Altered Images - Neat books (and a new obsession)

We were at the bookstore (Barnes & Noble) on Monday and as I was looking through the knitting books (I know, surprise, surprise) I stumbled upon a book that was in the wrong place- it was all about manipulation of photographs for use in scrap booking. I have always been interested in photography - so it piqued my interest. I left without buying anything - but couldn't stop thinking about that book. SOOOO... last night, I returned to find that book.

I couldn't.

I started searching through the stack of books and came upon 6 or so different and very interesting books related to photo and image manipulation, as well as a few books on creating altered "art" - which seemed a great reference for the construction of altars as well as creating collages. I bought two books -
I bought this one because inside it has all sorts of inspirational projects - assemblages of old doll's parts, rulers, wire, photos, paper, ribbons, fabric, paint, dye; you name it... I am always interested in collages and creating "altars" of different types - although I don't do much actual making... I think I'd almost need a craft room to be able to set these things up... work on them as inspiration strikes, but allow them to "sit" in their various stages of "un-completeness" until they are "done"...

Of course, the other question I have raised for myself regarding this type of work is where does it go when I'm finished - there's only so much room in the house for three dimensional art to be displayed... This doesn't stop me though.. I still want to make some pieces - and I will!



The other book I bought "Mixed Emulsions: Altered Art Techniques for Photographic Imagery" should be a more used reference - it explains very simply the processes involved in photographic manipulation; offering many different examples of each process. I hope to use these techniques in scrap books, installations, artwork, and maybe even just snapshots to frame...

I don't know how long it'll be before I actually start to use these books - but the references are safe in my library now - waiting for inspiration to strike!