Op Art Quilts

The world of optical illusions has fascinated artists for centuries, and quiltmaker Karen Combs has been intrigued by them for years. In Optical Illusions for Quilters, she unravels the mysteries of optical illusions as applied to quilting, some of them for the first time. Masterpiece quilts are used to explain each illusion and quilters are shown how to apply these principles to their work. Though Karen's focus is on quilting, these principles can be applied to other creative mediums. In an easy to understand manner, she encourages readers to use their imaginations, listen to their inner voices, and apply their new knowledge as they become masters of illusions.

This one-of-a-kind book showcases unique quilts created for walls--"art quilts" that combine unusual techniques and materials that will inspire anyone seeking new quilting frontiers. More than 50 full-color inserts let quilters see how quilting artists express themselves through various media and 28 full-page, full-color plates illustrate a wealth of beautiful quilts.

Secrets for quilting success are presented through a variety of techniques, exercises, and insider tips to inspire novice quilters and experienced textile artists to make genuine works of art. Simplifying the basic fundamentals of art and teaching the underlying principles of the visual language, this guide explores texture, shape, line, color, and value with examples and hands-on exercises. Essential principles--such as focal point, balance, repetition, scale, and space--are paired with creativity exercises while guest essays, guest artwork, and inspiring artwork from the author allow readers t.

Every quilter will want to possess this stunning anthology, which features 10 years worth of the most innovative pieces chosen for the Quilt National biennial exhibition--the top showcase for modern quilt artists. Acclaimed author Robert Shaw, a widely recognized expert on American folk art, introduces the volume and provides both a beautifully illustrated history of the art quilt movement and a special section on building, displaying, and caring for collection of quality pieces. The techniques and materials featured in these 400 spectacular quilts are as varied as the people who created them, and through spectacular color photographs and artists' discussions, readers will discover how the boundaries of traditional quilt-making have expanded in the last decade.

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.

CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD WINNER • CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • A NEW YORK TIMES BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK Acclaimed artist Faith Ringgold seamless weaves fiction, autobiography, and African American history into a magical story that resonates with the universal wish for freedom, and will be cherished for generations. Cassie Louise Lightfoot has a dream: to be free to go wherever she wants for the rest of her life. One night, up on “tar beach,” the rooftop of her family’s Harlem apartment building, her dreams come true. The stars lift her up, and she flies over the city, claiming the buildings and the city as her own. As Cassie learns, anyone can fly. “All you need is somewhere to go you can’t get to any other way. The next thing you know, you’re flying among the stars.”

A pictorial showcase of the work of 40 contemporary art quilt masters from around the world. Up to a dozen quilts by each artist are shown, along with commentary by each artist.