Amy Butler’s Blossom, by Amy Blossom, Chronicle Books, 420 pages, $40.
Amy Butler’s blog Blossom is published biannually as a magazine and for the first time is presented in book format as a collection of the first two issues.
The internationally recognized designer shares the things that inspire her and provides a glimpse into her unique approach.
This collection is more an experience than a book. In it we see photos from her travels and her designs, drawings from her journals and can read articles that explore her philosophy and passions. She offers details on her own creative process, which she describes as “a beautiful mess,” and encourages everyone to let go of their inhibitions towards creativity.
Page after page of photographs blend with her thoughts and create a collection that can be enjoyed on many different levels. Her explorations welcome new discoveries and as she says, “the adventure never ends and magic is everywhere.”
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Feathers, by Robert Clark., Chronicle Books, 176 pages, $42.
Birds have long captivated us with their brilliant plumage but in this stunning collection, photographer Robert Clark has focused on the individual feathers. With no bird for reference we are presented with the exquisite beauty of the singular.
What began as an assignment for National Geographic on feathers grew into a project that took Clark around the world. From the king bird-of-paradise of Papua New Guinea with its tightly curled tail feathers that come out during its mating dance to the downy contour feathers from the breast that keep the spotted eagle-owl warm against the nights in the African desert, we are shown in incredible range of unique plumage.
Each one is photographed against a black background allowing us to study them in detail. A brief description accompanies the photos providing some information on its particular importance to each bird and their native habitat.
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Vintage Home, by Judith Miller, Firefly Books, 288 pages, $50.
Vintage furniture offers the best of both worlds. It brings a sense of the past and a degree of craftsmanship so often absent in today’s furnishings. A well-placed piece can become the focal point in a room and create a sense of style that you can decorate around. Vintage items can be found in a wide variety of places and it pays to know what to look for so you can spot those treasures.
Judith Miller provides a guide to 20th century designs and their origins so you can tell the difference between an Eileen Gray-designed glass and chrome table and something created by the Charles and Ray Eames Aluminum group. Filled with colour photos and detailed background information on the designers and the importance of their creations, this is a valuable resource book for anyone wanting to bring vintage style into their home.
