We live in a world dominated by landscape,
landscape of our own making – the human variety, but more obviously, the
landscape of the natural world. Landscape also dominates the visual arts, and
has done so for millennia. How the landscape that surrounds us is interpreted
by the artist depends on the perception of that artist, but also depends on the
tools and working methods that that artist has at their disposal.
Cas Holmes new book: Textile Landscape is an inspirational guide to the observation of
the landscape, the practical application of that observation, and of the
methods of creativity that can be brought together under the banner of
‘textiles’. This is a book whereby landscape is interpreted by textile art –
through stitch, mixed media, and paint.
The book is comprehensive without being
dictatorial. It is a guide to artists, students and teachers in how to truly
and individually interpret the world around us. Drawing on the book as a source
for self-discovery, self-creation, Cas encourages confidence in the art of
observation, the art of practical making, the art of interpretation of your own
unique view of the world.
Cas covers a whole range of thoughts and ideas
in her new book. From keeping a sketchbook, generating ideas, painting and
dyeing cloth, how to observe a range of landscapes both large and small, how to
interpret the details of those landscapes through paint, ink and stitch. How to
make your interpretation as unique and singular as it should be.
Cas has liberally filled Textile Landscape with interpretations of landscape through her own
work, but also through a selection of contemporary textile artists from around
the planet. Artists range from: Sue Hotchkis, Sue Stone, Richard McVetis, Ian
Berry, to Grayson Perry, Joan Schulze, Sandra Meech and many more.
Textile Landscape builds on and continues from Cas
earlier book, also published by Batsford Stitch
Stories (reviewed in Inspirational 6). This new book reinforces Cas passion
for the natural landscape in all its forms, from urban scrubland to secret
glades, from the wild untamed to studied farmland.
Above all, Textile
Landscape is about the utter uniqueness of perspective, what you see as an
individual within the landscape. That is the beauty of Cas book, the projection
of your vision, of your creative endeavor. Cas may show you examples of her
vision and of the vision of other contemporary artists, but she is always aware
that you the reader are the ultimate subject. It is your interpretation that
ultimately counts, not hers, and not any number of contemporary artists around
the planet. The textile interpretation of landscape through your hands and
through your eyes is her ultimate goal, and with this book that goal should be
well within your grasp.
Textile Landscape:
Painting with Cloth in Mixed Media by Cas Holmes, is published by Batsford.
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