Book Review: Art Quilt Portfolio: The Natural World

I’ve just received this new book for review (the first in a series) by Martha Sielman, Executive Director of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA).  My first instinct was to run my hand over the beautiful cover, which features “Peacock Pride” by Barbara McKie, and what a sweet little surprise it was to find the image lightly embossed … a delicate, subtle embellishment of an already stunning cover.  (Little things like that just make me happy.)

The book itself, like most recent art books by Lark, is printed on lovely, heavyweight paper that is a pleasure to handle.  The color photography appears to be true to the originals (at least according to my vivid memory of having seen some of them in person).

There are well-written profiles of 19 major fiber artists, including some of my favorites … Betty Busby, Paula Chung, Ginny Eckley, Ruth McDowell, Barbara McKie, and Annemieke Mein.  Plus, there are both full-page and smaller images of some breath-taking art quilts by more than 70 other artists.  I can honestly say that this is one of the most beautiful and informative art-quilt books I’ve seen, and it will have a permanent place in my library.  In fact, I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.  (No affiliation, etc.)  Here are 192 pages of incredible artwork to feast your eyes upon, and to inspire you.  Highly recommended.