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Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
I'm a New York-based arts writer, author, curator and event planner, working hard to help artists navigate their way through the tough art world. Variety is the spice of life, so I spend my time juggling planning shows, writing for blogs, selling art and doing PR for artists. It can be overwhelming but also keeps me on my toes and passionate for art (and inspired).
Tell us a bit about the book?
The Art of Cardboard starts out with profiles of twenty innovative artists around the world who have the innate ability to transform regular old cardboard into pristine works of art. Their creativity completely baffles and impresses me, creating gorgeous pieces literally out of (recyclable) garbage. The second section features 10 DIY projects by artists who had not previously worked in cardboard, meant to allow readers to put the inspiration from our cardboard creators to good use. The book is colorful, bold and inspiring, I could not have asked for a better book designer than from Rockport's in-house team.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I've been the Arts Editor of sustainable design website Inhabitat.com for 4 years now, and had written about many of these transformative artists for the site. Working daily with artists, I know how supplies can be expensive and tedious, so I wanted to highlight artists using their creativity successfully while also recycling. I like the double-message using cardboard gives; not only does it reduce waste, but the medium is so democratic that anyone has access to it. I hoped this would inspire readers to tap into their own creativity.
Which is your favourite project?
This is not a fair question! I love them all! But I have made a few of the cardboard balloons that artist Lacy Barry shared in the book to accompany gifts I've given.
What is your craft space like?
I have several, as I write/work so much I need a change of scenery sometimes. One space is my desk, which faces a cluster of my art collection, another is really just a corner of my apartment behind an armor with a pillow on the floor, and the other is a table on the roof of my apartment building for when I need to disconnect from the internet to work.
Have you always been creative?
For as long as I can remember I've been making things. I've never been artistic, but always crafty. There is something about making things with my hands that gives me inspiration for other facets of my life.
When did you first start crafting?
I was all about plastic canvas when I was a kid. I think I made tissue holders for everyone I knew at one point.
Who are your crafty heroes?
I greatly miss the magazine Readymade- I LIVED by it and pretty much made every project I could fit in my Brooklyn apartment.
Where do you find inspiration?
Traveling as much as I possibly can, walking around New York by myself, visiting artists' studios. I try to get out and not rely on internet searching to gain inspiration.
What's next for you?
I'm working on book #2- The Art of Spray- due out late next year/early 2017. I've also curated a big show in Manhattan on October 17th called "Calm Before the Storm" with works by artists Logan Hicks and Beau Stanton along with my curator partner Natalie Kates.
Publisher's Description
Breathe new life into that old cardboard box! Though paper and cardboard seem common and humble materials, discover the totally unexpected, beautiful and intricate art that can be created using the repurposed and up cycled resource.
The Art of Cardboard showcases the grand and imaginative scale of cardboard art and design. Inside, you'll find jaw-dropping cardboard creations from around the world! You'll discover the process of each art form, as well as tricks of the trade, from small clever projects to huge art installations.
Much more than a book about "neat" cardboard designs, Lori Zimmer guides you through amazing large-scale art production, immersive environments, working from intuition, collaboration, the artist's role in society, alternative creative economies, contemporary mythology, storytelling and more.
With such a readily available material, what will you create?
