In review: Raucous Invention, The Joy of Making

Raucous Invention is the latest book from the artist, designer, illustrator, and craft guru Mark Hearld, and it is a blast of creative energy. The book is a survey of all the fields of activity that have engaged Mark over the past two decades, but it is so much more than a typical art monograph. The book covers much of his own art, rich and vibrant as it is, resonating with imagery inspired by the British countryside, culture and history, from high culture to bric-a-brac. But it also invites us into his thinking, his techniques and his credo. If you have an interest in collage, lino cut, pottery, tiles, scrapbooks, tapestries, sculpture, fabric design, or just craft in general Mark Hearld will have something fascinating to impart.

As the book itself states, Raucous Invention' throws open the doors to the wonderfully vibrant and energetic world of the artist Mark Hearld. Moving freely between different categories in the fields of art and craft. Hearld's approach to creativity is riotous in its experimentation. Whether you are looking for craft know how, creative tips and wrinkles or just joyous inspiration, Raucous Invention is an ideal place to start.

In his introduction to the book, Alan Powers launches the enterprise beautifully; 'This art is imperfect in the best way: messy and not prone to explaining itself, but that sound of singing and laughter is in the air'