Pre-Raphaelite Reads

Ever the avid reader I am always striving to expand my library and seek out invaluable reading material with which to expand my knowledge. Books are certainly my favourite gifts to both give and receive, so I was overjoyed to receive two beautiful books for Christmas, both on the subject of my favourite art movement; The Pre-Raphaelites.

'Pre-Raphaelite Drawing' focuses around the lesser seen Pre-Raphaelite studies, which were the subject of the 2011 exhibition 'The Poetry of Drawing' at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. 'The Pre-Raphaelite Language of Flowers', is an utterly fantastic insight into the Pre-Raphaelites extensive use of floral symbolism. Having been engrossed in this specific subject for a number of years, it has had an immense impact upon both my design work and my personal art work, so a well researched observation of The Pre-Raphaelites use of the Language of Flowers is both a wonderful reference tool, and a joy to read!

New Books!

As a self confessed bookworm and someone obsessed with aquiring knowledge, I'm pleased to say I have two new books to add to my growing collection. I still feel a deep sense of joy and excitement when I buy, or am given a new book (or indeed an old one) so Ive been thumbing through both of these with shameless excitement.

'The Picture Book' was a very thoughtful birthday gift from fellow students Jodie Hatton and Jenni Gregory. With all sorts of interesting and often bizarre examples of contemporary illustration, its right up my street. Full of a huge range of studies in virtually every media imaginable, definitely recommended for those always searching for inspiration.

'The Book of Skulls' was a rather personal purchase. After spotting a feature on it on the guardian website I became intrigued and quickly ordered it. The book is instantly incredibly visual, with its highly contrasting cover and exposed binding it looks very unique. The book looks largely at what the skull means to society, art and design and how it is used in a huge variety of ways by so many people. If like me your interested in the macabre, symbolism in art, design and graphics or just appreciate some genius work, its a must.



Both books can be found to buy on the internet, if your interested here are just two of the retailers stocking them at the moment:

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Picture-Roanne-Bell/9781856696074

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Skulls-Faye-Dowling/dp/1856697002

History of Great Britain

For the third time in a row, my sketchbook is a book I am recycling. Previously I used an old music book, and then a diary, but this time I have opted for a historical book, quite aptly about Great Britain. I will admit that this was no coincidence, I spent numerous days early in the project searching for the right book to give a second life.
Although working in old books can be a controvertial point with some, I admit that I throughly enjoy it, as I am breathing a second life into an unloved, disgarded book, which otherwise would most likely be left to rot, but it all a matter of opinion!

Anyway! Here is my rather beaten sketchbook: