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Good Reads and References

This week we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite art books for you. Some focus on the mosaic art-form while others deal with more general information for artists in all genres. A few of these books showcase the works of individual artists.

What’s on your bookshelf? We’re interested in what Hobby Island Mosaic clients are currently reading too. Take a moment to share your favourite books, magazines, zines and other on-line website reading resources.

Compendium of Mosaic Techniques

Author: Bonnie Fitzgerald

Full of tips and tricks, great advice on troubleshooting common problems, easy to follow project templates and an all-round compendium of mosaic making know-how; we like this one so much we keep it in stock! 

The Hidden and the Revealed: The Queen Esther Mosaics of Lilian Broca

Authors: Lilian Broca, Sheila Campbell, Judy Chicago, Yosef Wosk

Published by: Published by Gefen Publishing House Ltd., Israel and New York
ISBN: 9789652295606 

 In a recent article we featured the work of Canadian mosaic artist Lilian Broca. You may recall we shared her story of stolen images and how she is choosing to fight back. Broca is a talented mosaic artist whose work has received world-wide attention. This book takes an in-depth look at Broca s body of work known as the Queen Esther Mosaics. The images of her work are stunning and this book will keep you coming back again and again to study the detailed work that makes this mosaic artist famous.

MENOSSI: i mosaici

Author:  Giulio Menossi 

Some of you may be familiar with the work of Giulio Menossi whose career spans over 35 years. His exciting work, often three dimensional is playful, dynamic, and colourful. He mixes media in his mosaics and infuses his work with a passion that is both memorable and powerful. This book includes images of more than sixty of the artist’s mosaics as well as his own writing and essays contributed by author Paolo Maurensig, critic and gallery owner Sergio Colussa, and former étoile of Teatro alla Scala, Elisabetta Armiato. View a preview here.

Doing Art Together

Author: Muriel Silberstein-Storfer with Mablen Jones

We recommend Doing Art Together to all parents and anyone teaching art to children. This book features projects from the well-known Child & Parent workshop originally offered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA.  Structured to include parents working with children in the same class the lesson plans are clearly outlined and accompanied by images of both the children’s work and the pieces completed by their parents.

 

Beginner's Guide to Mosaic

Authors: Peter Massey & Alison Slater

This book is Ideal for beginners It includes inspirational projects with over eighty step-by-step photographs and images of completed project. We believe this beginner’s guide has all the information anyone could possibly need to get started on their first mosaic project. 

 

Complete Guide to Mosaic Techniques

Author: Bonnie Fitzgerald

Another staff pick, this guide by Bonnie Fitzgerald offers clear step-by-step instructions on how to design and draw-up an idea, cut & arrange tiles and successfully finish a project. There's a complete resource for mosaic techniques here along with contributions from 40 mosaic artists from around the world.

Art Fundamentals, Theory and Practice (edition 12)

Authors:  Ocvirk, Otto; Stinson, Robert; Wigg, Philip; Bone, Robert; Cayton, David

First published in 1960, this has been the textbook used for foundation courses in fine arts programmes for over sixty years. The current edition (12) was re-published in 2013 and still includes the essentials. This one has definitely stood the 'the test of time' and deserves a place on any studio bookshelf.

Mini Mosaics

Author: Aimee Harman

Aimee Harman puts a modern twist on the traditional and enduring craft of mosaic, and provides 20 small, fun, imaginative projects, suitable for all ages and abilities (including children). 

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