APRIL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARTISTS

THIS MONTHS RECOMMENDATIONS COME IN THE FORM OF BOOKS FROM ARTIST, GALLERY OWNER AND SIXTEEN ONLINE FOUNDER ARTHUR OWEN SMITH.

Check out Arthurs recommendations for 2 books which have influenced his practice, plus introducing a bonus book from his library which is an ongoing source of inspiration and something a little different.

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ANNIE ATKINS - DESIGNING GRAPHIC PROPS FOR FILMAKING

“Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams and Prison Escape Plans - Designing Graphic Props for Filmmaking”

I love my work to have a tangibility to it. Something about it that places it in the real world, even if its an exclusively digital project. This is often through textures or grubby marks on the page or elements of interactivity within the work. Annie’s book is an incredible insight into how graphic designers working on films and TV create props that feel real, well worn and lived. I’ve learned so much about creating work that feels like its from a particular time and place and helping build an immersive experience for the viewer.

ANN D'ARCY HUGHES & HEBE VERNON-MORRIS - THE PRINTMAKING BIBLE

A huge tome absolutely chocked full of everything you might need to know about numerous printmaking techniques. Since I’ve picked this up, it’s been my go-to book when looking for ways to achieve a particular effect in my work. It’s jam-packed full of useful tips and step by step guides from what inks and paper to use, to examples of techniques in work from modern and traditional artists.

JJ ABRAMS & DOUG DORST - S.

A fake library book written by a fake author annotated with a conversation between two protagonists and full of found postcards and ephemera that all come together to create a truly unique and puzzling novel. It’s an amazing artefact and one of my favourites in my library, one that has been a continual source of inspiration in my graphic design work, especially when creating immersive and interactive projects. 

Arthur

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Any recommendations of your own? Let us know what inspires you, whether it's books, podcasts, YouTube channels or something completely different!