No More Masterpieces

This groundbreaking account of postwar American art traces the profound influence of Antonin Artaud Proposing an original reassessment of art from the 1950s to the 1970s, No More Masterpieces reveals how artistic practice in postwar America was profoundly shaped by the work of the rebellious French poet and dramatist Antonin Artaud (1896-1948). A generation of artists mobilized Artaud's countercultural ideas to imagine new forms of representation and to redefine the relationship between artist and audience. The book shows how Artaud's radical writings inspired the experimental theatrical work of John Cage, Rachel Rosenthal, and Allan Kaprow; the attack on artistic and social conventions launched by assemblage artists Wallace Berman and Bruce Conner; and the feminist work of Carolee Schneemann and Nancy Spero. Lucy Bradnock traces the dissemination of Artaud's writings in America and demonstrates how his interest in political and cultural disorder, the dangers of authority, and the unreliability of representation found fertile ground in the context of the Cold War, disillusionment with the ideals of Abstract Expressionism, and the early years of identity politics.

Artists around the world have lately been turning to their bookshelves for more than just a good read, opting to cut, paint, carve, stitch or otherwise transform the printed page into whole new beautiful, thought-provoking works of art. Art Made from Books is the definitive guide to this compelling art form, showcasing groundbreaking work by today's most showstopping practitioners. From Su Blackwell's whimsical pop-up landscapes to the stacked-book sculptures of Kylie Stillman, each portfolio celebrates the incredible creative diversity of the medium. A preface by pioneering artist Brian Dettmer and an introduction by design critic Alyson Kuhn round out the collection.

Small quilts, big results Catch the mini-quilt mania with Alyce Blyth's fresh, modern beginner quiltmaking book, loaded with inspiration Mini Masterpieces is a quilting master class. Readers can follow along, beginning with a fresh new take on basic blocks and increase to complex curves and colorwork, expanding sewing skills at each step. International quilting teacher Alyce Blyth provides tips and advice throughout, learned through years of quilting and teaching students from all over the world. Mini-quilts are the perfect solution for sewists who want to do something new but can't take on a big project: easy to finish, fun to make, perfect for gifting, or hanging on a studio wall. Quilters will have fun knowing they can complete any of the projects included in just one afternoon.

Create Breathtaking Watercolor Paintings in No Time With this collection of easy, step-by-step instructions, unlocking your creativity with watercolor has never been easier. Follow along as Anna Koliadych, founder of DearAnnArt, guides you through painting your own watercolor masterpieces in just 15 minutes. These 50 projects have something for everyone, from underwater landscapes to galaxies, from fashion sketches to tasty sweets. Learn to paint a meadow of poppies, a cosmic tea cup, a set of high heels or a tabby cat all in one quick evening. Whether you’re new to watercolor or have been practicing for years, these colorful designs are perfect for a relaxing afternoon alone or as an activity for the whole family. In each lesson, Anna highlights efficient techniques, like sketching your design with simple shapes, or adding small, beautiful details, so you can create the most charming artwork in the shortest amount of time—even if you’ve never painted before!

The modern era in the theatre is remarkable for the extraordinary role and influence of theoretical practitioners, whose writings have shaped our sense of the possibilities and objectives of performance. This study offers a critical exploration of the theoretical writings of key modern practitioners from Stanlislavski to Boal. Designed to be read alongside primary source material, each chapter offers not only a summary and exposition of these theories, but a critical commentary on their composition as discourses. Close scrutiny of the cultural context and figurative language of these important, and sometimes difficult, texts yields fresh insight into the ideas of these practitioners.

Arthur Rackham was a Victorian born illustrator and artist who influenced much of the book and commercial illustration of the first half of the 20th Century. The impish detail of his hundreds of drawings brought humour and dark detail to the fairy stories and classic tales which were popular at the time, from Washington Irving to the Brothers Grimm, Peter Pan to his exquisite work on the Alice in Wonderland. His water-colour work, and the graceful power of his ink and line work influenced the Golden Age illustrators of the 1920s, through to the pulps of Weird Tales, and the comic books of today. Arthur Rackham: Masterpieces of Art is a celebration of this industrious and lively artist.