Friday, January 15, 2010

SURROUNDED BY BOOKS by LYNNE PERRELLA


I am honoured to have well known author, artist and workshop instructor Lynne Perrella as my guest blogger on Art Propelled this week.
Thanks so much for being here Lynne. Over to you ........

I thoroughly enjoyed Robyn's recent posting, showing her well-loved, expansive library. It reminded me of many studios I visited when I was working on my latest book, "Art-Making & Studio Spaces" (Quarry). I thought the readers of Art Propelled might enjoy having a look at four of these studios that feature books as a vital part of the inspiration quotient. All photographs are by my good friend and travel mate, Sarah Blodgett.


The phrase "chock-a-block" was invented for my studio. Books are everywhere. I am totally unapologetic about my love of books, and more arrive every week. I love being surrounded by my library of art and reference books, and my studio also functions as a reading room. Shelf space is always an "issue", but never a hindrance. One way or another, everything fits. Books are wonderful companions, and provide the flashpoint for so many ideas. There is nothing to match the feeling of sitting in a comfortable chair in my studio, with the music on, and a big art book in my lap.
True happiness!


My good friend, Judi Riesch, has perfect radar for finding beautiful things and placing them together in wonderful tableaus. This polished antique secretary was the ideal staging area for Judi's collection of small antique volumes, one-of-a-kind artist books, a growing collection of gilded daguerreotype albums, fond family memorabilia, and a grouping of her own framed assemblages. Books have a starring role throughout her home and studio, plus Judi uses fragments of old books and manuscripts to great advantage in her mixed media collages and shadowboxes.

My friend and neighbor, RO Blechman, has entertained the world for decades with his noted "squiggly line"; and his illustrations appear in ads, book covers, animations, and more. An impressive wall of books, bibelots, and visual archives (complete with rolling library ladder) is arranged with an art director's eye for "what to leave in, what to leave out". The wall of books has the fascination of a thoughtful room-sized visual composition, gathered and refined over time....a totally personal reflection of the lifelong interests and passions of a humorous, well-read, prolific artist.
Meeting and getting to know Melissa Zink was one of the great honors of my life. Whenever I visited her studio, we would prowl around the various work tables looking at assemblages-in-progress, and we would always inevitably end up in this wonderful sitting room just outside the studio. She often described her long-and-varied art journey as "the book experience", and her love of books and reading was the driving inspiration behind her lifetime body of work. She gleefully described making a visit "somewhere down South" and unexpectedly coming across a large grouping of "16th century books" in a thrift shop. "Well, naturally, I had to have all of them" she remarked, tossing a fond look over her shoulder at the row of old delicate volumes. No regrets.

Every studio I visited was ultra-personal and distinctive; the result of a gradual, revealing, organic process. Most of all, I encountered work spaces that radiated with all the "necessary things" that each artist wanted to have within reach. Oftentimes that meant "books....and lots of them!".


Lynne has generously offered a personalized copy of ART MAKING & STUDIO SPACES for a lucky draw. If you would like to take part in the draw say so in a comment on this post and the winner will be announced on Friday the 22nd January.
*
Visit Lynne's website, here . Glorious art and workshop information.
Order Art Making & Studio Spaces at Amazon, here.
And the winner is ...... Annie Kerr

77 comments:

  1. please put me in the draw - what a fabulous idea and post Robyn/Lynne :)

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  2. I've been following your blog and its interesting links since my friend,Melanie (in The Bronx) bought one cow.

    I am trying(but with very little success!) to curb my magpie habits. I think I need a VERY BIG house...

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  3. Great post...each studio different and interesting...such a lot of books!
    Put me down for the draw...I'm feeling especially lucky!
    Mary Ann

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  4. I too would love to be in the draw.Robyn I looked at some of your book titles and went to amazon and have ordered a couple of African books and yesterday the book African Inspirations in Embroidery by Mary Sleigh arrived for me.
    I must take photos of all the books in the house but just to say that a/ I fell off the table trying to get to the top shelf of one bookshelf and the torn ligament is still not right and that was nearly 6 months ago and b/ our house is literally falling apart with the weight of books in this house.
    I do have to say though that they are not nearly as beautifully arranged as any of the photos.
    I need that book! but have to say I will probably better buying it as I never win giveaways!!

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  5. Ooops forgot to say I love Lynne's stuff and have her other books.

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  6. Wouldnt you love to visit those wonderful libraries and browse through those beautiful books...what a treat! I love being able to take a peek into other studios.

    Please put me in the draw for this wonderful book. I'm about to head over to Lynne's blog now.

    Thanks for another great post.

    Jacky xox

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  7. Hi Robyn. Please can you out my name into the hat? Just like a bookshelf full of books, this is a post I could keep browsing through for hours!

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  8. Oh yes please! I would love to be in your draw for the book. I'm already a Lynne Perrella fan (hello Lynne!) and love her stuff ... an inspiration!

    Have a lovely weekend
    Carolyn ♥

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  9. I have all of Lynne's books. This one arrived just before Christmas. I love it and it even features our own Judy Wilkenfeld.

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  10. Robyn--what a wonderful post! So glad you both found each other. Love the books.

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  11. I'm the lucky one to know you both!beautiful post! you know I have the book but the pics. on your blog were new again! thanks so much to both of you!lyle

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  12. behind every cover... behind every click... opening blogs are rather like opening books... always an adventure... Collections of Books are my most favourite things!

    Enchanting post...

    ... and your carved totems in your last post ... so sensual... congrats to the most lucky winner!!!

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  13. This is a timely post for me. I have her book on my list of must haves. This post just makes me realize I can't wait that long for her book. :)

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  14. Hi Robyn, Please enter me for a chance to win. It looks like I missed a lot while I was traveling.

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  15. I love looking at interior shots of the worlds people live in. It's my design background coming through. I really feel you can never have too many books but as I grow older I'm being more selective in my purchases. Over the last year two friends asked the same question, What plans do you have for these books in your will? It got me thinking.

    I have Perrella's book on my list of to get for 2010 already. Please put my name in the draw. A great guest post Robyn.

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  16. I am crazy about books and art! I would love to be a voyeur into the studios of other artists. Count me in for a chance to win. Thanks Robyn.

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  17. I've got Lynne's other books....so would love this one to add to my collection!

    ...and I'm glad that hubby and I are not alone when it comes to hoarding/collecting books ;-)

    Chris

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  18. Books very my first love, art my newfound love, and Lynne Perrella's art and her books are impressive and always beautiful. Thanks for sharing these beautiful book shelf photos!

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  19. God I love books too! I am always buying one or another. Its lovely to meet others who feel the exact same way.

    Thank you both for this wonderful and affirming post!

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  20. Love every picture!
    Yes, please put my name in.
    I really hope I win this one ;-)

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  21. I love computers but for me books will always be where it is at! A wonderful guest post from such a talented artist and special person. I already have the book, so no need to add me to the draw, but I wanted to leave a comment anyhow.

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  22. Would love to be included in the draw...thanks for a great post.

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  23. Please add my name to the drawing. What could be more fun than getting to "peek" into other artist's studios!
    As always, its inspirational to visit your blog.

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  24. What beautiful spaces to get lost in,
    thank you for sharing them!

    I'd love to take part in the draw, please.

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  25. wonderful post..one can never have too many books.
    please throw my name in the hat as i haven't picked up Lynne's book yet.

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  26. What a wonderful post, plus inspiring guest writer! And such a timely subject for me as I contemplate arranging a new workspace... Absolutely, please add my name to the draw - thank you!

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  27. I do love books and these studios are very inspirational. Please enter me in the drawing. I could use some ideas about how to create spaces for all my books in my small studio space.

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  28. The photo's are beautiful. A studio is like an oasis in a desert I want one so much.

    Please include me in the draw. Thank you.

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  29. Books not only look beautiful lovingly line up or grouped in piles! They also have the ability to change the whole direction of ones thinking and maybe even their life direction. We are lucky to live in an era that not only allows all people to have them but allows us to have an abundance if that's what we wish. I would love to add Lynne's book to my stash of inspiring things! Thanks for the opportunity:)

    I also spied your studio in Seth's repost of studio spaces...nice to learn a little more about you:)

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  30. Melissa Zink and her alter ego, Gypsy Dog and friend Hattie Maxwilliam with their love of adventure through books has resonated, amused and pleased me no end.
    Books seem to be another connection for all of us ducks on the pond as Mary Ann would say. Thanks for the rich post and wonderful photographs Lynn, Sarah and Robyn!

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  31. love love love seeing all those bookish spots, especially r.o.'s please put my name in the hat, too! the book looks good.

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  32. Rooms chock full of 'friends'.
    Please put me in the draw.

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  33. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Please include me in the drawing.

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  34. Wow, this is great- I love seeing other artists' studios! As luck would have it, this book is already on my Amazon wish list!

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  35. Please include me in the drawing.

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  36. Thanks to internet, I can buy Lynn's books here in Germany! And love them!
    Please count me in.
    Wonderful pix!

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  37. Those collections are much more tidy than my library! :)

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  38. Count me in!! I'm equally intrigued with an artist's work space as I am with the art itself.

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  39. I love the updated look of your blog and I'm glad to see a photo of you so I know how you look. The book looks delicious, please put me in draw.

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  40. What a phenomenal idea to get Lynne Perella to post! I loved each of the spaces- any place crammed with books is good for me. I loved reading about each of those pictures- this book is quite a treat- put my name in for the lucky draw please!! So what if I love in faraway India- I may yet win ;)

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  41. Terrific post Robyn! Loved everything about it!
    Leave me out of the draw because I already own this wonderful book..... I purchased for myself at Christmas! : )

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  42. I love Lynne's books, have several and would be thrilled to win this one! I can't resist art books!Thanks for the great post.

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  43. I love the idea of a wall of books. Unfortunately, when you find yourself moving every four years, as we have been doing, you lose your desire to buy more books. I am a friend of the Joshua Tree public library now.

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  44. Kudos Robyn, for sharing your blog with Lynne - the perfect collaboration!! This was a fun intro to Lynne's book - I smiled at her "unapologetic" love of books. Yes, there is always room for more of what we love...
    xxoo k

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  45. I am most delighted to see a home where the walls are not only covered with beautiful art but also lined cover to cover with books, which are like friends in waiting to share conversation with the reader.

    Thank you for letting us into your home.

    Warmest regards
    Egmont

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  46. Oh I want this book! I'm a librarian so my love of books steered me into a career with them. I even chose this career over my art which is REALLY saying something!! Well, yet again a fantastic post from you Robyn. You are brilliant! Lucky you for knowing and collaborating with Lynne on this one!

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  47. Oh me please..... please put me in!! Please please!!

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  48. I would love to be part of the draw. My sewing studio is a mess and I could use the inspiration to get it functional. Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity!

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  49. Oh, I really enjoyed this post! My rooms are full of books too! And by coincidence I had spotted this book in my local bookshop this weekend - I'd love to win a copy!

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  50. Generous is an undestatement for this giveaway. its simply awesome. I would love to win so please put my name in for the draw.
    When I do have a studio space ( soon i hope) books will certainly feature prominently much like those featured in the artists studios in this post.

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  51. Would be so great to own this book. I'm on a tight fiscal diet until I get more work-which paradoxically leaves me more time to read! I'm a first time poster, but long time lurker to your great site.
    Susan

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  52. Lynne, I love your neighbor's library and Riesch's antique book collection. I'd love to win a copy of your book.

    Great guest post, Robyn.

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  53. When I see people.....including my husband ,with a Kindle, I look in wonder.....I can not imagine myself not holding a book. The feel, SMELL, visuals....color, texture, etc. is all so very appealing to me. I will not be able to give it up.

    Add me please.....more books, YES!

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  54. wonderful post Robyn! would love to be in the draw!
    thanks for this! although when I first began reading it i had to check and make sure I really was on YOUR blog!!! cat

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  55. Hello Robyn,
    Great post! I love seeing into artist's spaces. You constantly inspire, and with Lynne, this was especially fun!

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  56. seth called it STUDIO ENVY...i now have it...slash book..

    yes, to the draw...but i'm ready to order the book ANYWAY...i'll wait, though, someday i'll WIN something, could be this week?

    thanks, you wonder women all!
    (new word ARTATIO..the in the verification box..i think we all have it)

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  57. Hello! I just discovered your site, and WOW I love it! Please enter me for that wonderful book...thank you!

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  58. Robyn I just discovered this book on the rack at Barnes & Noble over the weekend and got so excited. I wanted to sit right down in the store and look but forced myself not to peek inside too much so I wouldn't spoil the fun when I can manage to purchase it. I would love to be included in the drawing!
    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving your comment about my classes. I hope our paths do cross someday!
    Crystal

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  59. I love the photos of the books. I too have a big collection. They are like old friends.

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  60. Please put my name in the pot!
    After reading this great post.... I need more book shelves... and space. thanks for the inspiration!

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  61. so much fun! I am a bit of a book junkie and find them to be fine, colorful companions...they line shelves, and make themselves by bedside tables, desks and well...they are pretty much everywhere. Your book sounds very enticing!

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  62. Wonderful studios here... and I love that they are so full of books! I love books too, they are like treasures waiting to surprise! roxanne

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  63. Lynne's books always transport me to spaces that I'd love to spend hours in and to be so much more creative. Thanks for this great interview and for the drawing. Crossing my fingers!

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  64. well,I already got the wonderful book for xmas-- love it-- and I love books and counted up that I got 12 new books for xmas-- with 2 recently ordered-- guess I can't get enough of them either.

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  65. The looks and the items inside a room or a house reflect the personality of the resident living on that house.

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  66. Wow! I am blown away by the collection of books. It’s like a juggle of books in here.
    work from home

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  67. With books exploding everywhere and my love affair in collecting/reading never seeming to diminish, these images of others' collections and libraries inspire me to build a library area of my own. Please enter me in your drawing as well; what a lovely, generous idea to warm a snowy U.S. northeasterner's winter day.

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  68. I really enjoyed Lynne's post Robyn. Her work is amazing and beautifully colourful. The book pictures are wonderful and RO Blechman definitely has my favourite library cum studio arrangement. I love the light and space in that room. A room is definitely undressed without books.

    I have my eye on that new Masters collage book too.

    Please put me in the pot for the book draw.

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  69. Me! Me! Me! What a great post - and I love the new banner look Robyn.

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  70. The pictures of all those books are better than Borders!
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  71. Wow! Leave it to you, Robyn,...a guest blogger and what a treat...all about books! I love books and of course I want to be in on the draw!

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  72. Draw me!! Great post Robyn. I've been a fan of Lynne Perrella for decades and have several of her books. Love the sneak peak into artists' libraries.

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  73. Wow. Thank you for inviting us to the drawing. It's sure to delight any of us.
    :-)

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  74. Books oh how wonderful.. Please put me in the draw..
    Thanks for sharing,
    Katelen

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  75. Yes, definitely! count me in for the draw! I have her book on collections and obsessions and it spoke to the very core of my heart.

    I am a book junky too, but my shelves aren't as neat as those pictured. Something to aspire to. :)

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  76. Well its 12.00a.m. my time Friday 22nd January so on with the draw!
    Thanks so much everyone for entering and also for those who commented even though they have the book already. It was such a great post!

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  77. congratulations to the winners in both your draws!! Somehow this one escaped my notice!!!
    What a great book - what I wouldn't give for floor to ceiling book shelves!!!Books always ask me to take them home - and I have run out of shelve space!!!LOL

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