Collect Raindrops: The Seasons Gathered

By Nikki McClure

Book Overview

Armed with an X-acto knife, artist Nikki McClure painstakingly cuts out her images from a single sheet of black paper and creates a bold language that translates the complex poetry of motherhood, nature and activism into a simple and endearing picture. The nature of her work inherently draws the eye inwards, as each element has to be connected to the one next to it in some way, creating a fragile network of shapes and lines. Nikki McClure makes serene pictures of nature and her lilting portraits of animals offer a peaceful oasis from the visual overload of city life. Her work also depicts the virtues of hard labour and patience, which is inherent in her process as well as in the images themselves: weathered hands, washing dishes, people sweeping, mothers caring for their babies and farmers working the land. There is also a large element of celebration. McClure encourages taking the time to roll around in the grass and getting wet from the early morning dew; sitting down on the ground and grabbing hold of the earth; and looking up at the stars to dream. In Collect Raindrops, McClure magnifies the importance of simple things, like the change of seasons. parenting and appreciating both the urban and rural landscape, undoubtedly influenced by her home in the Northwest and specifically Olympia.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810993309
• ISBN13: 9780810993303
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 2.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 13.3" x 0.6" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

beautiful artwork!

I had seen some posters of this artist's work but hesitated to buy one because I couldn't decide which I liked best and they were a little expensive - and then I found this book in a coffeeshop and fell in love. Her intricate paper-cuts look almost like woodblock prints - they are bold and often simple. Her use of line is wonderful. I love her work!

an inspiring book of art

this is a beautiful collection of art by Nikki Mcclure. I am so happy that I bought it. I can flip through the pages and feel inspired and strong with the gorgeous images and powerful words.

Beautiful artistic book celebrating the seasons

This was a book I randomly picked up at borders because I thought the cover looked pretty. It sounded too expensive to me at the time, but I keep thinking about it, so I'm biting the bullet and purchasing it so I can pull it out when the thought strikes...