When art and craft are a big part of your life, you need space for the materials and equipment that go with it. Creative people apply their gifts not only to the work they produce, but to the spaces where they produce it.

Inside the creative studio shows the work places of painters, jewelry makers, textile and mixed-media artists and more. The studios are as individual as the work.

Some have integrated studios into their living rooms or attics; others have appropriated barns and sheds. All have applied ingenuity to organizing the materials they work with so that the materials are at hand and also a source of inspiration.

The tools of organization come from many sources like restaurant suppliers, flea markets and home improvement centres. Every manner of container is used to sort supplies, including plastic bins, baskets and buckets. They make use of dowels, garden trellis, and pegboard, as well as repurposed furniture.

Each example includes a floor plan for the space and an essay by the artist describing what works for them best.

Untamed clutter can defeat the creative process. These creative types have found ingenious ways to conquer the monster and make a space that inspires their work.

Today's blog comes from Candace Weir, Central Library staff:

Words fade away,

Like hills in fog.

(from a Netsilik Inuit song)

To me, small and precious link together naturally. They also describe the objects from a new book, Upside down: arctic realities, by Edmund Carpenter.

Imagine the carver hunched over a small piece of ivory with a piece of bone or sharp stone teasing the image of a seal or a bear from the material. The tool follows the curves of the form and incises lines: stories in bone or ivory or wood.

Some of the wonderful little objects were made and discarded by peoples long since vanished. They were not made to be kept; they were made to be magical.

What we can put into a curio cabinet, they drew from their imaginations to serve some long forgotten purpose, dreamed of in a land where the sky was the same colour as the land or the sea. The carver “…must reveal form in order to protest against a universe that is formless, and the form he reveals should be beautiful.”

Small in size but monumental in content, most of these objects would fit into a hand. There are delicate little animals, an Ekven ivory carving that looks like a spaceship, masks, heads and little females with steatopygic hips. They served a purpose and fell away, like the cultures that produced them.

Canadian poet Al Purdy wrote the beautiful and evocative Lament for the Dorsets which celebrates the richness of lost cultures.

If you are intrigued with these stories, I also recommend A Dream in Polar Fog by Yuri Rytkheu. The novel gives clear and moving insight into traditional Siberian Yupik life as seen through the eyes of a marooned Canadian sailor in the late 1800s. Rytkheu wrote in both Chukchi and Russian and is considered the father of Chukchi literature.

- Candace

Today is Earth Day, a time to celebrate all things green. I just wish the lawns in my neighbourhood would get into the spirit of it.

Our homes and way of living are depleting the planet. We all know this and most of us try to do better in little day-to-day ways: adopting reusable shopping bags, recycling, choosing CF light bulbs and low VOC paint.

If you are planning major changes to your home, there are many books in the collection to help you choose eco-friendly materials and building processes. Here’s one that I like.

The Green Home: a Sunset Design Guide talks about ways to improve the home you live in, as well as how to build green. They compare and materials for walls, flooring and counters. They talk about fabrics for bedding and furniture and appliances that save water and energy.

It’s all put together with eye-candy interiors that reflect the latest in design and style. I like that. Shallow creature that I am, if the design is banal and boring, I am less likely to absorb the information.

There is also a section that covers the basics of xeriscaping. Perhaps the lawn that won’t green up shouldn’t be there in the first place.

If you are pursuing a career in fashion design or just curious about the industry, check out the new edition of Research and Design. The book promises to lead you through the essential stages of fashion research and how to translate the research into fashion design ideas.

What we are talking about here is the creative investigation that precedes the development of a collection. It includes visual inspiration for the concept, gathering information about materials for the collection as well as consumer or market research.

You learn that sources of inspiration may be found in many places: museum and art galleries, architecture, flea markets, film and theatre and street culture. The author provides sketch-book examples to demonstrate.

New technologies produce new synthetic fabrics. For example, E-textiles embed computing and digital components into everyday garments. In addition, materials investigation includes the exploration of ethical issues and sustainability.

The author explores methods to compile the information gathered and offers exercises to translate the research into design.

Throughout the book, interviews with established designers provide examples of how the process works for them in creating a new collection.

Today's blog comes from Janet Millett, Central Library Staff:

Very few positive things have ever been said about cat hair covering the furniture. Those who have feline companions must resign themselves to deal with the inevitable byproduct. If, however, you are a creative soul, Calgary Public Library has a new book that will cause you to look at cat hair in a brand new light.

Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya shows many cute possibilities of what you can do with that abundant and free supply of cat hair. Like wool, it can be felted; however, it differs from wool in that it doesn’t have the strength or durability due to its texture.

The author provides step-by-step instructions for making little felted shapes that can be used to adorn scarves, hats and even book covers. You can make a furry little replica of your cat and frame it.

As well, there is practical advice with a yearly calendar indicating when you can harvest your greatest yield of fur and she answers questions such as what to do about cats that go outside.

Instead of groaning about the never ending clouds of hair, you can now imagine all the possibilities. Who knows – maybe if you have some not-so-creative friends with a kitty, they would gratefully share their supply as well. The possibilities and color combinations could be endless!

-Jan Millet

Jane’s Two Cents:

This curious little book is a wonderful example of what I love about the Library. When our PR guy says, “Everything You’re Into”, he’s not kidding.

Personally, I like the finger puppets and knickknack boxes. And the part that says no cats were harmed in the making of this book.

-Jane

You’ve probably heard the expression, “If you can’t go big, go home.” Well Jay Shafer took it to heart. For Shafer, the big picture is a tiny little living space that provides for just the essentials and not much more. Tumblewee DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses is his latest offering.

According to the cover, he “is internationally recognized as an expert in small living”. He has been building and living in tiny little homes for 15 years and when he says little, he means it.

In the land of McMansions, Shafer is an ardent supporter of a tiny revolution to create living spaces that are less taxing on ecosystems and economies. The bonus for him has been a mortgage-free existence and more time to pursue other interests, like designing little places for the rest of us.

Shafer is also a realist. While many people may not embrace the extreme, small-space lifestyle, there are lots of other purposes for these wee structures, whether guest house, studio, workshop or retreat.

The book includes plans for tiny houses and box bungalows. You see elevations and floor plans. Amateur builders can order a complete set of drawings from his website.

The portfolio section provides pictures of finished interiors that are carefully crafted to maximize every inch. In fact, one of the most attractive fittings is the Dickinson Marine stainless steel heater which is manufactured for boats.

Part Four shows the building process and covers clearing the building site (including how to fell a tree), establishing a foundation and construction of the exterior shell.

If you want further inspiration for small-scale living, check out Tiny Houses by Mimi Zeiger. It explores “the microgreen side of sustainable architecture” with projects like the House in a Suitcase on page 121. Located on a roof in Barcelona, trunk-like compartments unpack for use.

The April issue of Dwell features a funky and wonderful house built from three 10-by-12-foot modules. You can also see it online. It’s a DIY project that was supervised by architects and is set on 20 lush acres on Kauai.

Now, I want to live small like that.

-Jane

Today's blog comes from Candace Weir, Central Library staff:

Sometimes it is fun to revisit the shelves in the hopes of snagging a couple of interesting browses. Since I like to make things, the books that get my attention are often about methods of making. Spanish jeweler, Carles Codina, has three books in our collection that fit this criterion:

Complete Book on Jewelry Making,

Goldsmithing & Silver Work and

The New Jewelry.

His books cover a wide range of techniques; articles range from how to make a North African bracelet to an article on the specific properties of gems. As a novice jewelry maker and fiddle-around type, I found them packed with information, full of things to try or to dream about trying.

Codina’s books are refreshing in that the esthetic offered is quite different from much of the jewelry I have seen in Calgary – although the market appears to be changing. Witness Nikola, a shop in Inglewood where the proprietor sells jewelry that is bold and unusual, made by local and Western-Canadian artists.

Building on the bold-and-unusual-jewelry theme, another book from our collection, 500 Silver Jewelry Designs, contains a plethora of great images, most of which are terrific fun to look at.

Who knows what an inspired, jewelry-making dabbler might come up with after combining ideas from these lovely books?

-Candace

The title for this blog should really be: The Power of Love, Art and Vicious Medicine.

In 1969 Monica Searle was diagnosed with a rare and virulent form of breast cancer. She undertook a horrendous, experimental course of chemotherapy.

During her treatment, her husband, artist and satirical cartoonist Ronald Searle, created a Mrs. Mole drawing to cheer her through each chemo session.

These tender little drawings were never intended for publication. They evoke a blissful future life in the house in Provence which the Searles had recently purchased and were restoring.

“He was wonderful throughout – a tower of strength and a continual source of pleasure,” wrote Monica. Her harrowing treatments lasted five years and, against all odds, she survived. Ironically, although she survived the treatments so many years ago, she passed away recently before this little book of drawings was published.

Searle’s pictures are full of light and love and hope. The title of the book, Les Très Riches Heures de Mrs Mole, refers to a 15^th Century illuminated manuscript,Très Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry.

If you have forgotten his work – or are too young to remember it – take a look at some of his other books in our collection. Ah yes, I Remember it Well: Paris 1961-1975 contains drawings of Paris where the Searles were living when Monica received her diagnosis.

While humourous, they have a biting edge: lovers entwined on a bench overlooking the Seine are sitting next to a dissolute street person.

And speaking of dissolute, check out Something in the Cellar: Ronald Searle's wonderful world of wine. It’s a hilarious look at wine culture around the world where almost everyone is wasted and no one escapes unscathed.

-Jane

Today's blog comes from Candace Weir, Central Library staff:

One of the nicest ways to enjoy a cup of coffee is to spend it with a good magazine. You find the some of the best resting on the shelves of the Arts and Recreation department at Central.

American Craft is one of them, full of eye-candy inspiration. Despite its name, the magazine showcases talented people, from all over the globe, making very beautiful things.

The August/September 2011 issue (pages 108 – 111) features artisans from Adelaide, Australia. The JamFactory, profiled here, is one of 14 independent, state-supported craft and design centers.

Visiting “The Jam” is one of my dreams. I would love to see the wonderful and often off-beat explorations that characterize the Australian craft scene.

Nick Mount, mentioned in the article, is a pioneer in the Australian glass movement. His work is a mixture of elegance and visually quirky elements.

Included in this issue, as well, is a 70-year timeline of American craft making. Many of the objects in this visual time machine have become pop-culture icons. You can visit the American Craft Council website to continue exploring objects and images online.

Alberta Craft is a great way to find out about the talented artist/artisans producing their work in our local community. This quarterly publication of the Alberta Craft Council lists upcoming exhibitions and features artists, like Medicine Hat clay artist, Jim Etzkorn. I think that life is too short not to drink your coffee or tea out of something handmade.

Arts magazines can lead to so many interesting places.

-Candace

Today's blog comes from Janet, Central Library staff:

The Red Dress by Valerie Steele is a fascinating book for those who enjoy couture. It has the fabrics, design and punchy, high-end photography that are expected; but the historic images are a surprise. Along with the 20^th century fashion designs, Steele has scattered paintings such as Hans Holbein the Younger’s (1497-1543) red dress on Anne of Cleves (Queen of England at the time) and graphic designer posters.

I have several favorites from this book, one of which has to be Issey Miyake’s “dress” wrapping multiple models in one huge stretchy band of red. This is just like Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s wrapped art works!

My next favorite design would be Yohji Yamamoto’s suede dress. It’s the photography that is the thing here. Red-tinged, big black hair, boots walking on air and swirling fabric on a deep black background—great shot. The writer says it’s Mongolian inspired; but I’m reminded of a really dramatic scene in the film Memoirs of a Geisha set in Japan.

One thread of interest leads to another; so you might check out Christo & Jeanne Claude: on the way to the Gates by Jonathan Fineberg. Our collection also includes the book, the film and the soundtrack of Memoirs of a Geisha, as well as a portrait of the film by David James.

-Janet