Net Art/Criticism: Reading
Essential Text Books
The books in this section form a core of texts that cover all the topics addressed during the Net Art/Criticism course. These books should be read but don't necessarily need to be owned. However, you may find that Jim Krause's Photo Idea Index and David Präkel's Composition are excellent reference and idea books that are worth buying, especially if you are not already an acomplished photographer.
Internet Art by Rachel Greene
Review pending.
Internet Art is available at Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 5
At the Edge of Art by Joline Blais & Jon Ippolito
Review pending.
At the Edge of Art is available at Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 1
Photo Idea Index by Jim Krause
Review pending.
Photo Idea Index is available from Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 2
Composition by David Präkel
Review pending.
Composition is available from Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 1
Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills by Mark Galer and Philip Andrews
This is a new book, first published in 2007 and has been written specifically for Photoshop CS3. It is a very good book with a great introduction to the application and to digital imaging in general. It is also copiously illustrated in full colour with excelent examples. It is clear, concise and easy to follow - exactly what a good textbook should be. There is very good coverage of selections and layers (two key skill areas) as well as all the other "essential skills". The book follows up with a series of projects that you can work through in order to practice the skills learned.
Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills is available from Amazon.co.uk where you can also use the "Search Inside" feature to take a closer look at it.
Avery Hill Library copies: 4
Dynamic Learning: Flash CS3 Professional by Fred Gerantabee
Review pending.
Dynamic Learning: Flash CS3 Professional is available from Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 3 (1 on study loan)
Further reading
The books below all fill in gaps, overlap and expand upon the "Essential Text Books" listed above. You do not need to own them but they may be used as good alternatives or simply to explore a bit more of the subject.
The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos
by Michael Freeman
Review pending.
The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos is available from Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 2
The Art of Richard Long: Complete Works by William Malpas
Review pending.
The Art of Richard Long: Complete Works is available from Amazon.co.uk.
Avery Hill Library copies: 1
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop
by Timothy Samara
This book explains the use of the gird in contemporary graphic design. After a short introduction, covering the history of the grid, the book is divided into two parts. The first part looks at the grid as a framework for the arrangement of objects on a page (paper, web and multi-media). The second part looks at how the grid can be broken, twisted or rearranged. In both parts, excellent examples are used to illustrate the use of a range of grid types (modular, hierarchical etc.). Each double-page spread illustrates a single design project with an analysis of the underlying grid structure.
This is an essential reference for anyone who needs to decide how objects are arranged on a page; graphic designers and website designers will benefit most but this book will be of interest to anyone working in or studying design.
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop is available at Amazon.co.uk
Avery Hill Library copies: 1
The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher
A wonderful book. Every designer should own a copy. This book is a golden treasury of design ideas, anecdotes, interesting facts and fantastic images. This is a book to reach for when you're short on inspiration. A few minutes (or hours - it's difficult to put down) later, you will feel refreshed and ready for any design challenge.
The book is best described by its author: "This book attempts to open windows to glimpse views rather than dissect the pictures on the wall. To look at things from unlikely angles. References to sources are occasionally provided to keep you going. The book has no thesis, is neither a whodunnit nor a how-to-do-it, has no beginning, middle or end. It's a journey without a destination."
Buy it and cherish it, The Art of Looking Sideways is available at Amazon.co.uk and is an absolute bargain.
Avery Hill Library copies: 2
Most of these books are available at the Avery Hill library: UoG Library availability.