Maggie Taylor’s Landscape of Dreams

[Tami]

Maggie Taylor’s Landscape of Dreams
Author: Amy Standen
Review by: Adrasteia

attachment

The title of this book suggests a lesson plan and tutorials for Adobe Photoshop, but focuses more on exploring Maggie Taylor’s work, with lessons learned on how else to use Photoshop once fully read.
Through discussions on her art you see how Maggie Taylor is an artist in her own right, despite her medium. These interviews with other artists and photographers, well liked in their respective fields also offer a short narrative on the history and now evolution of photography.

The styles taught and considered acceptable have changed over time – as have the techniques and tools. This allows you to understand the stigma attached to the work of Maggie Taylor who utilizes Adobe Photoshop to create her art. Indeed, Maggie Taylor could not create these works without the aid oh Photoshop, a trusty scanner and trial and error to find the best medium to print these images on.

“Master Class” is a somewhat misleading term. It suggests step b y step instructions on how you can create similar work. While there is a step by step detailed look at how a few images are created, do not expect a blow by blow account of which blur tool and layering technique were used. It is a description of how and why Maggie Taylor came to decide on how a piece should look and feel. These series of decisions give a greater insight into how Photoshop is used by this artist. Maggie Taylor’s surroundings and history are explored to see how and why these haunting images came about. From photography class influences to the various ‘knick knacks’ that crowd her home.

If you currently work with Photoshop to create I would recommend this book. While many try to apply a label to Maggie Taylor’s work, this book offers a valuable glimpse into another digital artist. It is a great resource to those who look for inspiration in strange places. Offering a look at what else can be created with Photoshop allows beginners and experienced users a chance to see what else can be achieved with this medium.

Above all else this well written, insightful, thought provoking account of Maggie Taylor’s work gives the reader much to think about. Coupled with samples of her work this book becomes a visual feast for the digital artist, art enthusiast and owner of Maggie Taylor’s work. Use this book to learn more about her art from how a series of stray thoughts and EBay bought items become the picture you have hanging on your wall or desktop.