April Reading

It's been a while since I wrote about what I've been reading - mostly it's been craft books. And I now have another pile of those sitting, waiting to be browsed.

Novels

Rachael's Gift by Alexandra Cameron
Rachael is 14 and a 'gifted' artist, but also a gifted liar. When Rachael accuses her art teacher of sexual misconduct, Rachael and her parents, Camille and Wolfe, are drawn into a deepening web of distrust and confusion. Set in Australia and Paris, the story encompasses the secrets and lies of four generations and, for me at least, a surprising ending. Worth a read.

Stonemouth by Ian Banks
Having heard Ian Banks mentioned a number of times at my book club, when I saw one at the local library I had to try it. I found it to be well written, and despite the world of Stewart Gilmour being one I have never had connection to in any way, believable. However, it is a bleak and sordid world, and although it was satisfying in the way a well written book is, it left me with a feeling of grey dreariness.

Non-Fiction

The Artist Unique: Inspiration and techniques to discover your creative signature by Carmen Torbus
I had this book out of the library several times and found it so inspiring and helpful I finally bought it. It includes the work of seventeen artists whose favourite techniques are explained in detail. There are workshops' to help you, and details of material. I love this book!

Making an Impression: Designing and Creating Artful Stamps by Geninne D Zlatkis

I think I may have to buy this book too - I love it, and this woman's work to the degree that I am following both her blog and her Facebook page. Her stamps are gorgeous and she shows how to make them. My main problem is that I can find only one shop selling over-sized erasers, and even that has only one size. I've been having lots of fun with erasers and lino cutting tools.