 UK £25.00 US $35.00 Hardback 160 pages 220 colour illustrations 28 x 21.6 cm (11.25 x 8.75 in) ISBN: 978-1-8589-4701-3 Available now | The Nature of Creativity A Mindful Approach to Making Art and Craft Jane E. Hall Foreword by Brigit Strawbridge Howard As we become increasingly aware of the power of nature to lift our spirits, so, too, are we becoming more conscious of the role that mindfulness can play in sparking our creativity. The renowned artist and embroiderer Jane E. Hall brings these ideas together in her captivating new book. As a child, Hall loved playing outside and making things using natural materials, from daisy chains and petal-based perfumes to tiny tea sets of acorn cups and leaf saucers. Now, as a successful professional artist, Hall still finds great happiness and inspiration in connecting with nature, and here encourages you to attune to the beauty of the natural world as a way of stimulating your creativity. Hall begins by explaining how spending time in nature helps us to engage the senses and rediscover playfulness, and outlines her belief that one should embrace the process of making art rather than focusing on its final form. She shares the special spaces, both indoors and out, that allow her imagination to have free rein, and then presents a series of creative ideas inspired by nature. These ‘Creative Contemplations’ first explore building your own treasure collection of materials to use in artistic projects, and then move on to the creation of a range of beautiful designs: stunning mandalas of petals, leaves and shells; delicate dreamcatchers; handmade birds’ nests; exquisite embroidered butterflies; ‘woodland fairies’ composed of lichen-covered twigs and feathers; and much more. Some ‘Contemplations’ include step-by-step instructions, while others feature the stories behind their making in order to inspire you to push beyond your perceived creative limits. Hall’s writing style is uplifting and engaging, and the text throughout is accompanied by specially commissioned photography. No matter how skilled or unskilled you believe yourself to be, The Nature of Creativity will nurture your artistic thoughts and help you find your inner happiness. Journey with Hall through the natural landscape to unlock your artistic potential and breath creativity back into your life!
A charming collection of art- and craft-based ideas and projects, all inspired by nature, by the well-known artist and embroiderer Jane E. Hall Promotes creativity and mindfulness through a renewed connection with the natural world Beautifully illustrated throughout by specially commissioned photography   
| |
Author Profiles Jane E. Hall is an acclaimed artist and embroiderer whose work has featured in numerous exhibitions and magazines. She is based in Dorset. Her previous publications are The Art and Embroidery of Jane Hall: Reflections of Nature (2006) and The Art of Embroidered Butterflies (2012). Brigit Strawbridge Howard is a wildlife gardener, naturalist and bee advocate. She writes, speaks and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of native wild bees and other pollinating insects. Her book Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature (2019) was shortlisted for the 2020 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing and listed among the Sunday Times Nature Books of the Year 2020. | ||
Reviews Dive into the wonderful world of Jane E. Hall. No matter how artistically inclined you might be, this beautiful book can be enjoyed by all This book is the perfect antidote to today's digital world, so get outside, search for treasure and engage in a new and creative way | ||
| ||||||||
