Review of Negative Shape - The Defining Attribute

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Negative Shape - The Defining Attribute" by Christine Archer.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: Negative Shape
Author: Christine Archer

This book is devoted to the exploration of a subject that is hard to define, an elusive and ghostlike concept: the very real negative spaces that exist all around us, in our subconscious, and is most easily described in the world of art. Rather like the black holes in space, Negative Space' is an actual, physical, and psychological concept. I find it is most easily described as 'the areas in between,' and I hope that doesn't negate its importance. It gives art structure and is perceived, the author writes, in different ways by all who view it and all who create it. It takes years of sweat and soul-searching to use it properly, and art buyers wonder why art is so expensive!

Negative Space is found all around us. It is clutter in our lives and homes, punctuation in writing, a culmination of our experiences and how we view ourselves and the world around us. It is the stuff we take for granted, or, as she calls it, 'placeholders'. In this book, Christine Archer helps us define, think about, and use it.

It is an in-depth read. The author has put down on paper those invisible aspects that are usually taken for granted and has given them definition and importance. She states that we are 'empty bowls,' defined by the all-important intrinsic negative shape.

In this well-written and well-edited read, I had moments of self-introspection. I loved her enthusiasm and use of vocabulary that is neither complicated or too simple: she uses the English language well.

Artists should read this book: they will re-evaluate their work. Writers will 'listen' to their prose, actors will 'feel' their characters.

I liked the small, readable passages and interesting chapter headings, with the occasional black-and-white illustrations. The author used her own 'Negative Spaces' well.

Because I enjoyed what she had to say, and I admire her for finding the words to describe this subject, I will award the book five out of five stars

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Negative Shape - The Defining Attribute
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