Artists Books

A Mirror Garden: A Memoir dispels the media's worn-out image of Iran as only about enriched uranium. Authors Farmanfarmaian and Houshmand create an image of Iran that envelops a complex country. Telling the story of Farmanfarmaian's life, they weave together images like a distinctive Persian rug or tapestry, filled with all the bright colors and some very dark ones that exemplify Farmanfarmaian's long life.

Farmanfarmaian begins by showing herself lying on blankets looking at the ceiling where "lines of gold and black traced nightingales and roses on wooden panels of cobalt blue, the color of the night sky," while she listened to her grandmother tell stories. Always aware of color and light, she leads the reader through the ups and downs of life to her emergence as an artist in a land where women were supposed to be confined to the home, cooking and cleaning for their families and raising their children.

Farmanfarmaian grows up amid wealth inherited from her grandfather who traded along the Silk Road. Although she lived a privileged life, she still experienced pain and struggle with the loss of two sisters, one who died from tuberculosis and the other from appendicitis.

Always relating through an artist's eye, she renders even her grief beautifully. Visiting her sister, Iran, dying with tuberculosis, Farmanfarmaian and her nephew, Bahram (her chaperone), ride their bicycles on weekends to visit Iran, "pumping uphill all the way but still pleasant through the dappled shade of the sycamores watered by rushing streams on each side of the road...Listening to the river, invisible a hundred meters below in the ravine, the rushing sound echoed in the windy rustle of leaves." Her sensuous words carry the reader along throughout the memoir.

After Iran died, Farmanfarmaian's grief was boundless. "At Abdolabad that summer, I haunted the two special rocks where Iran and I had sat so often. I remembered the silky feel of her hair as I wove it in braids. I remembered the nights we had sat there, the moonlight casting shadows on the rocks and washing the plains below...I sat on the rocks and cried, my tears drying in the wind with a tiny chill almost as fast as their trails could run down my face."

Schooling for girls in Iran seemed to lack seriousness as Farmanfarmaian remembers childhood pranks where she and her friends often had to stand long hours on one foot facing the wall for punishment while trying not to giggle.

In spite of her privilege, Farmanfarmaian maintains a self-effacing attitude untouched by arrogance. Even though affluent, she addresses the needs of the less fortunate, readily acknowledging that "I knew I wasn't going to solve the world's problems." After graduation, she emigrated to New York with her fiancé, and her brother, Hassan. A difficult marriage did not prevent her from pursuing her artistic interests, although she soon found herself abandoned in New York with her daughter, Nima.

Eventually she divorced and moved back to Iran and married Abol Farmanfarmaian, an oil dealer and engineer who became her champion and the love of her life. Her love for her country, Iran, shows as she begins acquiring relics from the Persian past that had been neglected or were about to be destroyed. The disruption after the 1979 revolution that deposed the monarchy forced the Farmanfarmaians to return to New York. The new bureaucracy confiscated Farmanfarmaian's home and her art.

In New York Farmanfarmaian continued making the "installations" she learned to create while living in Iran, mirror mosaics with tiny slivers of cut glass and mirrors, and paintings behind glass. After the death of her beloved Abol, she moved back to Iran to reclaim her art. Now in her eighties, she continues her art.

by Susan M. Andrus
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I chose this book because my knowledge of this part of the world is so limited. Although I consider myself to be fairly enlightened and not influenced by stereotypes, I realized about 10 pages in that I hadn't conceived of the richness of a woman's life in Iran. Monir's life is a personal, cultural, political, artistic journey in which she rejects self pity and creates and sustains beauty around her. Very inspiring.

Such a beautiful story. I could not put it down until finished.
Although I've never been to Iran, I feel as though I have now. The imagery in this book is wonderful, as is the writing. Thank you Ms. Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian and Ms. Houshmand for sharing this with us.

I loved this book. I felt as though Monir was speaking to me as an old and trusted friend, revealing secrets and intrigues without hesitation. I cried, too. The author's descriptions of places and objects were exquisite; I could see the artwork in my mind before seeing photos later in the book. I particularly enjoyed reading about Monir's interactions with her countrymen, her compassion and her persistence in a culture dominated by men. This is a fascinating view of an Iranian woman which is certainly different from what most Americans would imagine, a must-read for those of us who need a more balanced outlook into the culture. It piqued my curiosity to learn more about the history and politics of the country. The photographs and drawings contribute much to the experience; I found myself looking back at the glamorous "Day and Night" several times. Coincidentally, my 16-year-old daughter was reading the graphic novels Persepolis and Persepolis 2 at the same time, and we were able to share our observations. I hope to hear much more from Ms. Houshmand.

This is a beautifully written biography capturing the life of an Iranian woman artist as she grows in confidence, from her childhood in Iran in the 20s, to her globe-hopping success today. The book captures the wonder of a child experiencing the colors and smells of her environment in Qazvin and picks ups pace as she moves to New York (crossing the Pacific during WWII). It describes her return to Iran and growth as an artist as she discovers, collects and preserves traditional arts, all the while evolving as an artist herself. For those familiar with "Reading Lolita in Tehran" by A Nafisi, the juxtaposition of the life of an adventurous and exceptional woman during the Shah's era is in striking contrast to that of Nafisi. Illustrations and photographs are sprinkled through the book - my favorite is of the giant nudes painted in a swimming pool. They give the reader wonderful examples of the influences on the artist and of her own art. The book fascinates as it provides a unique view into Iran before and after the revolution, from the perspective of a spirited and unorthodox woman finding her way in a unique society and emerging into her own as an artistic force.

This second Murphy Dog book is even better than the first! It's also longer. See the circus for the first time through the eyes of a curious dog! It's such a fun read - I smiled throughout. The rhyme and rhythm of this book is every bit as good as the first, plus you feel that the author has really hit his own personal Murphy Dog book rhythm and they will just keep getting better and better! As with the first book, there is a dictionary in the back to help younger readers learn as they read. The Murphy Dog books are great for teaching reading and for spending that quality time with your child before bed. Can't wait to see what Murphy Dog is up to next!

We all wonder if our pets have their own imaginations...Do they wish they could be somewhere else? Do they dream? Etc.? This book cleverly answers that question, YES!
Murphy Dog goes to the circus with his family and wishes he could fly, and knows he could tame that lion...VERY CLEVER!
My daughter has a new affection for her dog, and we all think we have a deeper understanding of him. How wonderful to think dogs (and cats too) might have illusions of granduer! How delightful!

One great book outweighs ten mediocre ones. Murphy Dog at the Circus is one of those great books. As a special education teacher, I wish every child had this book at home. The illustrations are stunning. You feel that you can almost reach out and pet Murphy Dog. Paired with this, the book's easy, rhythmic, and imaginative text paints a great picture in the reader's mind. This book also lends itself to meaningful conversation between an adult and child. Whether you read it to your child, or he/she reads it to you, Murphy Dog is a book that is definitely worth your while.

This wonderful book is written in rhyme and is interesting, beautiful, and fun to read. Original art work adds to the text. The dictionary in the back teaches children how to find the meaning words, a very important thing to know. A joy to read and a joy to hear. Joan Mayor

Mr. Sidle has used his words and ideas to write an outstanding book for children of any age. It is a classic bedtime story. My younger siblings Must have it read to them everynight before bed! They will not go to bed without hearing the Murphy Dog stories!

I think that Mr. Sidle is a very powerful storyteller, expressing values that all should have through the story of a dog's life. His discussions include self-esteem and self-worth - topics many young children should hear more of.

I think anyone and everyone should read Murphy Dog at the Circus!

As an avid Birder,I get as much enjoyment from books about birds as the birds themselves. With about 1200 bird books in my library,you would wonder if there is any book that could excite me at this point. Not so,this book stands out as much a work of art as does a bird's nest. Maryjo Koch's art shows her great love for art,nature and the fascinating world of birds.It is pure pleasure to turn the pages and enjoy her work.
This is a large coffee table size book,15 by 11 1/2 inches,beautifully constructed with fine paper ,excellent printing and color rendition.To top it off,it has a beautiful cover displaying her work.
It has always amazed me,with all the birds we see in our travels,how relatively few nests we actually see.This usually only happens in the winter after the leaves have fallen.Of course,if one pays attention during nest building and nesting,the birds themselves will lead you to their nests.Whenever I come across one,I try to figure out what species of bird built it.Usually,because one is familiar with the habitat and the birds that nest there,it is quite easy to determine which bird built it.What also amazes me is how each species builds a different nest;and within that species each nest is basically identical.
Anyone who enjoys an artist who puts her heart,soul and skills into her work will be enthralled with this fine book.

I ordered this item on June 13 and still have not received it, two and a half months later. What's going on?

This exquisite book is perfect for those days when one can just lull in a hammock and enjoy nature. Maryjo Koch is a wonderful artist and naturalist. Her drawings are so lifelike you feel you could just reach down and pick up one of the beautiful bird's eggs that are in the book. The poems and quotations are an added plus. Wonderful book to have in a classroom to teach children about birds, their remarkable homes and nature.

This is a gorgeous book, a rare combination of art and information. It's the sort of book that people love but rarely buy for themselves. It makes a wonderful and unusual new-home gift.

The Nest, by Maryjo Koch is a delightful work revealing the spirit of her subject (birds/nests/eggs) with remarkable attention to artistic detail. The text (except publisher notes and the forward) are handwritten or hand-lettered . . . all with charming variety of style and movement.

On some of her drawings, she has left portions without color; thus, revealing the architecture of her black and white line art. At the side of several illustrations, she provides "brush smears" of colors with the name of the base paint colors used in the blends.

The book is a fascinating blend of ornithology and beautifully executed art.

This revised, expanded second edition of Net Crimes & Misdemeanors: Outmaneuvering Web Spammers, Stalkers, And Con Artists comes from a cybercrime expert who provides easy, efficient methods for handling a wide range of online attacks. Himself a one-time victim of cyberstalking, Hitchcock became a victim's advocate and so doesn't come from a programmer's background. Her coverage therefore is most accessible to the lay consumer - the most likely victim of such crimes - and offers insights and tips on preventing everything from identity theft to internet dating, newsgroup problems and more.

This is the second edition of the previously read/critiqued Netcrimes and Misdemeanors book.

Once again, the author fills the pages with important and vital information about how to stay safe online. From scammers to hoaxes, stalkers and ebay, even online dating and keeping children safe from online predators, this book is packed with real life examples of how people made mistakes that made them a target for some online psycho. But not only does it have the mistakes that lead to the problem, it has the solutions and tricks to avoid the situation in the first place as well!

Both versions of this book are useful to anyone that surfs online, but I would urge people to get the second edition as it contains updated links and information. Learn to be safe online! Buy this book for yourself and anyone you know who's a newbie to the online world. You never know... it might just save their life.

In general, the new information and new stories were woven amid the 1st edition information so well that there was no way to make any assumptions and skip along through. Just for the heck of it I tried! Then went back and thoroughly read the particular section and found that there was new stuff I'd missed. I did this intentionally a couple times to check. Gave up on the game and just kept reading! New stuff I *really* liked - the chapter on blogs, journals, etc. and the Nigerian Chapter. Even the Afterword was perfect. Just rightly written. Can't explain it other than it seemed to encompass the entirety of the book for you.

One (of many) of my favorite line(s). Intro, page 2, para.4, sentences 1 and 2. Buy the book and find out!

This book is excellent.

I had heard about the first edition of this book, but never bothered. I honestly thought I knew everything about being online. Then I had a bad experience and heard the 2nd edition was coming out. I bought it at the first chance I could and believe me, I have been kicking myself for not buying the first edition. All the advice given in this book is wonderful. I even found a situation similar to what happened to me and the advice was so simple, I couldn't believe it. Now this book sits next to my computer and I've found myself pulling it out to read about whatever I am doing online. Don't think you know everything - you don't! Trust me on this.

Identity theft, forgery, harassment . . . its happens to thousands of people every day, children included.

It is estimated that more than sixty percent of children between the ages of 13 and 17 have a Myspace profile, my own children are included in that percentage.

I thought that frequent supervision, placing our computer in the kitchen, and an expensive computer software program would be sufficient to protect my children. I was wrong. With tips from this book, I quickly changed simple computer settings that could ultimately prevent my children, or myself, from becoming a cybercrime victim.

The details that Jayne Hitchcock includes in this book about victim prevention and the procedures to follow if you are victimized, are clear and to the point. A review of cybercrime laws, victim experiences, and the psyche of perpetrator motivation make this type of book, which could be otherwise boring, very interesting!

This book is a MUST HAVE for computer rookies, experts, high school students, and every Mom in America, including mine!

I just finished reading "Nicholas & Helena Roerich: The Spiritual Journey of Two Great Artists and Peacemakers," and want to express my appreciation for your book. Although I knew how it would end, I was moved to tears when I read of the passing of Nicholas and Helena. I have been a student of the Roerichs for over 30 years and I greatly value the love and consciousness your book embodies. Thanks and blessings to you, Ruth.

The lives of Nicholas and Helena Roerich as recounted by Ruth Drayer have enlightened my being. Just as the Roerich's used their artistic genius and clear intention to discover inner peace and create a world where the kernel of spiritual peace could live in all humanity, this book demands that one look inward and ask the question, "How can I make a difference in my life?". Helena and Nicholas will touch your heart, stir your dreams and remind you of the power and perseverance of the human spirit.

The life of Nicolas and Helena Roerich has been veiled by various conflicting assessements. Some coming from guru worshiping admirers others from sceptics or jealous opponents. In her book Ruth A Drayer's vivid text is that of an intelligent observer showing the reader a dispassionate canvas yet fully aware of the amazing quality of these two people who are still an inspiration to artists and esoterisits from all over the world. I could not put the book down and would invite anyone not to miss the reading of a very special journey- an adventure of two exceptional souls.
Genie Poretzky Lee painter founder member of he Lotus Foundation Lodon UK

I'm so glad a friend told me about this book. I love the paintings - so clear and fresh; simplicity with depth of meaning.

It is gratifying that the author was able to compile such a detailed record of the Roerich's life, work and travels. I enjoyed traveling in my imagination by way of the diary entries - and to places I would NOT want to endure physically - 17,000 foot mountains, for example.

The entire book stretches my imagination - that Helena received so much direction and information in non-physical ways, all the miracles of perfect timing, the pull of India and how they overcame obstacles to visit and live there.

Truly it reads like a novel for which a movie script will be written - their story is so rich, their lives so full of adventures, and alas, there is also a betrayal - just like the movies. Plus, an index - a librarian's dream!

I recommend this to anyone interested in world history, the search for peace, and the development of spiritual understanding.

Theresa Hocking, retired Librarian, Texas

The life of Nicolas and Helena Roerich has been veiled by various conflicting assessments. Some coming from guru worshiping admirers others from sceptics or jealous opponents. In her book, Ruth A Drayer's vivid text is that of an intelligent observer showing the reader a dispassionate canvas yet fully aware of the amazing quality of these two people who are still an inspiration to artists and esotericists from all over the world. I could not put the book down and would invite anyone not to miss the reading of a very special journey--an adventure of two exceptional souls.

9 Famous Artists Your Children Will Love takes a user friendly approach to introducing children to concepts of 20th century art. This book is easy to understand and enjoyable to read. It is a great buy for your family or as a gift!

Mr. Napoliello's recent title "Nine Famous Artists..." was an incredibly inspiring read for me. Not only did I enjoy the stories and great colorful artwork, but I actually took my kids to the museum and an art gallery shortly afterwards. My head exploded watching how much fun and interest the kids had. I thought baseball and TV was the way to go, Mr. Napoliello has genuinely inspired me to try harder. I did try harder and the results were staggering. I plan to make galleries and museums a regular part of my kids life.

This book is a wonderful read! It should serve as a "blueprint" for parents to introduce their children to art. Napoliello captivates his audience from the beginning. I strongly recommend this book to anyone.

Written in collaboration with the Pasadena Museum of California Art, Michael Napoliello's Nine Famous Artists Your Children Will Love: An Art Discovery Primer & Handbook For Parents And Their Children is an engaging and informed introduction to appreciating wonderful abstract and modern artworks by distinguished creators. The nine artists presented are Alexander Calder, Red Grooms, Wassily Kandinsky, Fernand Leger, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miro, Claes Oldenburg, Jackson Pollock, and David Smith. Full-color photographs of memorable pieces are presented with biographical notes on the artists, ideas for activities to share with children, questions to ask and discuss, insights into the heart and soul of the creations, and more. An excellent art appreciation guide, Nine Famous Artists Your Children Will Love is most especially commended to the attention of parents and grandparents wanting to instill an appreciation of modern art into the minds and lives of their children and grandchildren.

Without a doubt, children that grow up appreciating art with their parents, turn out to be brighter, happier and healthier human beings. Recent studies even indciate much higher SAT scores from young adults who had an early and extensive exposure to art. This book is one of the most entertaing and fascinating tools that I've ever read to help parents set their children on a life long love of learning. Two thumbs up. ...

If you want to read a book by an author that writes like he probably talks, grab a copy! Not too many authors would even attempt Smith's style of writing. No King or Koontz filler or fantasy. And ultimately, more fact than fiction. "Nothin' Left to Lose" is a must read for any music lover and mafia dissident!

If you like music, intrigue, mystery, romance and powerful endings - this is the book for you. The lyrical writing and skillful handling of characters make it hard to believe this is Carl Smith's first novel. A must for any avid reader's Christmas list.

Carl T. Smith's NOTHIN' LEFT TO LOSE is a breath of fresh air. A good story with an exciting cast of characters and all of the other elements missing in so many other contemporary novels. As he goes from Nashville janitor to a semi-successful performer/songwriter, John Ryan Stone passes all of the high roads and low roads of the music industry. Smith is careful not to make the path easy nor to sew the story up with major stardom and an unrealistically happy ending. The book is a story of people who work and play in the music industry, yet it is not a music novel.Unlike many of the light weight 'sex, drugs and rock and roll (country music?) novels, Smith's characters are real and touchable. The author's style and characters remind me of the works of James Lee Burke. A great read and definitely movie material.

This book was recommended by a friend and I am so glad--I spent the weekend curled up by the fire, listening to Trisha Yearwood and reading this book. One of the best weekends I've ever had. Thank you Carl Smith for a good time.

Nothin' Left to Lose gets an A+. Carl Smith writes in the true Southern tradition. As the Charleston, SC Post and Courier reviewer, John Lyons said--and his review lead me to this book--"Nothin' left to Lose is a southern work through and through". Filled with facile wit and intelligence wrapped a good story, Smith has created a spellbinder. The author's knowledge of the music business, the mob and the struggles one must go through to achieve any kind of sucess could only come from an insider. At times I chuckled and at times I teared-up. The book has everything from suspense, wild and crazy characters that tear your heart out to a romance that is to die for. A great read!

I have nothing to add. It's a very good quality title. If you now "Water margins", and you like it, you will have a fun with this book.

The prints in this book are fantastic, large with great color reproduction. It also an excellent read for anyone interested in japanese woodblock printing. An all round excellent book.

Of all the superb books published by Hotei on the subject of Japanese woodblock prints, Inge Klompmakers' "Of Brigands and Bravery: Kuniyoshi's Heroes of the Suikoden" is far and away my favorite. This reflects not only my enthusiasm for the 19th-century artist Kuniyoshi but also an appreciation of the rich symbolism embedded in his treatment of the "Suikoden" heroes.

The "Suikoden" (the term is the Japanese rendition of the original Chinese title of "Shuihu zhuan") is a epic Chinese novel that is known in English as both "The Water Margin" and "All Men are Brothers." The novel, which lionizes an outlaw band of 108 men who commit crimes on behalf of the common people, was first translated into Japanese in the late 18th century. In the 19th century, a reworking of the novel brought it to an even wider Japanese audience, and at this juncture a number of leading print artists--including Hokusai and Yoshitoshi--illustrated it. However, it is the treatment of the bandits by Kuniyoshi--who depicted 75 of the 108 heroes--which has enjoyed the most enduring popularity and influence.

In the original Chinese novel, six of the 108 bandits are described as tattooed. In Kuniyoshi's series, covering just 75 of the bandits, that number was expanded to 15, and Kuniyoshi's "Suikoden" series became the leading evolutionary influence on Japan's complex style of tattooing.

Recently the "Suikoden" has enjoyed a major renaissance of popularity. Kuniyoshi's prints are revered by the international tattooing community, and the novel itself has inspired a series of fantasy games. Beyond these considerations, it is worth examining Kuniyoshi's accomplishment within its historical context. In the late 19th century, the Japanese enjoyed increased access to literature from abroad, had an urbanized population that supported a vigorous publishing industry, and perfected the technology of woodblock printing. These three developments jointly produced an extraordinary marriage of text and art, a marriage that enriches us all today.

The cover even makes me kind of wonder. Its paperback although the pages are pretty durable. I like the little stories about each character. The pictures are breathtaking and beautiful.

As you might know, Japan was closed off from the rest of the world for around 200 years (Up to 1868!). One of the few countries that kept up close economical ties with Japan throughout that time was Holland (Europe).

That is probably one explanation why in Holland you will find large collections of Japanese Art, and also why the University of Leiden (a city in Holland) has got a very good reputation world-wide for all Japanese-related studies.

The publishing company of this book, Hotei Publishing (www.hotei-publishing.com), is also based in Leiden and has over the past few years managed to create an excellent reputation for itself regarding Japan-related publications. I have about a dozen of their books, and can wholeheartedly recommend all of them.

My interest in Japanese woodblock prints started because of my love for traditional Japanese tattooing. Doing a little research on Japanese tattooing, one will eventually come across the great ukiyo-e Master Kuniyoshi, on whose prints most of the traditional tattoo designs are based.

If, like me, you want to delve deeper into the history of those designs: this book is a must-have. For the untrained eye it will at first be difficult to see the connections between the prints and the tattoos - but after a while you will understand better.

If, on the other hand, you are "only" interested in Kuniyoshi and/or his Suikoden prints: this book is also a must-have for you! The prints are re-produced in large size and full colour.

Besides, you get background information regarding the technique of woodblock prints, Kuniyoshi's life, his work, how the Suikoden prints came about, and a lot more.

If you would also like to see how some of those prints where "transferred" onto human skin, I can recommend the following books to you: 1. Takahiro Kitamura, "Bushido - Legacies Of The Japanese Tattoo", Schiffer Publishing, (over 200 photographs of works by one of today's greatest tattoo masters: Horiyoshi III). 2. Sandi Fellman, "The Japanese Tattoo", Abbeville Press.

What a gorgeous book. I've recently become involved in hotglass work myself and picked this book up out of curiousity. Not only is the book full of beautiful pictures and prose but the author also allows us a peek into Paul's techniques, which for me, is incredibly helpful and well worth the price of the book.

Even though it made me late I had to stop and soak in every page from start to finish as soon as I got it in the mail. I think at just about every page a smiling, "Oh my god!" came bounding out of my lips in admiration for this man's extreme talent.

Most of my art books end up on my studio shelf, but this one is so gorgeous and such a joy to view I think I'm going to make it a permanent fixture on the coffee table.

You will not be able to stop the "oohs" and "aahs" . The artist has developed a style unlike anyone else and the photographs are so detail you feel like you have become part of the piece. A work of art in and of itself.

It is a book that every glass lover must have.

Filled with beautifully detailed photographs of Paul Stankard's paperweights as well as excellent closeups of the making of his flowers and other paperweight inclusions. It also includes an interesting background on Paul's career and philosophy, but the multitude of wonderful color photographs of his extraordinary work are what make this book truly special.

While I wouldn't consider myself a "paperweight" fan, I admire Paul Stankard's work immensely.

For so long I've wondered, "how does he accomplish such wonderful things?". This book cannot show his unique genius nor how his imagination works, but it does show just enough of his techniques to sate my never ending curiosity.

You can see how a thistle is built. There are gorgeous pictures of how a glass bee is build and attached to a honey comb. Here are the dragonflies, the orchids and those amazing root people!

The book is filled with full color pictures, and many wonderful detail views. In Paul Stankard's case, "God is in the details".

I admired Paul Stankard's work before I read this book. I admire his ability ever so much more now that I've seen the immesurable detail that goes into each piece.

I am Jael... and I'm so thrilled with the overwhelming success of my first book, _Perceptualistics_! This book, packaged and designed so beautifully by Paper Tiger, contains not only wonderful samples of my illustrative work through the last twenty years, but the "now discovered" Perceptualistic pieces, that I've been painting throughout my entire lifetime. I thank everyone who has supported this, my first publication, and encourage you to keep traveling within your mind. Dream your dreams of worlds and journeys that are real, but perhaps as yet unexplained. Nurturing, personal, comforting realms in which to retreat, are very much needed for us in this world today. Jael

"Perceptualisitics" is a magnificent gift to the reader. But beware, you "won't find a banana in the middle of each painting..."

That quote captures the essence of a Perceptualistic painting, if such an exercise is even possible. There is nothing literal about these paintings, and a casual observer, expecting to "see" a clearly defined image or a pictorial story in them will be challenged. And that, dear reader, is exactly why you should own this book and drink in the intoxicating visions it contains.

But let me segue for just a moment, for while the Perceptualistic paintings alone are an experience that will engage and enthrall you, there is so much more to this book that make it a compelling "must have."

It is eminently readable. John Grant's prose is both succinct and lyrical, and his biographical rendering of Jael invites one into her world in a way that is palpable and enjoyable. Rarely does one find oneself wanting to finish the text in an artbook before viewing the illustrations. Reading about Jael through Grant's eyes and ears made me want to know more. If there is a shortcoming here, it is because one finds onself wanting an even more intimate and extensive portrait of the artist.

Jael's paintings, regardless of the genre, are superb. Those seeking to view her Science Fiction and Fantasy illustrations will not be disappointed. Her work is among the best in the field and begs comparison to no one. Jael stands among the pantheon of "great ones" in the SF&F area.

However, dear reader, Jael stands alone with her Perceptualistic paintings, and she stands on a lofty plane indeed.

Each Perceptualistic painting beckons the viewer to explore. That exploration might be an inner vision, a transporting to another world or level of awareness, an opening to endless possibilities and insights. In a way, these paintings are gateways to perception, and that perception may change with every viewing. Can you think of any other artist who can offer you such a journey? I cannot.

I thank John Grant for his warm and vibrant words, obviously written with much caring. I thank Jael for this incredible gift to the public, and for opening her heart and her life, if only for a glimpse, to those of us who can only dream of such creativity.

Final thanks must go to the publishers, not so much for having the boldness to go beyond the trite and conventional nature of many "artbooks," but for recognizing creative genius and giving the world an opportunity to share in it.

Jael is a genius. Her genius comes from the heart, the dwelling place of all true genius, and that is a wondrous gift to us all.

Open your heart and prepare to expand your universe, dear reader, and buy this book!

As a former webmaster for the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists, I had the pleasure of working with Jael to produce one of ASFA's Chesley brochures. This led to my becoming her webmaster. Until that time I thought she was a very talented illustrator having only seen the images that she has painted for covers and interiors of science fiction and fantasy publications.

While putting together her webpage she introduced me to examples of artwork that were unlike anything I had seen with the SF/F genre. These images cannot be considered illustrations. They are more than that as they evoke emotions and thoughts that transcend the physical plane; transporting one into higher planes of existence and depicting mindscapes of such vast and incredible beauty that the mind finds itself at a loss for words. These vistas can not be described. They can only be experienced.

With the publication of this book everyone can now own reproductions of these of these pieces of 'Fine Art', painted by one of the finest artists alive today. A must own book for every collector.

I've been familiar with Jael's super illustrations for a long time, but nothing prepared me for this book of her work, which concentrates largely on her fine art -- fabulously imaginative paintings that have almost all never been seen in print before. It's nearly impossible to describe them, because they don't obey any of the inhibiting rules that other fantasy artists tend to adhere to. This is a real breakthrough book, and the kind you'll want to buy extra copies of to give to your most special friends. It's lovely!

This book may be your only chance to see an extraordinary body of work from fantasy and sf artist Jael. Well known for her bookcovers, Jael (who goes by only her first name), had been doing an series of personal works over the last 40 years while she fulfilled the demands of motherhood and a busy artistic career. Not abstracts, not realistic paintings either, she calls them "meditations" or "journeys". They are unlike any other major paintings done in the 20th century; and while this book is beautiful, it doesn't do the original works complete justice--I had the privilege of seeing a couple first-hand, and they are stunning. Since Jael considered these personal works and "too odd" for public consumption, she had never publicised them before or even kept good track of the occasional times when she would sell one of these amazing works. The reproductions on page 40 and 54 hint at the splendor of the originals, but many of the illustrations of the perceptualistics were re-created from small slides, though Jael herself worked to restore them to something close to the original. The text is also delighful, since Jael has had a long, interesting (and rather inspiring) life. My hope is that this book will inspire a sequel, and that some of the owners of the perceptualistics will come forward for new scans of the treasures they own.