Friday Favorite: Jill Berry & Personal Geographies

11/18/2011

This Friday’s Feature artist is Jill Berry!

Jill is a graphic designer, mixed-media artist, teacher, and author!
Her book Personal Geographies: Exploration in Mixed-Media Mapmaking was released earlier this month.

Needless to say, I ordered my copy right away! I spent this past weekend reading it cover to cover.

Jill’s new book will delight both cartophiles and non-cartophiles alike!
Whether you’ve mixed maps into your art for years or have always wanted to try, Personal Geographies provides a variety of techniques to make and create with maps – both in two-dimensions and three!

Personal Geographies contains an introduction to maps, designing maps, and supplies, followed by these 3
chapters:
1) Maps of the Self
2) Maps of Your Experience
3) Plans, Projections and Possibilities

Each chapter is chock-full of projects and techniques...all of which were brand-new to me!
I especially enjoyed the step-by-step Carving Copper technique and learning about Poichor Stenciling!

I also loved learning about other map artists – seeing images of their map art and reading their bios.

Although hard to narrow down, I took photos of a few of my favorite morsels from Jill’s new book to share:

Oh, and there's one more not-so-little morsel...
Jill will be giving away a signed copy of Personal Geographies
to one lucky reader!
To enter the drawing, leave a comment below answering this question:

Everyone who leaves an answer will be eligible to win!
No stressing over answers allowed! Just be creative and have fun.
(By the way, you'll see some super-stunning answers to this same question on
page 6 of Jill’s new book!)

Did I mention Jill's signing the book and sending it directly to the winner?

She'll also be including a copy of Official Warning Map of Fort Worden, featured in her new book, too!

The giveaway will run for one week; through midnight CST next Thursday, November 24th.
Winner will be chosen using Random.org.
I'll announce the winner on Friday, November 25th!
Good luck!

Can't wait for the drawing? Buy Personal Geographies here.
And join other Arty Cartophiles with me at Jill's Personal Geographies blog by clicking here!

TGIF!
Mary

70 Comments

Nordljus link

11/17/2011 06:19:24 pm

That sounds like a wonderful book! I have never thought about all the aspects a map can have, apart from the graphical reproduction of a landscape which serves as a guide to find your way. I especially like the "Maps of Your Experience" bit, it sounds like a great way of visualisation.

Christie Cottage link

11/17/2011 07:21:31 pm

How cool! Wouldn't it be great to make them from Biblical times... I think our youth would love them!

Stopping by from Blogging Buddies

http://http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-friday-you-need-to-smile_18.html
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Hannah Robinson link

11/17/2011 08:53:16 pm

A map is a gateway to new places, or an illuminator on a different subject.

On miles of tiny country lanes in a dark night, a map can take away the menace and mystery of the open road, and guide you safely to your hearth.

A map can stir the soul for adventure, bring back fond memories, infuriate, inform and re-assure. A map can be drawn, imagined, or just followed. Maps are exciting and enthralling. A map can tell you everything or nothing, depending on what you're looking for.

The book looks great! :-)

Lauren link

11/17/2011 09:21:53 pm

I love the vibrant colors in that book...very Van Gogh!

A map the the way opening. ;) Happy Weekend, dear!

Laura Ward

11/17/2011 09:35:09 pm

I love to use altered books, maps and other recycled things in my classroom. This would be a great addition to my current library of art books. Can't wait to experience it.

Rebecca Berry link

11/17/2011 09:36:34 pm

A map tells you where you're going or where you dont want to go. It has surprises and uniqueness through every bend or straight away. One way can begin a journey of the lifetime; another could be the trip of hell. But we don't know which one we will encounter even if we read the map right. ( :

Trina (Trina's Clay Creations) link

11/17/2011 10:09:58 pm

I love Jill's work! The book is so colorful, visually exciting! Thanks for introducing her to us!

Marty Mason link

11/17/2011 10:10:30 pm

Maps are fun little folded creatures that never fold back the same way they opened. (a map lesson of the day: don't fight the way your map folds)

Annette Stoker

11/17/2011 10:22:51 pm

A map is a tool used to take you on a journey into time, space, adventure, desires, colors, passions, excitement and so much more. A map can also take you on a journey to find yourself, someone or something you have searched a lifetime for.

Julie (O-kami) link

11/17/2011 10:45:31 pm

What is a map? A mind-map, a directional map, a city map, a country map - a map is a tool to help you, guide you or document your direction, steps, journey - be it physical or psychological

karen norman

11/17/2011 11:55:07 pm

A map is a tool that provides direction.

Brooke link

11/17/2011 11:59:42 pm

A map is a layout of an area, any area. It doesn't tell you where to go, but lets you observe. It lets you know your surroundings and helps you find your place in them.

I love the map art. I'm inspired to try it myself!

Michele Lator-Murray link

11/18/2011 12:06:32 am

A map is a picture into the past and the future, where you have been and where you dream to travel. A place in this world or a portal to another world. You as an artist have the ability to transform it to your reality.

Sue link

11/18/2011 12:09:49 am

a map is a bird's-eye view.

this book looks wonderful! thanks for sharing it.

Ms. Veronicas link

11/18/2011 12:30:43 am

I've always love geography and when you put it creatively into a book you deserve applause. Lovely work Jill.

Becky Schuck

11/18/2011 12:44:49 am

A map is a guide to an unknown place or a record of places explored.

Marie Samuel

11/18/2011 12:54:23 am

Somehow a map feels like a treasure hunt or adventure. It also reminds me of early explorers and
their misadventures. The earth is our treasure so
this work pays tribute and links us all.

Leovi

11/18/2011 01:03:21 am

Preciosas y muy interesantes estas composiciones de Jill Berry, magníficos colores.

Leovi link

11/18/2011 01:04:23 am

Beautiful and very interesting these compositions by Jill Berry, gorgeous colors.

Carol link

11/18/2011 01:30:29 am

Fascinating ~ looks like a great book for creative mapping ~ thanks, namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF ^_^

Catherine Denton link

11/18/2011 02:33:06 am

A map is the thing you check when you're too far lost to find your way back.

Just seeing the cover of this book already has me inspired!
<a href=http://wingedwriter.blogspot.com>My Blog</a>

Janet link

11/18/2011 02:37:22 am

This looks like a wonderful book to explore. I think a map is a way to keep track of where you are whether in real life or in art.

Debbie link

11/18/2011 04:05:12 am

What a wonderful looking book. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

So here goes a definition...A map is a visual representation of places in relation to each other, whether in a literal sense of physical location, or in a more figurative sense, such as the relationship of where we've been to where we're going in our lives. With a map, you're never lost!

Melisa link

11/18/2011 06:13:06 am

Fun giveaway! A map is a visual guide to some place you want to go or have already been.

Tracy link

11/18/2011 06:38:47 am

Hi Mary..thans for this opportunity! Jills book looks amazing! Ok here goes
A map is a thing which men and women argue over when trying to find their way to a new destination :)

leah of sang the bird link

11/18/2011 07:56:33 am

A map gives a sense of adventure, of possibility...
Thanks Mary.

Faye link

11/18/2011 08:06:15 am

Wonderful map art, Mary. Love all the vivid colors.

Marcia link

11/18/2011 08:24:57 am

Most everyone today has a GPS that can tell them how to get from point A to point B. The only map with any value today is one that distorts “reality” and tells us what’s inside the head and heart of the person who created it. Whether it’s life as seen through the somewhat-foggy rear view mirror, the boundaries and contours of a day-to-day existence, or a glimpse of what one believes their future holds, a map is a 2D view of everything that one person holds dear.

Tressa Burnett

11/18/2011 08:34:16 am

A map is a tool that helps you document where you have been, who you have seen, etc. It also shows were you might go in the future. It shows paths you MIGHT take and pathes you would prefer to take. Also, it shows where you are right now.

Teri C link

11/18/2011 11:14:44 am

This looks so awesome. I need to get it!

Marcia link

11/18/2011 11:15:10 am

Oooh! I've been eyeing this book and would love to get one of them! A map is a plan, a layout, a visual representation.

riorita link

11/18/2011 05:32:40 pm

Looks like a wonderful book! I love the colors!

kathy griffin link

11/18/2011 09:51:02 pm

wow this is intriguing

What is a Map?

An Information Adventure for my mind.

- KAT -

Carlene link

11/18/2011 09:56:09 pm

Maps are possibilities and calls to adventure or to find a treasure!
What a marvelous idea for a book! Delighted that you shared it with us!

Jackie Phillips Weatherly link

11/18/2011 10:09:15 pm

Love Jill's book!! I will definitely need to add her book to my collection!! As for maps - they are paths to memories of places we've been and places we dream of going to!

Jennibellie link

11/18/2011 10:24:31 pm

A map is a physical representation of a journey, whether it is an imaginary journey or a 'real' one. Thank you for introducing me to this book, it is right up my street I'm going to have to go get it, thanks for sharing :)

Hobby link

11/18/2011 10:34:36 pm

What is a map? It is a visual journey from where you are to where you want to be... the steps and paths and roads you follow to find your destination as well as the way to find your way home.

Thanks, Mary, for sharing some peeks into the book. Can't wait to get this! ~Hobby

Flo link

11/18/2011 10:57:25 pm

Personnal géographies is a good idea of mixed media exploration :)

Kelly

11/19/2011 03:26:45 am

exploring new places, even if only in one's own imagination... and exploring new art ideas...how cool.

Jennifer_StudioJRU link

11/19/2011 04:22:35 am

These are so neat! What beautiful art. I think a map is endless possibilities!

Carolyn Dube link

11/19/2011 05:37:55 am

I just bought this book & I love it! It is a great way to explore inside!

Patti

11/19/2011 06:10:51 am

A map is combination of visual symbols and text that gives you the knowledge of how to get to where you want to go.

Mary Jo

11/19/2011 08:39:10 am

Very nice! Love the colors!

kato

11/19/2011 11:15:44 am

A map is a where and a how.
A map transcends here and now
with a who and a when and a thin
line entwining
all the oceans my mind can allow.

Elise Wormuth link

11/19/2011 11:26:53 am

A map is history, a map is memory, a map is a a road to the future, a map is roads taken and not taken. Love your work.

judy jones

11/19/2011 03:56:03 pm

A map is a visual guide leading you into or out of a variety of interesting places/situations.

Laurie Shriver link

11/19/2011 09:44:10 pm

A map is there is case your're tired of getting lost or want to get found.

margie

11/20/2011 02:09:57 am

a map tells me where I have been.

Jill K. Berry link

11/20/2011 02:27:51 am

a map is a visual record of a journey, real or imagined.
Oh how I love reading these! Good luck everybody, the book is ready to go to the winner!

Laura link

11/20/2011 03:53:55 am

A map is a visual representation or a space, physical, mental, or emotional.
I can tell this book is going to a loving owner no matter who wins!!

Shena Meadowcroft link

11/20/2011 04:00:57 am

A may is a way to explore the myriad of possibilities that are available to us.

What a wonderful concept. As an intuitive counsellor who teaches her clients to use mindmaps for self discovery, the possibilities what is taught in this book are indeed limitless...

evelyn link

11/20/2011 04:50:39 am

looks like a fun book.

Alison Abbott link

11/20/2011 05:12:48 am

great post-you are obviously an A student! Even more impressive the comments. A map for me is anything that helps to take you on a journey.
Cheers
Alison

Gay Hodder

11/20/2011 05:47:22 am

A map can be the past, the present and the future all rolled into one.

Kimberly Wright link

11/20/2011 06:19:56 am

Since we now use our gps for traveling our maps of States we have lived in have been framed so to us a map is a work of art. Many beautiful States are represented including Arizona, Texas and New York.
Halochanel at gmail dot com

Jan LaFollette link

11/20/2011 07:57:51 am

I love maps and I am excited to see the varity of ways to incorporate them into ones art. I would love to own a copy of this book.

Linda Leyble link

11/20/2011 09:45:37 am

Great book - I have always loved old maps but for some reason I enver thought of incorporating them into my art. Will love to get the book to explore this.

A map to me is a visual journey to places you may never have been to but when you see it - you can start dreaming of how you will feel if you go there.

Thanks for the post! Linda

Cara link

11/20/2011 06:19:57 pm

Hi, Mary. Popping over from BYW. Your blog looks great and what a wonderful giveaway!!
A map is an image of the earth, even the heavens when we want to see stars.
Cara
www.CarasScrapNStampArt.blogspot.com

Dawn Pulsipher

11/21/2011 04:39:30 am

A map is a visual guide to anywhere.
Love your blog, thanks for linking it on Art Bytes. :)

Karen Sweeny-Justice

11/21/2011 12:00:32 pm

A map is a starting point that leads one to a magnificent and wonderful journey!

Hobby link

11/22/2011 03:39:43 am

I've already posted, but I just had to say how much fun I'm having creating my first mapping project. Oh the places I'll go!

Pat Langley, All About Art link

11/22/2011 04:20:21 am

Wow, I have stumbled onto something. I have always loved maps, but didn't know there were other creative souls out there as well. A map tells a story; where you have been, where you are going, or of course that dreamland where only you can go. How exciting this journey is !!!

jean brown

11/22/2011 04:30:46 am

map = record of a journey. after seeing previews for jill's book, i've been wanting to make my own maps... i could start with all of the cars i've owned at various times, and call it a mapped auto-biography.

Sally Liverman

11/22/2011 04:50:59 am

Can't wait to play with Jill's new book!

cheryl mccloud

11/22/2011 07:14:21 am

A map helps us find our way...or helps us track where we've been. Love the new book!

gail

11/22/2011 07:19:43 am

What is a map?
A document that helps you find your way somewhere

nancy connelly

11/22/2011 10:21:58 am

So right for the two of you to get together. Oh the places you will make.
Peace

Kristen Powers link

11/22/2011 09:07:29 pm

A map is a visual guide, a beautiful, rich picture, that is fodder for my dreams of journies. A map holds possibilities of adventures near or far. With a map, i can get lost....and then find my way.

Carol link

11/23/2011 12:45:11 am

I can't believe this book is being talked about in your posting. I just saw it on Amazon and B&N and was reading all about it. It sounded wonderful.
I think of a map as something that can guide you to a new place you would like to visit or where you might have already been. This could be an actual landmarking, as in geography; it can be a guide for where you're going in your life's journey; it can contain your goals and achievements; it can also lead you back toward your beginnings.