Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking [Paperback]

Normally when I receive a new book in the mail, I flip through it briefly then set it aside to look at later. When I opened Jill Berry's book, that habit changed. I couldn't put it down! In this age of countless new releases, Jill has managed to produce a book on a quite different subject matter - mixed media map making.
She helps the virgin mapmaker by explaining the parts of a map, tips to design a compass rose and a cartouche as well as questions to ask yourself as you begin to design your personal map.
The book is split into three sections with several step by step tutorials for different projects within each section.
The sections are:
1. Mapping the Self
2. Mapping Your Experiences
3. Plans, Projections and Possibilities
There are a total of 21 projects and loads of artwork by the 17 contributing artists.
If you're interested in map making, story telling and eye catching artwork, this book is for you!

Jill Berry has turned the art of cartography into a unique and engaging way to approach using a sketchbook or journal to explore your life experiences, travels and personal journeys through life.

The book opens with the basics of what a map is, ideas for things to map, explanations of the parts of a map and includes a comprehensive list of supplies that Jill uses to create the projects in the book. The first main chapter, Mapping the Self, is centered around using mapping as a tool of self-discovery. There are several projects in this chapter including creating a head and body map using paper, pencils, crayons and other every day supplies using the templates provided in the book. You'll also find a carved copper hand map, a 3d heart map, an articulated self portrait map with moveable parts and more.

Chapter two is all about mapping your experiences and you'll learn how to create a pop up memory map, a strip map as well as explore creating a map using simple repeating symbols and ideas for creating a collaborative map. The last chapter in this book is all about Plans, Projects and Possibilities and is all about creating mixed media art pieces from real or fictional maps. Create a map of a fictional place that you read about in a book or one that exists only in your imagination. Create an unfolding 9 panel map book of the future, a box that unfolds and lays flat when the lid is removed, a framed map of your Utopia, a postcard journal or a flip book of a trip you want to remember.

Every page of this book is a feast for the eye and each project is illustrated with step by step directions and easy to read and understand directions. The photography is clear and sharp making the details of the artwork easy to see. Jill's writing style is easy going and conversational and makes the entire book a pleasure to read. If you're looking for a new way to approach recording your memories, experiences and journeys then you definitely want to add this book to your personal library.

I recently received my book, Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. The book is excellent and very easy to use. Not only does Jill provide great and informative instructions; she also provides templates to facilitate the creative process. The style of writing is similar to her tone used in her classes. The resources within the book are part of a growing legion of mixed media artists who are gracious and giving.

Dear reader and future readers, get the book and try the head map. I cannot wait to do it myself; I plan to work my way through most of the projects as I explore, my talent, my dreams and move toward good health.

Great work Jill.