Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects Into Art

By Michael deMeng and Michael de Meng

If you've ever wanted to learn the secrets which turn a tap handle into a mysterious woman from the sea, which transform plastic aquarium plants into subterranean roots stretching far beneath the known world and those which can make an icy cave from a bourbon box, then prepare yourself for inspiration that will have you checking your trash bin, twice. In Secrets of Rusty Things , renowned assemblage artist Michael DeMeng guides you down the intuitive, curious and often rock-strewn path of an artist's creative process, where illusions are just as important as any other aspect to the art. You'll discover new ideas of where to look for, not only discarded objects, but new items that you may not have previously seen as having a place in a future work of art. You'll be inspired by ways to add meaningful symbolism to your artworks' stories both through the use of color and shape. And you'll see how an ancient tale can parallel the artist's plight and invoke a new piece of art. From the pondering of each ancient myth and its connection to the modern-day artist, to the gluing together of objects, to the paint that unifies and disguises the original bits and pieces, this is an intimate view into the creative process unlike any workshop you've ever attended. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158180928X
• ISBN13: 9781581809282
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Northlight
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.5" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Who are you? Find Out in this Book!

As a child, I spent many hours reading fairy tales and myths. The myths I read and studied were ancient. I loved them and they came from all over the world. I related to each one of them intuitively. I couldn't help it! Many readers, like me, begin as children, loving myths. Possibly you agree that the human condition, our joys, trials, everything, is distilled myth, be it Inuit, Hindu, Greek. Myths can seem grand and off-putting...

Michael Demeng is my hero....

I won't beat the dead horse... if you've read the other reviews then you know Secrets of Rusty Things isn't a "how-to" book. In fact I think I really wouldn't have enjoyed it much if Demeng provided actual detailed instructions on how he makes his art. The real magic in this book is how it is truly written from his "voice". Perhaps the publisher did a great job of fooling me but all the narratives seemed to come straight...

BEST art book I've ever seen!

I've been a HUGE fan of Michael deMeng for a few years now, and have attended a few of his WAAAAY FUN workshops. When he mentioned last year his upcoming book, and how it would be based on these mythology stories, I thought, "Oh God....sounds boring!"........But NOT the way Michael writes them! They are highlarious! (I'm sorry for ever doubting you, Michael!...I will let you pick ANYTHING you want from MY junkpile for my...

This is Special...

I anxiously awaited the publication of this book. I was sure it would be special. But i had no idea just how special it would be! The book design itself is awesome. The graphic and cover designer, Marc Whitaker, went way beyond what one usually expects in a book that is in the "crafts" catagory. And then there is Michael deMeng's artwork...bold and mysterious and amazing. I love the theme of pieces of art based on mythology...

Awesome Book

I found this book to be amazing and worth the wait. I was more than pleased with it. The book is presented in a 3 part format within each chapter. Michael shares his inspirations about his creations; shares how they are constucted and then within a side bar, shares additional tidbits of insight and few helpful tips. This book will give any reader the chance to peer inside the 'real' heart of an artist rather than being a typical...