Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists
It is far, far better that a book on any aesthetic endeavor be filled with a multiplicity of color photographs and illustrations, accompanied by a minimum of words. British embroiderer teacher Greenlees ignores all that, although samples do inhabit every page. Her approach is at first brain centered, giving definitions, imparting a sense of purpose, and explaining the variety of contents possible. Once a reason for being has been established for the sketchbook, she explores a number of different routes--using samples, incorporating models, going on location, working in a museum, even surfing on a computer--all, of course, coupled with intriguing, wondrous pages from European textilists. The rest of her elongated essay is devoted to technical information--materials, coloring, and mark-making methods--as well as decisions on what the actual sketchbook should look like. Store bought or handmade? Even more important is the message: just do it.Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved