OFF THE SHELVES
Simon Birch is currently reading: Being an artist people often assume I read art related literature but I’m mostly interested in science and history, with a bit of science fiction thrown in. When I paint I’m often working on up to a dozen or more works all at the same time, bouncing from one to another as my mood changes or while I’m waiting for things to dry. I’m the same with books, I always have a few on the go. Right now it’s: “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jarred Diamond. I’ve read this in the past and often come back to it, a great insight in to how civilization happened.
“The Shock Doctrine”, Naomi Klein’s insightful study of how governments and institutions take advantage of shocking events to bring about changes, sadly not always for good. Bill Bryson’s new book, “At Home; A short history of private life”. Much more than a literal history of the home, a great fun read. His other book, “A Short History of Nearly Everything” was great too.
www.simon-birch.com
The Cat Street Team is currently reading: We are currently reading a variety of Indian travel and history books as research for an upcoming show with artist Richard Winkworth, who was born in Bombay and whose Encaustic wax/ oil works are influenced from his extensive travels there.
Ai Weiwei’s Blog: Writings, Interviews, and Digital Rants, 2006-2009.
“The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund de Waal. The compelling memoir centred around the inheritance of his uncles collection of netsuke, two hundred miniature Japanese figures which have been in his family’s possession since the nineteenth century.
All of these have been, or are being, read by the entire team. We share books often.
“Life” by Keith Richards. A candid autobiography detailing his life on the road as a Rolling Stone, an enticing and riveting read from Rock and Roll royalty.
www.thecatstreetgallery.com
Image, Recommendations Courtesy of Simon Birch and The Cat Street Gallery
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