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Recommend this book:
The Adjacent Possible
Evolve Your Art From Blank Canvas To Prolific Artist
Nancy Hillis
2022 Gold Medal
228 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
The Adjacent Possible: Evolve Your Art from Blank Canvas to Prolific Artist is a fascinating presentation on the science of artistic creativity by the psychiatrist and abstract artist Nancy Leigh Hillis, M.D. It is written with the stated purpose to “guide, nudge, and inspire” the reader to reach their fullest artistic expression by venturing into the adjacent possible. Dr. Hillis describes this as existing on the creative edge where every brushstroke or artistic expression reveals new possibilities which didn’t exist before. The inner journey of creativity is discussed, followed by topics such as tips for artists, mistakes even the pros make, traps artists face, and the paradox of creation including the value of ugly art. A link to a website and an invitation to join the Artists Journey community are also provided.
As someone who has admittedly produced a few pieces of ugly art, I have to say that in The Adjacent Possible, Dr. Nancy Leigh Hillis has hit a home run. As an engineer, I appreciated the references to science as she explored creativity and the role of attitude. “Art is an inside job,” she tells us. “Your inner landscape, your inner dialogue, your mindset is your most important asset because it affects everything.” It’s not the refining of artistic technique that will have the greatest impact on your creativity, but your willingness to experiment. The well-written narrative flows from one topic to another, using stories that are sprinkled throughout to convey the concepts that are beautifully presented. This book will challenge you to re-evaluate how you approach your creativity and artistic expression.
The Adjacent Possible: Evolve Your Art from Blank Canvas to Prolific Artist is a fascinating presentation on the science of artistic creativity by the psychiatrist and abstract artist Nancy Leigh Hillis, M.D. It is written with the stated purpose to “guide, nudge, and inspire” the reader to reach their fullest artistic expression by venturing into the adjacent possible. Dr. Hillis describes this as existing on the creative edge where every brushstroke or artistic expression reveals new possibilities which didn’t exist before. The inner journey of creativity is discussed, followed by topics such as tips for artists, mistakes even the pros make, traps artists face, and the paradox of creation including the value of ugly art. A link to a website and an invitation to join the Artists Journey community are also provided.
As someone who has admittedly produced a few pieces of ugly art, I have to say that in The Adjacent Possible, Dr. Nancy Leigh Hillis has hit a home run. As an engineer, I appreciated the references to science as she explored creativity and the role of attitude. “Art is an inside job,” she tells us. “Your inner landscape, your inner dialogue, your mindset is your most important asset because it affects everything.” It’s not the refining of artistic technique that will have the greatest impact on your creativity, but your willingness to experiment. The well-written narrative flows from one topic to another, using stories that are sprinkled throughout to convey the concepts that are beautifully presented. This book will challenge you to re-evaluate how you approach your creativity and artistic expression.
Recommend this book:
Starvin' Artist
Hunger for Success
Anthony Waldren
2022 Silver Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
On its surface Starvin' Artist: Hunger for Success is an inspirational memoir by graphic artist and businessman Anthony Waldren. On a deeper level, it’s a thoughtful, insightful, and reflective work of philosophy about life based on the lessons Waldren has learned. As a memoir, it’s impressive. A young boy falls asleep in class because gunshots keep him awake at night. His early exposure to business ethics and the search for prosperity are the drug dealers in his neighborhood. Yet he rises beyond them to find success through talent, intelligence, and diligence. As a book about philosophy, I find it even more impressive. Waldren is able to express life’s lessons in a comprehensible, almost guru-like manner, and there is something here of value for everyone.
In Starvin’ Artist, Anthony Waldren depicts a “real life” struggle that plays out in American streets every day. What is it that leads one child born into harsh conditions to succumb to a criminal way of life to acquire the wealth and prestige he desires and another to reject it? The one, it seems, proves highly adaptable to his surroundings, to surviving and even prospering in the violent “box” in which he lives. The other sees outside the “box” to another world. Through the stories of life experiences and the lessons they brought him, Anthony Waldren gives hope that we can climb out of one “box” and into another with persistence, toughmindedness, and the ability to learn from the lessons of life. This is an utterly amazing read. Highly recommended.
On its surface Starvin' Artist: Hunger for Success is an inspirational memoir by graphic artist and businessman Anthony Waldren. On a deeper level, it’s a thoughtful, insightful, and reflective work of philosophy about life based on the lessons Waldren has learned. As a memoir, it’s impressive. A young boy falls asleep in class because gunshots keep him awake at night. His early exposure to business ethics and the search for prosperity are the drug dealers in his neighborhood. Yet he rises beyond them to find success through talent, intelligence, and diligence. As a book about philosophy, I find it even more impressive. Waldren is able to express life’s lessons in a comprehensible, almost guru-like manner, and there is something here of value for everyone.
In Starvin’ Artist, Anthony Waldren depicts a “real life” struggle that plays out in American streets every day. What is it that leads one child born into harsh conditions to succumb to a criminal way of life to acquire the wealth and prestige he desires and another to reject it? The one, it seems, proves highly adaptable to his surroundings, to surviving and even prospering in the violent “box” in which he lives. The other sees outside the “box” to another world. Through the stories of life experiences and the lessons they brought him, Anthony Waldren gives hope that we can climb out of one “box” and into another with persistence, toughmindedness, and the ability to learn from the lessons of life. This is an utterly amazing read. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Lazy Creativity
The Art of Owning Your Creativity
Kyle Bernier
2022 Bronze Medal
170 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
You want to be creative, but it’s a different thing to get out of bed and start doing something. As your muse pokes you awake, sloth entices you with a soft pillow. What if there’s a way for these two creatures to get along? Author Kyle Bernier took a while to write Lazy Creativity: The Art of Owning Your Creativity, and the outcome of this endeavor is worth it. Here, creativity is his driving force to keep working, yet at the same time, he did it little by little, piece by piece, step by step—doing away with any unnecessary pressure. He guides you through a similar creative process, breaking down his book into sections that follow a linear creative process. From getting started to moving forward, you can focus on any topic that interests you since creativity doesn’t always operate in a linear process.
I personally like Kyle Bernier’s take on what he coins as Lazy Creativity. It took me a year to write a novella, and I was happy with its outcome. We all have our own concepts of creativity and our relationship with it varies. Bernier shares how he deals with it without any imposition for you to follow it. If you do choose to follow this guide, you will likely find it easier to deal with or tame your muse. The passion to create is something that you do not force. It must flow. And it will only do so if you take time to understand why and how creativity happens and in what manner it approaches you. Doing so allows you to find the energy to face it and do it each day. This is why this Lazy Creativity deserves your attention because it gives you a reason to get motivated in thinking, creating, and connecting in spite of life’s complexities that make you want to sit back and do nothing.
You want to be creative, but it’s a different thing to get out of bed and start doing something. As your muse pokes you awake, sloth entices you with a soft pillow. What if there’s a way for these two creatures to get along? Author Kyle Bernier took a while to write Lazy Creativity: The Art of Owning Your Creativity, and the outcome of this endeavor is worth it. Here, creativity is his driving force to keep working, yet at the same time, he did it little by little, piece by piece, step by step—doing away with any unnecessary pressure. He guides you through a similar creative process, breaking down his book into sections that follow a linear creative process. From getting started to moving forward, you can focus on any topic that interests you since creativity doesn’t always operate in a linear process.
I personally like Kyle Bernier’s take on what he coins as Lazy Creativity. It took me a year to write a novella, and I was happy with its outcome. We all have our own concepts of creativity and our relationship with it varies. Bernier shares how he deals with it without any imposition for you to follow it. If you do choose to follow this guide, you will likely find it easier to deal with or tame your muse. The passion to create is something that you do not force. It must flow. And it will only do so if you take time to understand why and how creativity happens and in what manner it approaches you. Doing so allows you to find the energy to face it and do it each day. This is why this Lazy Creativity deserves your attention because it gives you a reason to get motivated in thinking, creating, and connecting in spite of life’s complexities that make you want to sit back and do nothing.
Recommend this book:
Faces We Love Shanghai
Capturing Honest, Human Moments
Derek Muhs (Compilation), Marisa Tarin (Compilation)
2022 Honorable Mention
240 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite
Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is an extraordinary compilation of photographs starring the people of Shanghai. Each picture is complemented by a short description, a sentence, a thought which is shared with us and which we can choose to read after having seen the photograph or before studying it. I personally preferred to start with the picture and try understanding what the aim of the photographer was. Moreover, it is mentioned in the foreword that, "the function of the artist is to disturb". I am not sure this is about disturbing the persons being photographed, but more for us as the audience; to make us think, to make us reflect on customs, traditions, differences.
Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is a fabulous work of art mixing writing in its conciseness and straightforwardness with the art of photography. Two different ways of expressing ideas, thoughts, but also of sharing emotions. The whole work focuses on the people who are making a country, who are the real pieces of a puzzle, of a specific, unique community. The pictures are magnificent, the texts are telling. The questions make us doubt what we see and dig deeper. We feel immersed in another community as we examine this superb collection of snapshots. The artists share multiple views, pictures, places, instants, thus giving us a hint of a deeper, stronger message and diverse lifestyles. A great job and a perfect gift for your loved ones.
Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is an extraordinary compilation of photographs starring the people of Shanghai. Each picture is complemented by a short description, a sentence, a thought which is shared with us and which we can choose to read after having seen the photograph or before studying it. I personally preferred to start with the picture and try understanding what the aim of the photographer was. Moreover, it is mentioned in the foreword that, "the function of the artist is to disturb". I am not sure this is about disturbing the persons being photographed, but more for us as the audience; to make us think, to make us reflect on customs, traditions, differences.
Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is a fabulous work of art mixing writing in its conciseness and straightforwardness with the art of photography. Two different ways of expressing ideas, thoughts, but also of sharing emotions. The whole work focuses on the people who are making a country, who are the real pieces of a puzzle, of a specific, unique community. The pictures are magnificent, the texts are telling. The questions make us doubt what we see and dig deeper. We feel immersed in another community as we examine this superb collection of snapshots. The artists share multiple views, pictures, places, instants, thus giving us a hint of a deeper, stronger message and diverse lifestyles. A great job and a perfect gift for your loved ones.
Recommend this book:
Threads of Awakening
An American Woman's Journey into Tibet's Sacred Textile Art
Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo
2022 Finalist
328 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
Thangkas are a rare form of fabric wall hanging depicting sacred figures of Tibetan Buddhism. Using a little-known technique called Tibetan applique, these detailed images are created by sewing together pieces of colorful silk. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is one of few Westerners who has mastered this tradition. In Threads of Awakening: An American Woman's Journey into Tibet's Sacred Textile Art, she describes not only her transformation from an urban planner/economist working in India for the Tibetan refugee community into a full-time art student but also her spiritual journey as a follower of Tibetan Buddhism. A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a preface by Tibetan art educator Pema Namdol Thaye, an appendix with instructions on the technique, a glossary, and photographs are included.
In Threads of Awakening, Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo gives us a wonderful blend of art and autobiography. Her writing style is engaging, well-paced, informative, detailed, and revealing. Just as the thangka communicates spiritual teachings through the puzzle piece-like details in the images created by the fabric, so the author explores the spiritual transformation she experienced as the pieces of her life came together like a puzzle when she saw her first appliqued thangka - an epiphany not unlike being struck by the proverbial light on the road to Damascus - which redirected her life. Bringing this art form to the West, making the study of it available to others from around the world through a virtual apprenticeship program, and helping to preserve a re-emerging traditional textile art that was nearly lost will surely bring many blessings. Highly recommended.
Thangkas are a rare form of fabric wall hanging depicting sacred figures of Tibetan Buddhism. Using a little-known technique called Tibetan applique, these detailed images are created by sewing together pieces of colorful silk. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is one of few Westerners who has mastered this tradition. In Threads of Awakening: An American Woman's Journey into Tibet's Sacred Textile Art, she describes not only her transformation from an urban planner/economist working in India for the Tibetan refugee community into a full-time art student but also her spiritual journey as a follower of Tibetan Buddhism. A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a preface by Tibetan art educator Pema Namdol Thaye, an appendix with instructions on the technique, a glossary, and photographs are included.
In Threads of Awakening, Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo gives us a wonderful blend of art and autobiography. Her writing style is engaging, well-paced, informative, detailed, and revealing. Just as the thangka communicates spiritual teachings through the puzzle piece-like details in the images created by the fabric, so the author explores the spiritual transformation she experienced as the pieces of her life came together like a puzzle when she saw her first appliqued thangka - an epiphany not unlike being struck by the proverbial light on the road to Damascus - which redirected her life. Bringing this art form to the West, making the study of it available to others from around the world through a virtual apprenticeship program, and helping to preserve a re-emerging traditional textile art that was nearly lost will surely bring many blessings. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Through A Sober Lens
A Photographer's Journey
Michael Blanchard
2021 Gold Medal
100 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Through A Sober Lens: A Photographer’s Journey by Michael Blanchard is an exquisite collection of photographs and words that signal the author’s transformational journey and looking at the world with sobriety. The beauty that unfolds in front of the reader’s eyes gives them glimpses of the author’s catharsis from darkness to light and hope. The book is a fine blend of words and photographs that reveal the darker days of the author, which include his addiction and alcoholism, and give positive insights on his recovery. There are stories that reiterate the presence of love, faith, compassion, resilience, and empathy and his realization that challenges are part of life and growth is not possible in their absence. This memoir shares his experiences and is a good tool for readers who are looking to be free from their alcohol addiction.
Michael Blanchard’s photographic skills and aesthetic eye are a treat for readers and bring his creativity to the fore. The approach to reaching out to others to help them heal from their addictions is different and unique and that makes the book refreshingly original and unconventional. His words along with the pictures will influence many readers to change their perception of life and how to deal with their demons. The Affirmations in the Storm are good to use as a reminder to readers to see how far they have come from what they originally were. Through A Sober Lens is a good way of helping alcohol addicts to remove their shame which actually stops them from seeking help. The author’s spirituality, connection with nature, and his healing journey are motivating and inspiring. I enjoyed the presentation and his simple and clear narrative style makes it easy for readers to comprehend his words, incorporate them into their lives, and effect the changes they are looking for.
Through A Sober Lens: A Photographer’s Journey by Michael Blanchard is an exquisite collection of photographs and words that signal the author’s transformational journey and looking at the world with sobriety. The beauty that unfolds in front of the reader’s eyes gives them glimpses of the author’s catharsis from darkness to light and hope. The book is a fine blend of words and photographs that reveal the darker days of the author, which include his addiction and alcoholism, and give positive insights on his recovery. There are stories that reiterate the presence of love, faith, compassion, resilience, and empathy and his realization that challenges are part of life and growth is not possible in their absence. This memoir shares his experiences and is a good tool for readers who are looking to be free from their alcohol addiction.
Michael Blanchard’s photographic skills and aesthetic eye are a treat for readers and bring his creativity to the fore. The approach to reaching out to others to help them heal from their addictions is different and unique and that makes the book refreshingly original and unconventional. His words along with the pictures will influence many readers to change their perception of life and how to deal with their demons. The Affirmations in the Storm are good to use as a reminder to readers to see how far they have come from what they originally were. Through A Sober Lens is a good way of helping alcohol addicts to remove their shame which actually stops them from seeking help. The author’s spirituality, connection with nature, and his healing journey are motivating and inspiring. I enjoyed the presentation and his simple and clear narrative style makes it easy for readers to comprehend his words, incorporate them into their lives, and effect the changes they are looking for.
Recommend this book:
The National Parks
A Century of Grace
Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach
2021 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The National Parks: A Century of Grace by Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach is a fabulous collection of pictures, poems, and facts about the National Parks of America, which are extraordinary places where the beauty of the untouched wilderness can be experienced. Humans are always in search of finding meaning in Nature. The magnitude of what Nature offers can be felt through the pictures, descriptions, and poetry shared and will make readers aware of how blessed they are living close to the stunning beauty of natural wonders of nature in their lifetime. The two poets share their views on the seen and unseen beauty of the National Parks of America and take readers on a fascinating and adventurous journey to appreciate the offerings of nature.
The National Parks: A Century of Grace will encourage travelers to visit any one of these National Parks to experience the wonders of nature. The pictures and the poems capture the beauty of these National Parks, making it tangible to readers. 'Crater Lake Blue' is my favorite poem in the book, more so because I am fascinated by different shades of blue, and the poet, Karla, pulls readers into the beauty of the Crater Lake National Park and will leave them speechless. Alan Birkelbach captivates readers with his poem 'What We Abandon,' which makes the beauty of the Glacier National Park, Montana, and Canada palpable to readers. All the poems are unique in their own way as they speak about each one of the National Parks mentioned in the book. The approach to the topic is avante-garde and I liked the poets' poems on all the National Parks based on their perception of these places. This book will no doubt be re-read and also used to plan trips to any one of these National Parks.
The National Parks: A Century of Grace by Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach is a fabulous collection of pictures, poems, and facts about the National Parks of America, which are extraordinary places where the beauty of the untouched wilderness can be experienced. Humans are always in search of finding meaning in Nature. The magnitude of what Nature offers can be felt through the pictures, descriptions, and poetry shared and will make readers aware of how blessed they are living close to the stunning beauty of natural wonders of nature in their lifetime. The two poets share their views on the seen and unseen beauty of the National Parks of America and take readers on a fascinating and adventurous journey to appreciate the offerings of nature.
The National Parks: A Century of Grace will encourage travelers to visit any one of these National Parks to experience the wonders of nature. The pictures and the poems capture the beauty of these National Parks, making it tangible to readers. 'Crater Lake Blue' is my favorite poem in the book, more so because I am fascinated by different shades of blue, and the poet, Karla, pulls readers into the beauty of the Crater Lake National Park and will leave them speechless. Alan Birkelbach captivates readers with his poem 'What We Abandon,' which makes the beauty of the Glacier National Park, Montana, and Canada palpable to readers. All the poems are unique in their own way as they speak about each one of the National Parks mentioned in the book. The approach to the topic is avante-garde and I liked the poets' poems on all the National Parks based on their perception of these places. This book will no doubt be re-read and also used to plan trips to any one of these National Parks.
Recommend this book:
Dancing, and Other Problems
A Very 2020 Sketchbook
Norville Parchment
2021 Bronze Medal
152 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Joanne Ang for Readers' Favorite
Dancing and Other Problems: A Very 2020 Sketchbook is a collection of sketches combined and organized into a book by Norville Parchment. Norville is a Portland artist in the field of user experience and visual design. During the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the whole world, these sketches were born. Amid a massive worldwide lockdown for an entire year, the sketches are the epitome of Norville Parchment’s surroundings at the time of being housebound. Join in a journey of humor and artistic appreciation you will never forget, no matter how hard you try! The sketchbook also includes a lot of white space for the reader’s creative juices to flow onto the pages.
Dancing and Other Problems is a unique sketchbook that drew my attention in an instant, and for very good reasons. Norville Parchment did a great job of building humor throughout the entire book. The art jokes made each piece of artwork intriguing, taking it a step further. And not to mention how funny it is - I could not stop laughing! I also really liked how the political situations within this book were turned into fun and entertaining sketches. The majority of the sketches are black and white, but the minimal and sporadic use of color makes them look very refreshing and inviting, which conveniently adds emphasis to the whole picture. I recommend this sketchbook to anyone who intends to have a lot of fun because I definitely did!
Dancing and Other Problems: A Very 2020 Sketchbook is a collection of sketches combined and organized into a book by Norville Parchment. Norville is a Portland artist in the field of user experience and visual design. During the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the whole world, these sketches were born. Amid a massive worldwide lockdown for an entire year, the sketches are the epitome of Norville Parchment’s surroundings at the time of being housebound. Join in a journey of humor and artistic appreciation you will never forget, no matter how hard you try! The sketchbook also includes a lot of white space for the reader’s creative juices to flow onto the pages.
Dancing and Other Problems is a unique sketchbook that drew my attention in an instant, and for very good reasons. Norville Parchment did a great job of building humor throughout the entire book. The art jokes made each piece of artwork intriguing, taking it a step further. And not to mention how funny it is - I could not stop laughing! I also really liked how the political situations within this book were turned into fun and entertaining sketches. The majority of the sketches are black and white, but the minimal and sporadic use of color makes them look very refreshing and inviting, which conveniently adds emphasis to the whole picture. I recommend this sketchbook to anyone who intends to have a lot of fun because I definitely did!
Recommend this book:
Outsiders and Apparitions
Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics
Milan Sergent
2021 Honorable Mention
158 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
In Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics, we are introduced to an otherworldly and frenetic collection of poems written by Milan Sergent, the author of the Candlewicke 13 series. In this book, the author covers subjects like death, marginalization, and absurdity with unique surrealist paintings to go with each poem. They are unique and each tells a story that can stand alone, giving the reader a glimpse into the creative mind of the author.
This is the best book of poetry that I have read this year. I absolutely enjoyed the ingenious poetry that Sergent brought to life in this collection. The poems are fun and crazy, having a surreal feel to them. With witty and clever prose, each tells its own story. What I loved even more was the collection of paintings that accompanied each poem. They are gorgeous and really help as a visual aid to the poetry pieces. My favorites would have to be Magic Apples Grown By The Wrong Author Must Be Ignored, Questionable Extraterrestrials, Patty’s Wagon, and Ode To Genola. Each piece is different, yet has the same touch of morbidity that one finds intriguing. When you pair the poems with the art pieces, it’s a complete story brought to life which grabs readers' attention. Overall, I think Milan Sergent has created a masterpiece with Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics. It’s definitely a collection I would recommend. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
In Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics, we are introduced to an otherworldly and frenetic collection of poems written by Milan Sergent, the author of the Candlewicke 13 series. In this book, the author covers subjects like death, marginalization, and absurdity with unique surrealist paintings to go with each poem. They are unique and each tells a story that can stand alone, giving the reader a glimpse into the creative mind of the author.
This is the best book of poetry that I have read this year. I absolutely enjoyed the ingenious poetry that Sergent brought to life in this collection. The poems are fun and crazy, having a surreal feel to them. With witty and clever prose, each tells its own story. What I loved even more was the collection of paintings that accompanied each poem. They are gorgeous and really help as a visual aid to the poetry pieces. My favorites would have to be Magic Apples Grown By The Wrong Author Must Be Ignored, Questionable Extraterrestrials, Patty’s Wagon, and Ode To Genola. Each piece is different, yet has the same touch of morbidity that one finds intriguing. When you pair the poems with the art pieces, it’s a complete story brought to life which grabs readers' attention. Overall, I think Milan Sergent has created a masterpiece with Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics. It’s definitely a collection I would recommend. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
Recommend this book:
Ace of Arts
An Art Book
Isabel Scheck
2021 Finalist
140 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Ace of Arts is a collection of artworks that depict the different sides of ace-spec identities, including demisexual and greysexual, among other a-spec identities within the LGBTQ+ community. They are mostly pictures of people, couples, animals, nature, and designs with vibrant and diverse colors. Most of the pictures don't have words, except the author's signature. However, some pictures have a few painted words, like "Ace and Part of the LGBTQIA+ community" and "Here, Queer, and Filled with Fear". Some patterns and words are repetitive, with different colors and identities acknowledged on each page. With eight years of experience in art and three years in digital art, Isabel Scheck presents 160 outstanding and gorgeous art pieces that were drawn by them from August 2020 to February 2021.
As every color and pattern is beautiful and unique in Ace of Arts, every a-spec and LGBTQ+ identity deserves to be acknowledged and respected as distinctive and beautiful. The way the colors and patterns combine to create a colorful and appealing picture suggests how these different identities can coexist to make up the full diverse experience of life. Love is represented as a pleasant, joyful experience through paintings of couples sharing and giving their unique selves to each other in serene and natural settings. I didn't know so many identities existed before reading Ace of Arts, but the experience of discovering something new every time I looked at the pictures showed me the value of being open to new experiences. I recommend Isabel Scheck's book to all as it enlightens readers about different ace-spec and LGBTQ+ identities and reveals that, no matter our identities, we are all humans who deserve love and respect.
Ace of Arts is a collection of artworks that depict the different sides of ace-spec identities, including demisexual and greysexual, among other a-spec identities within the LGBTQ+ community. They are mostly pictures of people, couples, animals, nature, and designs with vibrant and diverse colors. Most of the pictures don't have words, except the author's signature. However, some pictures have a few painted words, like "Ace and Part of the LGBTQIA+ community" and "Here, Queer, and Filled with Fear". Some patterns and words are repetitive, with different colors and identities acknowledged on each page. With eight years of experience in art and three years in digital art, Isabel Scheck presents 160 outstanding and gorgeous art pieces that were drawn by them from August 2020 to February 2021.
As every color and pattern is beautiful and unique in Ace of Arts, every a-spec and LGBTQ+ identity deserves to be acknowledged and respected as distinctive and beautiful. The way the colors and patterns combine to create a colorful and appealing picture suggests how these different identities can coexist to make up the full diverse experience of life. Love is represented as a pleasant, joyful experience through paintings of couples sharing and giving their unique selves to each other in serene and natural settings. I didn't know so many identities existed before reading Ace of Arts, but the experience of discovering something new every time I looked at the pictures showed me the value of being open to new experiences. I recommend Isabel Scheck's book to all as it enlightens readers about different ace-spec and LGBTQ+ identities and reveals that, no matter our identities, we are all humans who deserve love and respect.
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