul Arnett, William Arnett .......2007-01-12
Wonderful book full of pictures and inspiration, and the story of the Gees Bend Quilts.
A great book on a legendary art.......2007-01-04
This book shows the Gees Bend quilts in all their gorgeous and unself-conscious art, as well as telling the story of these women, descended from slaves in an isolated community, who created this amazing abstract art. A wonderful book, with many color photos of the quilts.
Book Description
Generously sized and beautifully illustrated, African Textiles is an authoritative survey of textile arts - unique and collectible rugs, tapestries, garments, and much more - from across the continent. Author John Gillow traveled extensively throughout Africa, uncovering the dazzling range of traditional hand-crafted textiles from each region. Five sections detail the textile history and traditions within Africa's major geographical areas, examining materials, dyes, decorations, patterns, and techniques. From the stripweave cloth of the Ashanti in the West to Ethiopian embroidery in the East, from Berber rugs in the North to the Madagascan silk of the South - and everything in between - the breadth of coverage in African Textiles is peerless. Robustly illustrated with over 500 color photographs and drawings, this is an exciting new sourcebook for those interested in textile design and the traditional arts of Africa.
Customer Reviews:
Astounding creativity captured in a book.......2006-05-08
John Gillow's African Textiles is an inspiring review of the diverse creativity of textiles in Africa. I read this book before I travelled in south and south-eastern Africa and it helped me identify what I was seeing and its quality. A fantastic and well written resourse.
African Textiles in an Amazing Source.......2004-06-22
This book is a wonderful source of material for anyone doing historical research on African and subgroup textiles. It has sections from Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Eastern African, etc. It goes in a good depth on the process and cultural influence of each textile and their signifigance. The illustrations are also an amazing quality with good size picture. As a Theatre Studies major, I had to research material for Nigerian costuming and this book was a nice resource to get a feel of the fabric in this region. Although this book doesn't go too much in depth about the attire Africans wore, it does go about telling what fabrics are used. This is definitely a must buy.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing design and layout.......2003-09-05
While the content of this book is, for the most part, informative and interesting (although limited in its geographical reach within Africa), the production side leaves a lot to be desired. The bold, heavy typeface is ugly and hard to read and rivers of white space running down the columns give the typesetting an unprofessional look - this is the kind of basic typesetting error one expects in a cheap flyer, not in a glossy coffee table book. There are several typing errors, which are annoying, and the book could also have done with a good edit. For example, the author declines to explain various weaving processes because they are apparently too technical, but stating this at least three times in one book suggests that either the author doesn't understand the processes himself, or he has a rather low opinion of his readers' capacity to understand them. Either way, a good edit could have ironed out the repetition of this problem, or found a way to explain these technical processes - for example, simple line illustrations could have been used to show graphically what the author was not able to put into words. While the photos are generally good and make one really want to see the textiles in the flesh, as it were, those that are meant to show more detail are often not sufficiently close up to really provide much more information. They come across as repetition or as gap-fillers rather than serving any more useful function. There are several examples in the section on raffia cloths of Zaire, and a glaring example on pages 68/69. A more successful example is on pages 76/77, where the detail does in fact show more detail.
Good Introductory Book on African textiles........2000-11-07
This is a very interesting and informative book on this subject. It makes one appreciate the workmanship and artistic style of these fabrics. This book, first, describes the main materials and techniques of African cloth production and decoration and, then, explores in detail a few of the more popular of the African textiles. These include Raffia cloths of Zaire, Kente(Royal Cloth of the Ashanti), Bogolan (Mud-Dyed Cloth of Mali),Aso Oke (Ceremonial Cloth of the Yoruba), and African Wax -Printed Cloths. Detailed descriptions and full-color photographs not onlly glorifies the art but makes one understand the real African textiles from the African influenced copies.
Excellent.......1999-01-01
Great photos, well researched, unstuffy, accessible, respectful and more or less contemporary. The notes on futhur reading could have been expanded and an index would have been helpful.
Book Description
This exuberantly illustrated book celebrates the sophistication, vivacity, and significance of improvisational African-Aemrican quilts, both as artistic achievements and as expressions of African-American traditions. The knowledge, attitudes, and values carried across the Atlantic by enslaved Africans appear to have informed a quiltmaking tradition so powerful that, to this day, it preserves its identity in a special province of African-American quilts. Such "Afro-traditional" quilts are made by people who have no formal art training and who usually do not consider themselves artists; they learned their craft and absorbed its aesthetics by watching and helping their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who, in turn, learned form previous generations. The resulting--often highly idiosyncratic--quilts call out to be seen as the works of art that they are. The brilliance of this work must be partially credited to a tradition which encourages individual expression and provides a context in which the talents of individual artists can flourish. Improvisation, pervasive in black African art and familiar as a basic element of many African-American musical forms, is a vital force in this tradition. The artists maintain a generous attitude toward the accidental, embracing innovations that originate beyond the conscious domain. they use approximate measurement and "flexible patterning," in which the design, conceived of as a an invitation to variation, will not repeat, but will materialize in a sequence of visual elaborations. Afro-traditional attitudes and methods are antithetical to the standard American quiltmaking tradition--practiced by both whites and blacks--in which great value is placed on precise measurement and exact pattern replication. Instead they bear a keen likeness to the improvisatory practices of the textile-makers of Kongo and West Africa, regions from which American slaves were taken. These antipathies and affinities suggest an enduring African influence on the Afro-traditional quilt.
Book Description
Mary Lee Bendolph’s extraordinary patchworks garnered national attention when they were featured among the works of other quiltmakers from her tiny, predominately African American community in the 2002 blockbuster exhibition and book, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend. This beautiful book examines Bendolph’s inspiration, creative process, and individual genius, as well as her profound connection to the cultural practices and expressive traditions out of which her work arises. It studies her artistic relationships with other artists — her mother, Aolar Mosely; her daughter, Essie Bendolph Pettway; her daughter-in-law Louisiana P. Bendolph; and two self-taught Alabama artists, Lonnie Holley and Thornton Dial. Bendolph’s conception of herself as an artist is intimately connected to all of these aesthetic relationships, which together provide contexts for understanding the full scope and power of her work. As they intersect in Bendolph’s life and art, these deep social and aesthetic networks give rise to new pathways of artistic influence and exchange, to a body of work that is a powerful mixture of communal and individual creative energies.
Book Description
THE WAY WE WORE takes a unique look back at African American style moments. Utilizing personal photographs, it explores the stylish beginnings of a diverse group of African American tastemarkers, examining a time when some individuals literally pulled it all together; or, for others, a time of trial and error. This is an exploration of African American the fabulous and the faux pas.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous Evolution of Black Fashion!.......2006-10-11
This book is really great becuase it emphasizes how crucial a role African-American fashion has played over the years. The photographs in the book are nostalgic-- A visual trip down memory lane as I recalled outrageous fashions from the 70's and 80's. I also went to the Black Style Now exhibit at the Museum of the City Of New York, which was equally fabulous. I think the book finally gives credit to the importance of African American fashion from the 1940's onward.
This book is a fashion lover's dream!.......2006-10-10
As an African American woman in the fashion biz, I know how little there is to represent black fashion's history out there. This book is great; it's filled with tons of candid celebrity photos and fabulous fashion. I know I'm buying this for my sister for the holidays.
Customer Reviews:
Breath-taking.......2007-05-05
I found this book in the gift shop at the National Textile Museum in Washington, DC. It's really all pictures--150 pages of full-color clear pictures of nothing but mudcloth (cloth on white background, glossy pages), with a few pages of essays at the beginning to set the stage. The book comes with a CD containing all the images, and permission to use up to five of them for "personal use."
About 1/4 of the patterns make me stop in my tracks. You may find a different quarter to be of interest. They're all compelling; my taste runs to bold graphics. Great source material.
Book Description
These vibrant West African symbols collected from Ghana are a delightful way to express universal, uplifting messages such as Truth, Courage, Faith, and Peace. Contains 31 rubber stamps and a companion booklet describing the history and meaning of each symbol as well as great stamp activities everyone will enjoy.
Customer Reviews:
Adinkra symbols.......2007-05-07
Fun & informative. I have used and enjoyed this stamp kit and booklet for my students and myself.
not so great if you're looking for accuracy.......2003-04-14
As a person who spent over 2 years in Ghana and became pretty familiar with Adinkra symbols...I was disappointed with this stamp kit. I was excited when I saw this kit online but should have read the reviews before ordering as I see several other people felt let down too. I can hardly believe that the author left out the most well loved Adinkra symbol of all, "Gye Nyame", a symbol about the power of God. I really wish the author had put more effort into her research and included the names and accurate meanings of the symbols in the Twi language. Bummer.
Great Stamps.......2003-01-23
The rubber stamps are the real bargain here. As others have mentioned, the small booklet that comes with this set does not have much going for it. I also would have preferred to see the symbols identified with their African names. There are websites that go into more details about the symbols. People should not have much trouble finding them by searching "Adinkra" and "symbols."
stamp kit.......2002-02-06
Disappointing, especially since she's actually spent time with adinkra printers. could have been more conprehensive and translations more accurate. Also disappointed not to see ethnic names of symbols displayed.
A disappointment...........2001-01-14
I had heard rave reviews about this stamp set and waited with great excitement. The stamps themselves are sufficient, though they are small. The disappointment was in the definitions, which are not accurate to the language and the fact that the two most popular Adinkra symbols were noticeably absent. While it is a good set to have around, I would have preferred to invest the money in a more accurate, larger mount set.
Product Description
Features over 40 how-to projects for home decor done in African textiles like mudcloth, kente, korhogo, kuba and adinkra. The first chapter explains the fabrics, how they are made and used traditionally, and each of the following chapters covers a room in the house. Projects are designed for various skill levels, utilizing a mix of sewing, glueing, fusing, staple gun and other easy techniques. Visit www.CulturedExpressions.com
Customer Reviews:
Love this book!.......2004-12-10
This was exactly what I was searching for...beautiful, inspiring photos of projects that you can easily do for yourself. If has great graphic designs you can copy and use for stenciling, stamping, etc. Loved the cardboard spear and the textiles.
I must have bought 10 other books on exotic decor, ethnic decor and this is the only one that really thrilled me.
Wonderful.......2003-03-25
Shephard created a book satiated with texture, woven in embroidery of dyes and rituals. In African Accents, the author shares with us her stories through textiles. She recreates African accents for readers who have formerly collected pieces of cultural tradition and for the newly converted. Scanning through the craft section of any bookstore, one could notice a scarcity of African crafts, house style, and decorating books. With this book, Shephard undertakes a worthy task. The author's time spent in Senegal piqued her already flourishing interest in African design. Shephard prefaces each chapter with anecdotes, the significance of fiber technique, and facts about the fabrics used for the easy to follow hand-made crafts she shares later in the book. The author separates the fabric regionally and explains the social and rich cultural aspects tied into the various designs and processes.
The first part of the book is devoted to recreating the essence of each separate style of fabric, (that is, if you choose to). Some fabric recreations are simple and others are intricate including embroidery and weaving. Shephard cautions that replicating the fabric does not replace the real thing, but could rather deepen one's appreciation for the years of apprenticeship. In reproducing the designs on the fabrics, the book includes actual sized symbols with their meaning. Some of the Ashanti designs on the fabrics, the author indicates, are the equivalent of the European family crest.
In part two of the book the chapters are devoted to each room of your home and the art of gift giving. Secrets and tricks are provided to lend your pillows, clocks and picture frames the professional touch. There is certainly no limitation of "how to" procedures. I tried a few myself and although the suggestion of the staple gun for the kente stool fell short of my expectation (probably the gun itself) I pulled out the old hammer and nail and my stool looked unfailingly as Shephard had promised. Some of the crafts, if you were not handy with a sewing machine would be better left to the local tailor. Yet, there was a time when a sewing machine was a staple in most family's homes. The art of sewing and the practicality of its uses have been forgotten. But if sewing seems impossible for you, Shephard happily offers other easy alternatives.
This is a consummate reason for a recommendation of this slim book to be on the shelves of all art leagues. The book makes it apparent that Spanish and French artists popular in the 19th and 20th centuries have gained much of their appeal with the use of African art infused with their own. Shephard's passion for the continent exudes throughout the book, aquatinting the reader with crafts and fabric otherwise inaccessible. It is a craft-book du nouveau, a comprehensive history lesson, and a full color tabletop book. It is a significant forefront of a happily growing movement. Through this thoughtful undertaking the beauty of the textiles, that have been admired and used for years, could now have intimate meanings and representations. Choosing that kente, Kuba or mudcloth after reading Shephard's book will add new substance to its use.
Yasmain Broady-Soya...
GOOD...............2001-09-28
I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.
Lisa Shepard's African Accents Has Great Decorating Ideas!.......2000-09-13
Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!
More Than "Just Another" Decorating Book.......2000-03-26
African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation.
Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish.
Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings.
Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet.
The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office.
They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party.
Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.
Books:
- Glamorous Beaded Jewelry: Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, and Rings
- Great Kitchens: Design Ideas from America's Top Chefs
- Handmade Paper Jewelry: 40 Beautiful Projects to Make & Wear
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Holy Image, Hallowed Ground (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)
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