The Kew Book of PAPER GARDENS
The Kew Book of Paper Gardens
Fideli Sundqvist
Search Press
An unusual theme
I want to begin this review by giving a nod to its theme. This is the first under this genre that I have found. Yet the marriage of kew and paper art seems to be a natural one.
About the author
I have made some investigations into her work outside of this book, she creates paper art in many a form, large and small. This selection as illustrated in this book are just a small insight into her talent. Learn more by visiting her website.
How it unfolds
The book contains fifty projects, in sections - foliage, flowers, pot plants….
The preface explains her background a little - she is an artist who feeds on her environment (Sweden), she is multifaceted in her approach, using lighting and photography alongside her artwork, to create an extra shape to her practice. She admits honestly that she finds paper plants easier to care for than the literal!
Then we get the usual - the instructions, the tools and index.
Projects
The foliage and trees come first in order, then flowers, then pot plants both small and large. Some look more complicated to make, but I have not tried any yet to give you a real time view. On observation, I took to heart the Oxeye Daisy (page 52) I love the little details even on the petals, the ending that shows care and thought and evidences a woman who knows her wild outdoors well. Having been warned about her work involving photography, I took attention to its use through the book. The illustrations have such light and shadow. She also practices placement via collections - page 71 shows Roses and Ranunculus together, with a ribbon - a hark to a real life bouquet.
When we get to the trees and plants, they get a little wow for me! The potted ones are sublime and I would love to have a go at the Fig Tree (page 98) or Lemon Tree (Page 100)
The book finishes with many templates for all the projects.
Where the book sits - market
This book has been seen by me in many Art Galleries, Museums and of course Kew itself. So it fits as it were so many places and venues.
Where to purchase
