From the Publisher
“In this colorful collection, Searle profiles 18 contemporary knitters, including herself, who create knitted objects for display as artworks. From garments to freestanding sculpture to gallery and outdoor installations, these works have a bold presence and, in many cases, an overt political or social message. Searle provides an essay of about four pages for each artist explaining the development of the personal style and practices used by each. Full- and half-page photographs of five or six works by each artist make the book particularly appealing. Because few readers are aware of this body of work and considering the book’s inherently appealing subject and accessible presentation, this is suitable for public libraries and art collections.” — Library Journal, February 1, 2009
The knitters in this album wield their needles to create sculpture, body adornments, and storytelling fabrics. The author, an art knitter, provides a short history of the field that serves as a backdrop for the motivations and studio practices of her eightteen subjects, who explore abstract, narrative, political, and humorous styles.
—Fiberarts Magazine, May 2009
Explore the worlds of eighteen innovative artists who use knitting to produce amazing pieces of work in which the medium is always part of the message.
—Interweave Knits, Spring, 2009
In this colorful collection, Searle profiles 18 contemporary knitters, including herself, who create knitted objects for display as artworks. From garments to freestanding sculpture to gallery and outdoor installations, these works have a bold presence and, in many cases, an overt political or social message. Searle provides an essay of about four pages for each artist explaining the development of the personal style and practices used by each. Full- and half-page photographs of five or six works by each artist make the book particularly appealing. Because few readers are aware of this body of work and considering the book’s inherently appealing subject and accessible presentation, this is suitable for public libraries and art collections.
—Library Journal, February 1, 2008
This book is a beautiful and welcome reminder of the boundless creativity and expression available to the handspinner. It is also a challenging and diverse exploration of the tales the human soul needs to tell, and proof that sometimes fibre is the best medium with which to tell them.
—Spinners Quarterly, December 2008
The primary thing is that it’s really an ART book, not a KNITTING book. It’s about artists who use knitting as their medium, so yes, it’s all about inspiration, but not exactly about inspiration for your next sweater. Very neat to look at!
—Ravelry.com, October 15, 2008
"Knitting Art, 150 Innovative Works from 18 Contemporary Artists" by Karen Searle (Voyageur Press, $35): Searle takes fiber enthusiasts beyond the ordinary. She showcases how the featured artists stretched their knitting skills to reach new heights, from unique designs in wearable art to awe-inspiring sculptures and wall hangings. Many used unconventional mediums to express their sense of creativity. For instance, Katharine Cobey used black plastic to knit the bodice of a gown, with a skirt made from red strips of construction tape, while others chose materials such as wire and rolled newspapers. It's certainly not your grandmother's knitting.
Detroit News
