Book Series # 9 - Into Wonderland She Went

Book Recommendation

Pieces of Wonderland by Bobby Chiu & Kei Acedera - Who doesn't love a good art book filled with whimsical characters and fluffy furry creatures? During my visit to Comic Con last year, I stumbled upon Chiu & Acedera's booth. Their table was filled with prints and books of their collaborative works, drawings, and sketches. These two wonderful artists were behind the character development and designs in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie. 

This book is a compilation of paintings they were asked to create, using the fairytale as their inspiration. They also incorporated drawings left unpublished until 2010.

I even got them to autograph the book I purchased. Happy day! It was so great to meet them.

The Spring like color palette lends itself well to children's storybook illustration. Each element in every scene  relates back to the character's personality through pops of color, style of dress, and props. Color association is key in some paintings, such as the deep crimson of the Red Queen's dress, bold and daring, or the bunny's blue suit, calm with an added air of purpose, complimented by his straight posture. 

This book offers a great sneak peek into Chiu and Acedera's drawing process. It's a wonderful gift to an artist, or to someone who adores fairy tales (like myself); a must have in anyone's book collection.

Book Series # 8 - Dream Interpretation

Book Recommendation

The Dream Dictionary from A to Z by Theresa Cheung - While browsing through the bookstore, I spotted this book in the bargain rack and purchased it. I've had vivid and frequent dreams for many years, but its only been recently that I decided to interpret the hidden messages left by those dreams.

If you're someone interested in breaching past the surface of dreams, of delving into its deeper meanings, this is a great dictionary! I'm glad I bought it.

Like most dream dictionaries, Cheung follows the format of an alphabetized category to organize dream topics. Some dream topics are sub-categorized to put like information together, such as weather, color, and family. As a result, it gets a bit confusing to find information on a particular subject, but after a few attempts, I got used to the format.  

Compared to other dictionaries, this one stands out because not only does Cheung present the reader with interpretations; she discusses dream theory (Sigmund Freud is mentioned frequently), the role of the unconscious in dreams, and the process of REM sleep. It's a very well rounded and informative dictionary.

Compared to dream dictionary websites, I find having this physical copy to be much more descriptive. I also like that Cheung mentions the differing interpretations between numerous cultures. It makes for a wholesome read!

I have quite a few post its in this book, and I noticed a few recurring themes in my dreams-abandonment, murder, children, and tragic love stories (to name a few). My dreams are usually blanketed in shades of brown and fog. After doing some research with this book, my dreams seem to reveal my struggle to accept myself and to trust my instincts.

In all, its a very insightful read and a good way to explore your inner fears and emotions. Cheung came out with a recent version that offers more interpretive meanings. However, this smaller dictionary makes a great gift for a friend or yourself. I definitely recommend it.  

Notebook: Another Genre - The Rough Narrative

One of the numerous notebooks I use. I purchased this at the Kinokuniya Bookstore in NYC. 

Notebooks are personal pieces of ourselves; holding the rough narratives of our minds. 

I find them to be more intimate than romance books because I get an exclusive peek into what a person's mind looks like when spread across pages. Ideas are rough, pages are layered with indecipherable scribbles, doodles have unrefined lines, words are unpolished, and clusters upon clusters of emotions clash into each other. Notebooks are diaries, sketchbooks, research logs...they can be anything. They're bodies without a soul until we give them one.

I wanted to share a few pages from my notebook. Take a glimpse at the ideas/thoughts floating through my brain!   

I've been interested in the Korean language as of late, so I've been practicing the alphabet in my free time.

Some pages are dedicated to my handmade book shop, PikiThins. I generate countless lists and notes-from tasks, supplies, to brainstorming keywords for search engines-to keep the shop up to date. I'm always researching new ways to inject life into my shop! It's a great outlet to express my creative energy.

Dreams have become an important part of my life. They are a means to explore the person I've become through the metaphors they leave behind. I've gotten into a habit of recording them (that's why some of my writings have many misspellings. I'm usually half awake when I write my dreams down). I recorded over 100 dreams in 2013.

I admit, most of my dreams are nightmarish in nature. The writing shown here tells of a dream I had of being raped by two college students. Traumatized by the event, my friend helped me escape the college campus and create a new identity for myself. However, my friend was captured by those disgusting college students, and they forced him to ask me to return. I hadn't realized what trap I was walking into until it was too late.

Aside from dreams, I also jot down story ideas, occurrences I see on the street, and spur of the moment contemplation pieces. As you've noticed, I write very small! Can you imagine squeezing two rows of sentences into one college-ruled sized row? 

Rough narratives-whether about dreams, ideas, or occurrences in life-sound more like it could be its own genre. Any thoughts on this?

 If you were to share a page in your notebook, what would it be?

Book Series # 7 - Threadbare Reminiscence

Book Recommendation 

Dirty Wow Wow and Other Love Stories by Cheryl and Jeffery Katz - There's nothing like a good story about childhood. This book presents us with a catalog filled with dolls having outgrown their use to amuse and comfort their once-child owners. However, these little critters were able to avoid the donate/trash bin because they became keepsakes; reminders of what childhood was like.

The book is simplistic in it's presentation, the doll and its story taking center stage. Cheryl and Jeffery Katz amassed a collection of childhood stories (told by the doll owners) that are humorous, ridiculous, heartwarming, melancholy, and adventurous. That is only one part that makes this book whole however.   

 

The other part is the dolls themselves. They appear grotesque at first, missing an eye or limb, appearing unwashed and threadbare, but that's what makes them even more treasured. They are survivors of childhoods past, proudly displaying their scars. 

Writing is secondary to storytelling, and that works well here, because its more about the stories these dolls evoke from their owners. It may not be eloquent in its writing, but it definitely is in its message. 

If your someone who enjoys the subject of children's tales, you'll definitely enjoy this.

Book Series # 6 - The Childhood Struggle

Book Recommendations

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness -This low fantasy novel tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Conor, who struggles with his mother's battle against cancer. He meets a mysterious monster who visits him nightly, it's intentions unclear as it utters riddles and fairy tale like stories.

However, this story is not just about illnesses and monsters; it's about the struggle with the self and the fear of the inevitable, of how trapped emotions are delectable snacks for loneliness and anger, helping them to grow stronger until the person they inhabit cannot control them anymore.

The monster plays an essential role in unveiling these struggles, his presence forcing Conor to stare at them squarely in the face. It makes me heart sick to read about a boy who is filled with so much confusion, bitterness, and loneliness when faced with the possibility of losing his mother. Such a weight on a child is too overwhelming to bare.    

The illustrations by Jim Kay are like the sinister shadows lurking in the under and overtones of Ness's writing. To me, the dark and dreary environments are manifestations of Conor's messy thoughts and fears. They're compelling and work successfully to amplify the overall tone of the story.

I enjoyed this book because it spurred me to action. It made me search for hidden meanings in the simplest of words and gestures. 

 

 The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey - This abecedarium book is a collection of one line stories that tell and illustrate the untimely deaths of children, each child represented by the letter of the alphabet. 

These stories are definitely morbidly humorous and aren't meant to be in children's libraries. The format itself is a mocking gesture towards alphabet books. It's made to poke fun and is also an exaggerated take on what happens when a child's curiosity leads to dire consequences.

The illustrated black expanses these children are placed in-whether represented by a massive rug or a murky lake-tell as much of a story as the one liners do. They're representative of an encroaching doom ready to swallow the life out of these children. 

So, if the twisted and heartbreaking depictions on the childhood struggle is something you can swallow down and read on a quiet night after work, give these two books a whirl.

Book Series # 5 - Art Magazines

STUFFED Magazine

Stuffed Magazine Covers

 I was introduced to this magazine by a friend when I had first opened my Etsy shop way back in 2009. The magazine features a collection of plush/art doll/soft doll works (coined Softies) from various artists-such as EcoLeftz and Sleepy King-of the hobby/craft persuasion. Dolls are made in a wide range of media; from paint on wood, recycled materials, sculpture, to a mash up of fabrics sewn together to make a cast of quirky and fun characters. For each Softie featured, there's contact information, short bios, and art tips & tricks shared by the artists.  

Example of a page from Stuffed Magazine

This magazine reminds me more of an art doll catalog & book. Its published twice a year and is $15 each. They're sold in only a few select stores, so buying it online may be your best option. It's put together quite well, and the people at Stuffed Magazine take care of the photography, placing the Softies in handmade settings to enhance their story.

This magazine would do well in your art book collection if you have a soft spot for Softies and are into cute culture. 

Hi-Fructose Magazine

 If your looking for an art magazine that goes in depth with the artist's personal story and art process, as well as houses a collection of differing practices within art, then this magazine would be a better fit for you. I found it while looking for an issue of STUFFED magazine at the craft store. The covers are eye catching, and the wealth of background information from special features and interviews with the artists make for a great read.

Example of a page inside Hi-Fuctose Magazine

The magazine is also helpful in terms of listing ads for upcoming art shows and gallery openings (although, some might not be near your location). This magazine runs for $8 and is published four times a year. It's a great source of inspiration when you're feeling stuck. I collect these magazines for references, ideas, and research.

Are they're any art magazines you collect?

Book Series # 4 - Art Book & Zine

Book Recommendations

Book Cover Illustration done by Matt Sundstrom

PDX 100 by Matt Sundstrom - Wanting to expand my collection of art books and zines, I happened upon this small book at a comic book shop. It contains 100 ink drawings of Portland, Oregon, all illustrated by Matt Sundstrom; an illustrator and designer. 

Illustration done by Matt Sundstrom

The illustrations depict quaint settings, the varying thicknesses in line work orienting the reader in a specific space. Some drawings are left with no indicators of what location is being shown, and this allows the reader to place a story of their own on the unmarked location, especially if they aren't familiar with Portland. In this way, the illustration and reader share information. It becomes more of an interactive experience than just peering at a collection of drawings.

Illustration done by Matt Sundstrom

The absence of human life is what drew me to this book. Even though the touch of humanity echoes throughout the deserted buildings and empty cars, there's a kind of quiet contemplation I feel when studying each page uncluttered by bodies. As a result, I don't think of this book as a mapping of a location (even though its intentions ring loud and clear that its exactly just that), it feels more like a meditative piece to me, a practice to orientate the self. 

Book cover illustration done by Maryanna Hoggatt

Adult Babysitting Volume One by Maryanna Hoggatt - On to something more light-hearted. Maryanna Hoggat is a freelance illustrator who wrote and illustrated a small autobiographical zine of her times as a bartender.

Illustration & story done by Maryanna Hoggatt

It's a pretty quick read. This piece felt more relatable than humorous.

Illustration & story done by Maryanna Hoggatt

This is my favorite page because of how 'The Basic Materials and Tools' kind of pretends to be a table of contents. There's no page numbers and no real title references for chapters. It reminds me of a drunkard's state of mind where information just floats, order is lost, and playfulness abounds.

You can click on each of the artists' names to find more information on them.
Happy Monday everyone!

Book Series # 3 - The Iron Fey

Book Recommendation

 

There are quite a few things to be weary of in life; treachery, trickery, travesty, and secret trysts that go bumpty-bump in the night. However, if you find these things highly entertaining and amusing, than step into a world where such things are key to survival, especially in the realm of the fey. I welcome you to The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa.

The first three books in the series-The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, and The Iron Queen-focus on Meaghan Chase, a 16-year-old girl who has the ability to see the fey-pixies, fairies, goblins, sprites-living in the mortal world. Her brother, Ethan, is kidnapped by the fey and dragged into the Nevernever-a mystical land in which these creatures reside-for an unknown purpose.

Things that come in threes are a trademark of fairy tales-like in Goldilocks and The Three Little Pigs, and to see them implemented in Kagawa’s series adds a nice dynamic between the characters-as seen with the three fey princes of the Unseelie Court, and the three traveling companions-Meaghan, Puck, and Ash-roaming the Nevernever. I enjoy stories that have undertones of fairy tales.  

The next three books-The Iron Knight, The Iron Prince, and The Iron Traitor, focus on the individual quests of the three prominent male characters seen in the first part of the series (however, we aren't quite done with Meaghan just yet!). So far, I am up to The Iron Prince, and I’m finding it to be less lustrous than its predecessors in terms of characterization. However, I’m in the early stages of the book, so there’s still room for this story to grow. 

Aside from this, there are shorter novellas that happen between the events of these books, and they have been collected in The Iron Prophecies (which I shall purchase soon!).

Even though this series is swathed in betrayal and intense trickery, like most teen fiction, The Iron Fey Series doesn’t allow the protagonists to escape romance, which can be a bit overbearing when the ugly heads of love triangles appear. If this doesn’t upset your stomach much, than do give this series a try! The adventure and culture of the Nevernever itself is enthralling and informative towards the character's personalities. It also makes for a nice collection to add to your library. The typography is eye catching, as are the covers!