Create Naturally: Go Outside and Rediscover Nature with 15 Makers

by Marcia Young

Overview

Discover practical ways to become more creative and find inspiration by connecting with nature!

Meet 15 makers who present their personal stories of how nature inspires and enhances their creativity. They will walk readers through the importance of creating work that taps into a mind, body, and spirit connection.

The makers in this book include:

• Bethann Burton (nature journaling)
• James Brunn (temporary natural art installations)
• Judith Content (textile art)
• Nick Neddo (primitive art and art tools)
• Jan Hopkins (basketry)
• Meredith Woolnough (needlework)
• Alice Fox (basketry and weaving)
• Munir Jones (3D weaving)
• Nicole Dextras (clothing)
• Maleah Bretz (woven wall art)
• Lorraine Roy (embroidery)
• Frank Kraljik (astral photography)
• Carrie Anne K'iinuwaas Vanderhoop (weaving)
• Kari Lonning (basketry)
• Barbara Schneider (mixed media)

Makers can create works that integrate natural materials as well as recycled and repurposed objects. Get the feeling of having a personal and creative conversation with the makers while you take a walk through nature with them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764364341
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	11/22/2022
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	664,341
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Marcia Young has been making or writing about art and fine craft for over 30 years. She is the founder of the Fiber Art Network and former publisher of Fiber Art Now magazine. These days she concentrates on helping to enrich the fine craft community by creating distinctive books and resources. She lives near Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

@marcia_maker

Table of Contents

Foreword 10

Introduction 15

Journaling with Nature Bethan Burton 18

Releasing Outcomes James Brunt 30

Color Tourist Judith Content 42

Guided by the Earth Nick Neddo 54

Containing Nature Jan Hopkins 66

Savoring Life's Fieldwork Meredith Woolnough 78

Nature's Alchemy Alice Fox 90

Cherishing Life's Treasures Munir Jones 102

Embracing Impermanence Nicole Dextras 112

Drawing Closer Maleah Bretz 128

Layers of Understanding Lorraine Roy 140

Space … the Final Frontier Frank Kraljic 154

Living Your Legacy Carrie Anne K'iinuwaas Vanderhoop 166

Delighting in Nature's Rhythms Kari Lønning 178

Celebrating Nature's Imperfections Barbara Schneider 190

Acknowledgments 203

Resources 204

Editorial Reviews

08/01/2022

Nature is a muse in this beautiful collection of interviews with artists from Young, former editor-in-chief of Fiber Art Now magazine. She spotlights 15 creators who “connect with nature to build their art and show how interactions with nature foster a state of flow that releases creativity, results in a keener sense of observation, and—most of all—enriches your life.” Bethan Burton, who focuses on journaling, sketches flora and fauna in her garden; costume-maker Nicole Dextras fashions garments from fresh flowers and leaves; and textile artist Lorraine Roy recreates 100-year-old tree rings with thread. Each profile includes a “Go Outside” section in which the maker shares advice on how to connect with nature and create one’s own art: textile artist Judith Content encourages readers to “appreciate the things that are transitory,” embroiderer Meredith Woolnough suggests drawing leaves, and fiber artist Jan Hopkins writes that her ideas come while on long walks. The entries richly combine written and visual storytelling; besides the bountiful artwork featured, readers will relish the behind-the-scenes look at each subject’s creative process. Crafters of all skill levels will delight in this down-to-earth guide to finding inspiration outdoors. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

nbsp;This is such a beautiful, educational, and inspiring book of artists and nature that it is the perfect gift to give to yourself and to that special someone else who sees and creates with all of the gifts shared with us by mother nature. Nature, art, and color could be nominated as the three wonders of our lives. They inspire us, their spirituality gives us peace, they help us to create our own personal stories, and they are essential to us in every task and every enjoyment of our everyday. They can be seen everywhere but seldom shared and preserved so beautifully as on the pages of Create Naturally by Marcia Young.

Jo Packham

This is a remarkable book. The fifteen featured artists overflow with creativity, and they are generous in helping you follow their path. It's simple: Just "Go Outside!" Just go outside and see for yourself what nature has on offer. Bugs, seeds, twigs, clouds, the whole universe waiting to morph into tapestries, sculptures, prints, dreamy robes for a cosmic life. Marcia Young has sought out artists with fresh vision. The running theme is "Look, touch, make," and the message is "anyone can find the joy in nature and make it their own!"

Linda Ligon

nbsp;Art is where you make it. Create Naturally invites you to think creatively about how and where you might make nature art. The process is creative, playful, and a connection with the natural world. By rethinking our definitions of art we can find opportunities to be makers and to engage in joyous nature play everywhere!

John Muir Laws

12/02/2022

Art can be inspired by many things, such as emotions, events, personal journeys, and visual experiences. Young (founder, Fiber Art Network) shares the art and techniques of 15 artists and makers who are inspired by the natural world and integrate it into their creations. For example, artist Nick Neddo gathers natural materials to create his own brushes, inks, and basket materials. Nicole Dextras uses natural materials and fibers to make wearable art. Temporary art may be achieved by manipulating what lies before one to create sculptures with rocks, leaves, or twigs from the forest floor. In each section, artists share their advice on how to experience the awe and wonder that they have fostered in their own lives. The book includes a resources list of artist webpages and blogs, various associations relevant to the subject, and a comprehensive list of books to further research the ideas here. VERDICT An interesting study of art inspired by and integrating nature. Not an essential purchase for an art section but will likely be of interest to many artists and makers.—Sandy Knowles

Library Journal