Books
Hello. I love books! There are so many that I have been changed and inspired by and I have always loved working on them from handmade zines to published ones.
Here are our books and it is our sincere hope that you find them helpful in your creative journey!
Steve & Carla Sonheim
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Newest Book!
Chasing Rabbits
Non-fiction: Illustrated Memoir & Creativity
Self Published • 96 pages • full color
+ bonus 24-page “Girl, Grandma” ‘zine
Purchase here on this website!
$28.00 + $5.00 shipping (Our apologies, U.S. only at this time….)
Hi Everyone!
“Chasing Rabbits” is an assignment I give while teaching (and to myself) that is about being free to discover what happens, rather than be intentional about the end product . . . a time to chase ideas, maybe not ever quite catch them but have a wonderful time in the process. And so for a long time now I have wanted to create a publication that had the FEELING of chasing rabbits.
In the beginning I thought it was going to be a really big book filled with every single piece of artwork I’ve made and every single thing I’ve ever written in my journals and blog posts and newsletters over the years!
Ha! That was never going to happen . . . . So instead I began to think of it as more of a serial book/magazine hybrid that includes drawings, paintings, sketches and scribbles as well as notes, musings and stories divided into three sections: Life, Creativity and the Pursuit of Happiness (with an emphasis on the word “pursuit” because, you know, life is hard). This is the first issue.
I really hope you like it!
Carla
Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun
Quarry Books
100,000 sold!
From the back cover:
Carla offers a year’s worth of assignments, projects, ideas, and techniques that will introduce more creativity and nonsense into your art and life. Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists offers readers a fun way to learn and gain expertise in drawing through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result, yet, the readers gain new skills and confidence, allowing them to take their work to a new level.
Testimonials:
“ THIS BOOK speaks to me. When I look through the activities, I know I can do them, and I know they are non-fail projects. There is so much fun and whimsy built in, that creating will be a joy. If blank pages intimidate you, Carla has solutions to inspire.” — Marme, review from amazon.com
“Thank you for being you, Carla. You changed art for me. Actually, you de-freezed it, after you helped me dig it out of polar ice.” — Seema
Purchase online:
Independent Bookstores| Barnes & Noble | amazon.com
Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop
Quarry Books
From the back cover:
This book presents a variety of mixed-media techniques that incorporate painting, artist’s books, transfers, and more, that will help you bring your amazing creatures to life and result in a unique, finished art piece. You will improve your drawing skills, expand your creativity, learn new art approaches, and have loads of fun doing it!
Review for “Imaginary Animals”
“I am incredibly impressed with this book. It’s packed full of great ideas, projects and mixed-media techniques, many of which I have added to my repertoire. The book is inspiring, fun, creative, imaginative and releases all pressure and expectations that we artists often place on ourselves. Instead, it gives you permission to let go, have fun and enjoy yourself.” — Regina Lord, www.creativekismet.com
Purchase Online:
Independent Bookstores | Barnes & Noble | amazon.com
The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone
Perigee Books
From the back cover:
The goal: to get participants simply to play, for as little as ten minutes a day, with pen and paper, thoughts and images. It’s amazing to discover how a shot of silliness—creating like a kid does for just ten minutes—can positively inspire your outlook, your “real work,” and more.
Fully interactive and illustrated with Carla’s charming drawings throughout, The Art of Silliness will delight the child in everyone.
PRESS:
• 10/20/12: Interviewed for an article at www.psychcentral.com: “Four Silly Sketching Exercises to Spark Your Creativity.”
• 10/29/12: Interviewed on KUOW Seattle Public Radio “Weekday” Show. Listen here.
• 10/30/12: Interviewed for The Chicago Tribune.
To Purchase online:
Independent Bookstores | Barnes & Noble | amazon.com
Creative Photography Lab: 52 Fun Exercises for Developing Self-Expression with your Camera
By Steve Sonheim, with Carla Sonheim
Quarry Books
From the back cover:
Go ahead, have fun with your photography. Creative Photography Lab is a collection of fun and silly photography exercises designed to teach you something about your camera (and yourself!). Whether you’re rockin’ a digital SLR, a point and shoot, or even a phone camera, this book will provide easy exercises to help you discover your own personal style.
Review:
“The 52 assignments here will nurture readers’ photography skills by acclimating them to photographic technology and by encouraging them to make this largely digital and mechanical medium more their own. Commercial photographer Steve Sonheim and artist believes in the significance of a photograph, even in this age of ubiquitous cameras. Sections on observation, light, storytelling, portraiture, and more will help readers realize photography’s creative potential. Assignments allow readers to use their choice of digital single-lens reflex, point-and-shoot, or smartphone cameras. VERDICT This highly accessible guidebook will have broad appeal.” – Library Journal
Purchase Online:
Independent Bookstores | Barnes & Noble | amazon.com