book review:Personal Geographies

Paperback:144 pages Publisher:North Light Books (November 30,2011) Language:English ISBN-10:144030856X ISBN-13:978-1440308567

Author:Jill K. Berry

Jill Berry has turned the art of cartography into a unique and irresistible way to approach using a sketchbook or journal to explore your life experiences,travels and personal journeys through life.

The book opens with the basics of what a map is,ideas for things to map,explanations of the parts of a map and includes a comprehensive list of supplies that Jill uses to create the projects in the book.   The first main chapter,Mapping the Self,is centered around using mapping as a tool of self-discovery.  There are several projects in this chapter including creating a head and body map using paper,pencils,crayons and other every day supplies using the templates provided in the book.  You’ll also find a carved copper hand map,a 3d heart map,an articulated self portrait map with moveable parts and more.

Chapter two is all about mapping your experiences and you’ll learn how to create a pop up memory map,a strip map as well as explore creating a map using simple repeating symbols and ideas for creating a collaborative map.  The last chapter in this book is all about Plans,Projects and Possibilities and is all about creating mixed media art pieces from real or fictional maps.  Create a map of a fictional place that you read about in a book or one that exists only in your imagination.  Create an unfolding 9 panel map book of the future,a box that unfolds and lays flat when the lid is removed,a framed map of your Utopia,a postcard journal or a flip book of a trip you want to remember.

Every page of this book is a feast for the eye and each project is illustrated with step by step directions and easy to read and understand directions.  The photography is clear and sharp making the details of the artwork easy to see.  Jill’s writing style is easy going and conversational and makes the entire book a pleasure to read.  If you’re looking for a   new way to approach recording your memories,experiences and journeys then you definitely want to add this book to your personal library.

NOTE:Jill Berry is hosting a blog hop giveaway for 11 chances to win a copy of her new book.  Visit her blog here to get all the details.