Quilter’s Smackdown: Traditional vs. Art Quilting

Are you a traditional quilter intrigued by the world of “art” quilts but unsure of where to start? Or, perhaps, you are an art quilter interested in strengthening your design foundation and fine tuning your style. There is more to making art than learning a lot of techniques and there exists a plethora of "How to be a Fabulous ARTIST" titles out there. We have chosen some of our favorites to share with you. No matter which side of the fight you support (and who’s to say you can’t support both teams) there is a great book just perfect for you.

General Creativity Books to get you started on your journey

Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
A quick read that acknowledges the fears of making art and helps you to get out of your own way! Every aspiring artist needs to own this book. You will want to read it over and over.

Fearless Creating by Eric Maisel
In the Introduction of this book Maisel writes “If you would like to be creative, you must first come alive”. Maisel takes you through his stages of creativity asking critical questions and giving thoughtful exercises. A great addition to your library.

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland--- A classic written with wit and embraceable style. Ueland encourages you to insert your craft of choice wherever she uses the word 'write'. Her book is quotable, memorable and inspiring! This is one to own and re-read!

Inspiring Creativity by Rick Benzel
This book is a collection of 22 articles penned by creativity coaches. Many of these coaches are artists and have walked the same path as you. Their personal stories will strike a chord with you, give you courage or make you laugh.

Living the Creative Life: Ideas and Inspiration from Working Artists by Rice Freeman-Zachery
"Tips” and “Try This” inspirations from 15 artists working in various mediums and a rare chance to see a glimpse of the inner workings of some very creative minds make this book a must for your reading list.

Making Pearls: Living the Creative Life by Jeanne Carbonetti--- One authors take on the Creative Process. Designed for painters, the simple periods like "waiting," "opening," "holding," or "releasing" may give you a visual idea of how YOU create.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way is the first of a generation of creativity books and a classic. This book is great to get you thinking about why you don’t do your work. Writing based but even if you don’t do the exercises it is still a valuable tool. There are probably a million copies in print and it is easy to find on the shelves of used book stores.

The New Creative Artist by Nita Leland
A guide for developing the creative spirit of painters, quilters, sketch artists and more! Good exercises that you might actually want to try!

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Helping you to break through your resistance. Pressfield has been there and shares his battles and successes. Another fast read.

Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison
Learning to unabashedly explore your inner thoughts in a messy journal style. If you are looking for something different give this one a try.

Nurture your personal style or get some help figuring out just what that is

Finding Your Own Visual Language: A Practical Guide to Design & Composition by Jane Dunnewold, Claire Benn and Leslie Morgan
This great book is chock full of great exercises to help you get started and keep going. A must own! Available at http://www.artclothstudios.com

Idea to Image: A Guided Studio Workbook  by Laura Cater-Woods
Idea to Image is also full of great exercises but in contrast to Finding Your Own Visual Language these exercises are focused on helping you discover your creative process, how to begin and how you can nurture your creative life.  Another must own! Available at http://www.cater-woods.com

Mastering Landscape Photography by Alain Briot
Inspiration for quilters in a Photography Text? Briot's essay on establishing a personal (photographic) style is illuminating. Available at  http://www.beautiful-landscape.com