TOBI ZAUSNER
WHEN WALLS BECOME DOORWAYS: Creativity and the Transforming Illness
Review from Publishers Weekly
In her intriguing book about illness and its effects on creativity, artist Zausner writes: "Most of us swim on the surface of life until a storm of illness impels us to dive within and discover new sources of inspiration and strength yet they were there waiting for us all the time." Zausner found her own life and art transformed after a 1989 diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This meditative and perceptive read is enriched by Zausner's wealth of knowledge about the lives of many artists she believes underwent similarly transforming illnesses. The practice of art, in her view, is healing, and convalescence can prompt budding artists to explore and more experienced artists to deepen their mastery. While Zausner discusses many contemporary artists, the sections on historical figures are the most vivid and surprising: looking at Leonardo da Vinci's work, she concludes that the great Renaissance artist struggled with ADD and dyslexia. Zausner also cites scholars who say Rembrandt had partial red/green color blindness and had to make do with a limited palette of mostly yellows and browns. The determination and ingenuity of these and many other artists in the face of physical problems is a humbling reminder that behind great art one can find painful and inspirational human stories.
For a comprehensive review of Tobi's book by Rob Harle,
Please click here
NANCY MONSON
CRAFT TO HEAL: Soothing Your Soul with Sewing, Painting, and Other Pastimes
The book meshes these interests (her love of quilting and other crafts and her experience as a health journalist) exploring the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of pursuing a hobby you love. She has been a freelance writer for 20 years, and her work has been published in over 30 national magazines and newsletters, such as First for Women, Fitness, Glamour, More, Quilter's Home, Reader’s Digest, Redbook, Shape, Through the Needle, and Woman's Day. She specializes in lifestyle, craft, health, nutrition, and relationship topics.
Nancy is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Craft and Hobby Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a degree in communications and launched an acting career prior to becoming a writer and author. She has taken numerous quilting, art, and graphic design classes in New York and Boston in a continuing effort to hone her creativity.
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MEET JOAN: Designer and Clay Artist!
Before retiring about 10 years ago, Joan worked in the design group at Ellen Tracy where her passion for color and texture supported their successful knit programs. Now she spends her time in both the 3D world by working in clay and the 2D world of digital photography. She creates jewelry, dolls and sculptures with an amazing inventive eye toward problem solving to achieve extraordinary results in design. With her digital camera and the computer, she transforms flat objects to visual landscapes and textures of reality.
Joan says: "I have worked exclusively with polymer clays for many years so I was unsure of what Makin's no bake polmer clay could offer. It is amazing; easier to manipulate than the standard polymer clay products and has a versatlity that is fabulous!"
Celebrate her unique talent by exploring the projects she will be designing especially for you at Caring Crafts!
 Joan working with Makin's Clay
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