Imagine 2005: Undiscovered Talent Of Fantasy

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful & Refreshing Book!

I can see why they are undiscovered...

A charming collection!

An Exciting Project and a Great Achievement!

Response to previous review by Juroara...

Imagine 2005: Undiscovered Talent Of Fantasy

Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1419611569
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Book Description

A collection of fantasy art works from 36 artists in 8 different countries in full colour plates.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful & Refreshing Book!.......2006-02-27

Before I get onto my review of this book, I have a few thoughts to share with regards to the previous review from Alisa. Now I by no means intend to headhunt or rant, but in my personal opinion as a person, artist & avid book lover, I feel that anyone who has NOT read or even sighted the book they are attempting to review should not be doing so. I fail to see how it will benefit anyone at all. I had thought that the purpose of a review was to share thoughts & ideas with others of a publication of which of which the reviewer has (at some point) read. Therefore, hopefully helping others to make an informed decision as to whether the publication is to their tastes.

Basing a review of a 'compilation' art book on one person's art alone is neither constructive or appropriate. Its kind of like assessing a whole school's overall performance on 1 students exam results - it does NOT represent each individual or their abilites.

Now onto the book review. I actually have a copy of this publication. I am an artist, but I am NOT in this book... As an artist, I have to say that overall, I'm impressed - there are indeed many contibutors to this publication that have me scratching my head as to why they aren't 'known'. There is a wide variety of subject matter within the pages & interesting & useful information about each artist. This gives the reader the option of being able to learn even more about each artist & view more of their work! Something which I have done with great enthusiasm.

Yes, there are varying skill levels within the book, but what the compiler (Jenni) has done, is given these artists - ALL of the artists - the chance to be seen, the chance to expand & grow... AND the incentive to continue to create & improve upon their skills. What some people don't realise is that all it takes is 1 person to take a chance & give others a chance - You never know, Jenni may have just given the next 'Amy Brown' enough courage to continue, improve & become something truely wonderful.

I urge lovers of Fantasy art & artists alike to give this book a go - you'll be adding a lovely publication to your collections & supporting all of those starving artists out there that create art because they love it so much... This is their chance to share & shine. And just think, when the next 'Big' artists' star does rise, you'll know that in your own way you helped them to get there.

I can see why they are undiscovered..........2006-02-23

I have not bought this book but I definitely won't now. I came here from the website of an artist who was featured in this book and that person is not what I would call exceptionally talented, marginally yes, but exceptionally no. I am not saying they or the people featured in this book should give up art, just that they should not have been featured in a book at this point in time.
I am also aware that there are varying types of styles and tastes and what is good for some is bad for others, but a book that says 'undiscovered talent' in the title should be just that, talent, something truly amazing, not something that looks kind of nice and maybe would appeal to kids because it is simple and cute. It needs to be something that makes us wonder why they aren't famous.
On the whole I was rather shocked and saddened that the artist I mentioned had their rather low quality piece published, while there are thousands of incredibly talented fantasy artists that have never been in any books all over the internet.

A charming collection!.......2006-01-21

I am a fantasy artist who is also in this book, and I am beyond thrilled to have been a part of such a lovely project!

The artworks in Imagine 2005 are deliciously creative, and what a delight it is, to be able to read a little about the motivations and inspirations of the artists who created them!

The book is beautifully presented, printed and written. So much care and love was put into this project, and it shows on every page. This is a genuinely lovely book, and I would recommend it to all lovers of fantasy.

An Exciting Project and a Great Achievement! .......2006-01-16

It's so exciting when artists get together on a creative project! In this book little known fantasy artists (including me) pooled efforts and resources to produce an inspiring book containing an amazing range of fantasy artwork all produced in 2005. There's something here for every fantasy fan, whether you like intricate fairy designs with glowing colours, oil paintings or atmospheric digital work, detailed pencil drawings or dragons portrayed with a touch of humour. The artists' websites and email addresses are included in the book so you can find more work by your favourite artists online. I can't wait for this year's book which I'm sure will be bigger and even better!
I heartily recommend this book to students, artists interested in participating in the project in future and anyone who'd like to discover new fantasy artists.

Response to previous review by Juroara..........2006-01-14

I would like to comment on Juroara's review entitled "flunk". I too am an artist whose art was included in this, and while I understand what she was saying, I have to say that I do not agree.

Yes, the book is entitled "Undiscovered Artists of Fantasy," and yes, there are varying degrees of both talent and personal styles in the book, but that does not make the art or the book invalid. There are various reasons as to why all of us are undiscovered. Some of us are in various stages of development. Some of us have never tried to market ourselves. We are all of differing ages, and we all come from varying backgrounds.

Just because someone's work is not as realistic or refined as your own may be does not mean that the individual has no talent or should be written off. I look at some of the pieces in the book and realize that at some point or another my work also looked like that. Then I look at the artwork of some published and incredibly popular artists and I think that while the really popular stuff is amazing, there are also some pieces that they have done that are less than stellar and that I have done better myself. Then you also have to remember that even the best artists can put out some nasty stuff on a bad day.

Then there is the issue of stylistic differences. What one person finds attractive, another may not. What may look like children's drawings that you don't find value in might become incredibly popular in children's books. I saw some pieces in Imagine 2005 that were perfectly beautiful, but would probably be more popular with a younger crowd.

I myself prefer realism and classic beauty, but there is still no reason for anyone to criticize other artists. You never know that you might discourage the next great (but usually dead before they become incredibly popular) artist in their time of development. There is an unverified (and I stress unverified) story about Hitler. It is said that he tried to get into an art school when he was young, but he was turned away with comments that his art wasn't good enough. He then turned to the military and we all know what happened after that. While the story may be an urban legend, it does make a point that we should all think about.

As one last comment to Juroara, before you criticize anybody else's less than perfect work, make sure that you do so in a grammatically correct manner. Just as one example... the word "i'm" should ALWAYS have the "I" capitalized. At our office, when we look at people's resumes, this throws up a red flag about their ability to handle small details.

Book Description

Stephen Gan, the mastermind behind Visionaire, the most exclusive fashion and art magazine in the world, welcomes in the new millennium with "Visionaire's Fashion 2001." This sleek volume (7 x 16") dares to display the unique thinking of fashion's revolutionary designers.
"In fashion," Gan explains, "the term 'avant-garde' is often used euphemistically, a nicer way of saying 'weird,' or commercially unviable, or just plain difficult." From a quick glimpse at these designs (many of which were created exclusively for this book, "as an exercise in self reflection," Gan says), it is evident that the avant-garde is not for everyone. Rather, it is for those whose style carries them beyond the boundaries defining "fashion." Unrestricted by contemporary codes for clothing like "comfort," "casual," and, let's face it, "clich," the designers featured here are like fresh air when compared to the often stale, recycled lines of more popular designers.

With Stella McCartney at Chloe and Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga, the fringe is moving towards the center. And, though some of the designers-Alain Tondowski, Stephen Jones, Christian Laboutin-are well known, the majority are not. "Well, that's the point," says Gan. "In the grand scheme of fashion, many of these designers register only as small blips...but if you measure these designers not in terms of sales but in terms of their ideas and the passion and dedication they bring to what they do, their impact is incalculable. Their work is at once inspired and inspiring."

With photographs by Mario Testino, Inez van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matalin, Sean Ellis, and Marcus Mann, this tribute to originality profiles 65 cutting-edge designers from around the globe. From the drama of the clothes to the captivating photos, "Visionaire's Fashion 2001" is for those in the know-and if you don't know, now you do.

Customer Reviews:

A must-have in any fashion and art lover's personal library........1998-12-09

Once again, another Stephen Gan masterpiece! Visionnaire 2000 works as a wondrous visual delight for anyone who adores the fashion world, art, and design in general. The format (text and visuals) is neat and appealing, and the photography memorable. As a sort of modern-day encyclopedia of fashion's most eccentric and notable renegades, this colorful documentary is both inspirational and entertaining.

Visionaire's Fashion 2001: Designers of the New Avant-Garde

Average customer rating:

disappointing -- great concept, poorly realized
the future

Visionaire's Fashion 2001: Designers of the New Avant-Garde
Stephen Gan
Manufacturer: Laurence King Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Designers | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1856691799

Book Description

From Visionaire, publisher of the limited edition fashion and art quarterly, comes this fantastic visual compendium of the young and up-and-coming designers who will launch contemporary fashion into the new millennium. With a daring new vertical format and evocative new photography by such renowned fashion photographers as Mario Testino, Inez van Lamsweerde, and Vinoodh Matadin, this tribute profiles approximately sixty of the newest, cutting-edge designers from all over the world, including Raf Simons, Veronique Branquinho, Olivier Theyskens, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Jeremy Scott, Joseph Thimester, and A. F. Vandervorst. The clothes, the unforgettable shows, and the fantastic photos from today's top fashion photographers make this the fashion book of the new millennium.

Customer Reviews:

disappointing -- great concept, poorly realized.......2002-06-06

This book is a survey of new designers that lacks content and depth. While the designers featured may be talented, the photos often fail to convey this, because many of them don't display the designs prominently. Also, you don't get a good sense of the designers' styles based on the few examples (usually one or two per designer) shown.

In addition, I found the dimensions of this book to be quite awkward. The pages are smaller and narrower in width than I expected from a book containing fashion photographs.

I much prefer Claire Wilcox's Radical Fashion.

the future.......2000-04-08

In this second book by Stephen Gan, he is looking at the future generation of fashion designers. You won't find Karl Lagerfeld or Gianni Versace in this book but the next garde of world reknown group of designers.If you are looking for the designers of today buy Visionaire fashion's 2000.

Book Description

Featuring work by Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean, Howard Chaykin, Bill Sinkiewicz, Dave Gibbons, Mike Mignola, Charles Vess, Michael Lark

Customer Reviews:

Mister X.......2007-05-14

Mr. X is a fun futuristic comic. Not as cliche as Superman or X-men, and has some good ideas.

WHAT-- THE-- #V(* ??? (The Confusing Conclusion!).......2006-08-29

I had to wait between 8 and 10 months after reading VOL.1 before VOL.2 came out, despite VOL.2 being advertised in the back of VOL.1. But it was worth the wait... I think! Having just re-read both volumes back-to-back, I must say, that's a MUCH better way to experience Dean Motter's mysterious "epic". There's a number of references in these later episode to things that went on before, but due to Seth's obscure art & storytelling and Dean Motter's EVEN MORE obscure writing (which gets more dense and impenetrable as it goes), it's hard to tell who's who, where we've seen them before, and what's going on-- and why. With all the great covers, posters & other art by Paul Rivoche sitting around, I wondered WHY someone picked this utterly BIZARRE Dave McKean thing for the cover of VOL.2. By the end of the book, I stopped wondering. It a twisted way, it was a perfect fit.

Jeffrey Morgan, who wrote MISTER X Vol.2 (the 1989 comic-book series which followed the 14 original issues by Motter) wrote the intro to this book, an "intellectual" treatise that would fit in AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE magazine. (Take that as you will!) Following this is "Heartsprings & Watchstops", a bizarre, surreal stand-alone episode by Neil Gaiman & Dave Mckean from the 1st issue of A-1 magazine, which came out after Motter's departure from MISTER X. Reportedly, there's a whole slew of these short episodes by different creators, and I'm not quite sure why this one (like the Bill Sienkiewicz episode last time) is included here. But that mystery's nothing compared to the bulk of the book.

VOL.2 breaks down for the most part into 2 main sections. "THE SECRET" is a 3-parter (issues #7-9) which focuses on filthy-rich Whitney Welles & his family. He hires "X" as a private eye, but really seems to be setting him up for a fall. Halfway thru we discover he's mistaken "X" for his long-missing brother since the 1st issue of the comic, and only realizes his error when his REAL brother (who everyone assumed was dead) turns up. One more red herring in the growing mystery of "X"'s identity.

But the madness really escalates in "NIGHTCLUBS & DAYDREAMS", the 5-parter (issues #10-14) that serves as Motter's finale on the series. This arc focuses on a pair of competing nightclubs and music acts they've booked, but that's just a backdrop for the book's main mystery. More and more complications pile up, and it'd be confusing as all get-out under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, as Motter describes in a text piece, his personal life was spiralling out of control at the time, resulting in each successive chapter being harder for anyone to understand. Seth's art follows right along, until HIS last episode (#13) which was done without Motter's "design". (Without explanation, I wonder if Motter, as writer,was laying out the pages of the book? Without him doing this on #13, Seth was on his own.) Motter then describes how the script for #14-- THE FINALE!!!-- was sub-par, and the art even more so. Tragic.

However, readers of THIS book are in for a treat, as Motter took it upon himself, 17 YEARS after his departure, to RE-DO the 14th episode entirely on his own. As a result, the last chapter has a MUCH denser script, we're filled in on a TON of information as it progresses, and the growing confusion, complications and rampant insanity of the proceedings, at the very least, are comprehensible-- and in my view, a LOT prettier to look at! There was at least ONE revelation that made my jaw drop, and among the mysteries revealed was the fact that at least ONE death in VOL.1 never happened, except in one of the character's deluded hallucination. (SAY WHAT??!!)

The ending is not entirely satisfatory... but, like episode 17 of THE PRISONER tv series, it makes you think-- it makes you wonder-- and it makes you wanna go back and RE-READ the whole thing again from the start.

If only Motter-- or Paul Rivoche-- had illustrated the WHOLE THING from start to finish... Ah well! In a city of dreams, I guess I can dream, can't I?

Mr. X Volume 2: The Secret Life of Mr. X

Average customer rating:

Mr. X Volume 2: The Secret Life of Mr. X
Dean Motter , and Paul Rivoche
Manufacturer: I Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0743493354

Book Description

Volume Two in the definitive three-volume graphic novel collection of the acclaimed cult classic series.

Mr. X is a mysterious megalopolis master-planner gone mad. This is a dark, moody saga of his obsession to build a dream-the ultimate city-how that dream for perfection gets twisted into something far different, and the price Mr. X pays to fix a dream that has become the perfect nightmare.

Contains a special 8-page color insert and an all-star pin-up gallery by some of the top artists in the industry including: Howard Chaykin, Bill Sinkiewicz, Dave Gibbons, Mike Mignola, Charles Vess, Michael Lark and many others.

Book Description

Meow! This one’s sure to please sweet and sexy kitties, because it’s packed full of purrr-sonals designed for every Tom, Dick, and Tabby, whether they’re purebreds or crossbreeds, altered or whole, short hair or long. From a high-strung bachelor who needs a soothing touch (and dreams of a comfortable chateau in France where the mousing is superb) to a Cat with Attitude looking for honesty, loyalty, and openness (no more games, please!), there’s a purr-fect soul mate for everyone. Featuring funny color photos of fabulous felines of all forms—lolling on their backs, sitting alert on the bird feeder, perched on the toilet bowl—it will help fill the lonely hearts of stray cats everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Hilarious!.......2007-08-12

This is an absolutely hilarious parody of personal ads. You can't help but laugh out loud at this very funny book. It does contain explicit content, though, so this one isn't for the kiddies!!

A Must for Cat Owners or Cat Lovers!.......2006-08-29

This small but amazingly well written book expresses what we all know our cats want to tell us (and other cats) about their dating preferences. The pictures are wonderful. Very amusing and heart warming. A great quick read!

Laugh out loud funny!!.......2005-11-09

The pictures really caught my eye in this conveniently sized hilarious photo book of kittens & cats. The quips that accompany each picture made me laugh out loud in the store, and I was quickly showing my friends and family favorite pictures and phrases. I definitely plan to buy a couple of these as xmas presents this year, as for $10 and under in cost for a hardcover book, it makes for a great gift for anyone who likes cats or just funny pictures with funnier captions.

Book Description

When Nietzsche dubbed Richard Wagner "the most enthusiastic mimomaniac" ever to exist, he was objecting to a hollowness he felt in the music, a crowding out of any true dramatic impulse by extravagant poses and constant nervous movements. Mary Ann Smart suspects that Nietzsche may have seen and heard more than he realized. In Mimomania she takes his accusation as an invitation to listen to Wagner's music--and that of several of his near-contemporaries--for the way it serves to intensify the visible and the enacted. As Smart demonstrates, this productive fusion of music and movement often arises when music forsakes the autonomy so prized by the Romantics to function mimetically, underlining the sighs of a Bellini heroine, for instance, or the authoritarian footsteps of a Verdi baritone. Mimomania tracks such effects through readings of operas by Auber, Bellini, Meyerbeer, Verdi, and Wagner.
Listening for gestural music, we find resemblance in unexpected places: between the overwrought scenes of supplication in French melodrama of the 1820s and a cluster of late Verdi arias that end with the soprano falling to her knees, or between the mute heroine of Auber's La Muette de Portici and the solemn, almost theological pantomimic tableaux Wagner builds around characters such as Sieglinde or Kundry. Mimomania shows how attention to gesture suggests a new approach to the representation of gender in this repertoire, replacing aural analogies for voyeurism and objectification with a more specifically musical sense of how music can surround, propel, and animate the body on stage.

Book Description

Handsome, authentically detailed portraits of 48 different breeds, including full-color portrayals of a dachshund, cocker spaniel, basset hound, Boston terrier, Lhasa apso, fox terrier, chow, English bulldog, poodle, Great Dane, golden retriever, collie, Pekingese, Irish setter, German shepherd and 33 other varieties. Informative index and guide.

Book Description

Critical Thinking is about becoming a better thinker in every aspect of your life: in your career, and as a consumer, citizen, friend, parent, and lover. Discover the core skills of effective thinking; then analyze your own thought processes, identify weaknesses, and overcome them. Learn how to translate more effective thinking into better decisions, less frustration, more wealth Q and above all, greater confidence to pursue and achieve your most important goals in life.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Not fit for critical thinking.......2007-09-11

Although the authors have plenty of authority in this field, the book comes across to me as marketing or propaganda. They have focused on what they view as the essence of critical thinking which they call "fairmindedness." However, their intent seems less about teaching people how to apply logic to life's situations and more about an agenda of promoting liberal, Humanist philosophy. They eschew emotion as counterproductive to "fairmindedness," yet the text is replete with emotionally charged words, symbols, and examples. I was very disappointed, and I struggled to find the nuggets of truth in the sea of philosophical pondering.

Food for "THOUGHT".......2007-08-06

--You will see (in private) the assets and liabilities of your own personal thinking - as well as the the assets and liabilities in how your family, friends and associates think.
--Highly readable - very informative - absorbing and engrossing presentations - the art of critical thinking made user-friendly, enjoyable, and magnetic. A book worth using to learn or to teach "how" to think - as well as to employ for reflecting upon "how" we think.

Decent Book.......2007-07-06

I think that the book was really good and gave me a couple of new ways to think. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking to examine how they think.

Great for teachers of critical thinking classes.......2007-05-20

I use this book as a college professor for courses in ethics in addition to courses based primarily on critical thinking skills. Easy to follow, good chapter separation, and each chapter building upon the previous one, make this an excellent choice for these types of courses.

If you want to get smart, especially in today's chaotic world..., get hold of this book quickly!.......2006-10-28

Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life
by Richard Paul & Linda Elder

One of the hallmarks of strategic thinking, whether it is for business or for personal application, is the ability to think critically. This is also the expressed contention of Michel Robert in his series of well-known strategic thinking books for CEOs & senior managers.

In this particular book, which also happens to be one of my personal favourites, the two authors argue that everything you do in life is determined by the quality of your thinking. I fully concur with the authors. The two authors are principal leaders of the Center for Critical Thinking, a well-respected research & professional development organisation among the critical thinking community.

What I like about this book is that the authors help the reader to become a better thinker in every aspect of your life: in your career, & as a consumer, a citizen, a friend, a parent, & even a lover. They also help the reader to analyze your own thought processes so you can identify your own weaknesses & overcome them. To be more precise, they actually show the reader how to "take thinking apart" & assess it for quality.

In a nutshell, readers will learn how to improve all the three core components of thinking:

- analysis;
- evaluation;
- re-thinking;

The authors have also provided practical metacognitive exercises for honing your thinking skills every day.

These are the powerful & beautiful features of this wonderful book!

In the end analysis, thinking strategically is actually using effective critical thinking to achieve your goals & enhance your life. This also applies in the business realm.

I want to compliment both authors for crafting this excellent guide & field book on critical thinking. Their writings are clear, succinct & concise. Personally, I have enjoyed working on their exercises in the book.

If you want to get smart, especially in today's chaotic world where you're at the mercy of everyone else - from dishonest politicians to aggressive, stop-at-nothing ad agencies - get hold of this book quickly.

Readers who are interested to explore further the two authors' masterwork are welcome to check out their corporate website. They have a lot of other good stuff e.g. Thinker's Guides.

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