Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art

With the avalanche of books on crafting and creative techniques published in the last five years (aimed at bored scrapbookers beginning to explore the world of art making), it would be easy to overlook this one. However, this book not only represents a departure within the category, it documents the work and thought processes of one of today's most talented mixed media artists. Michael DeMeng skips the usual tools, techniques and how-to-create-work-that-looks-just-like-mine mantra and leads the reader through a rusty door into a room where he reveals the art of creative concepting. DeMeng explains how history, folklore and mythology serve as springboards for his work. The results are rich, curious creations made from found objects that come together to tell stories or reveal secrets and to showcase the unique approach DeMeng brings to the genre of assemblage.

I loved looking through the art in this book, and reading the artist's take on it. I found it inspirational.

For those of you creating found art for the first time and those who have been creating for years ... this is the book for you. Makes you want to visit junk yards and comb thru the muck just to find that special, odd piece that brings your art to life. Love his stories and humor. Will flip through the pages of this book for years to come.