Usually this post is in reaction to receiving the Taschen holiday catalog. No catalog this year, but there are so many great books (and other things) available out this year I’ve decided to just go forward. So here’s a list of what I think are pretty interesting reads. My only real rule: No digital gifts.
Christopher Wool
This is the Christopher Wool book that I’m crazy about from Taschen – I’m not crazy enough to spend over a thousand dollars on it – so this is the version for the rest of the world. 45 dollars.
Tom Sachs – Various zines
I’m of the mindset that zines are best when they are inexpensive – I’m sure galleries see it the other way and that’s fine, because Tom Sachs delivers it both ways. You can buy the super limited versions or, like me, but the mass produced version for 15 dollars or even less.
My Favorites are:
Haute Bricolage (Third Class Version) Five dollars
http://printedmatter.org/catalogue/moreinfo.cfm?title_id=84703
Nutsy’s Road Test Version 0.63 [Dollar Cut 2009 Reissue] Five dollars
http://printedmatter.org/catalogue/moreinfo.cfm?title_id=88205
Six-inch Wraparound Canvas Pliers from John Annesly
These canvas pliers are the best I’ve seen and used for larger canvas. They are big and strong – but be careful the first time I used them I actually tore the canvas.
http://www.johnannesley.com/CanvasPliers.html
Moleskine Cahiers
Some people like them in black, but I prefer them in the kraft paper cover – a light slim and nicely made sketchbook with no wire binding that will last almost forever. Besides Bruce Chatwin, Matisse and Andre Breton cant all be wrong
About 15 bucks for three of the larger ones
http://www.moleskine.com/web/en/collections/model/product?id=27287#.UK-11piJvaI
Brian Eno Lux
LUX is Brian Eno’s first solo album on Warp Records and his first solo release since 2005’s Another Day On Earth. It finds him expanding upon the types of themes and sonic textures that were present on such classic albums as Music For Films, Music For Airports and Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks.