Over the summer I'd like to share some books that I've been reading. (You may even want to add them to your own booklist for the Summer Reading Program....) First up: Chuck Close Face Book by Francoise Mouly.
I originally checked this out from the library as a diversion for the kids on a road trip over Memorial Day Weekend. Then I hogged it long enough to read the whole thing cover-to-cover (admittedly, that only took about half an hour.) The middle of the book has neat-o flip pages so you can mix & match forehead/eyes/mouth with different Chuck Close self-portraits/techniques.
But the core of the book is questions & answers about living a creative life: How did you become such a great artist? Why do you paint only faces? Did you ever want to give up? The answers aren't just for kids, either. The introduction begs you to turn the page and keep reading:
Imagine it is a gray winter morning. You and your classmates are invited to Chuck Close's studio. You are all clutching notebooks, pencils, and note cards filled with questions for the artist. Chuck Close, seated in his motorized wheelchair, a wool scarf wrapped around his neck and a large smile across his face, invites you in. "So...you have questions for me?"
Ohhh....now I must check this out! The old art history sense are tingling! Thank you!
Posted by: (ms.) Michael | Jun 13, 2012 at 09:10 AM
i'll have to look out for that book. Chuck Close has always been a favorite of mine. Saw a really interesting documentary on him in recent years. he's a fascinating guy .
Posted by: tracy | Jun 17, 2012 at 03:13 PM