"Cross Pollination or: Applying Other Disciplines to Your Art".

Throughout history, discoveries have rarely emerged in isolation. Combining knowledge, perspectives and techniques from different fields can spark and drive innovation.  This is the cross-pollination of ideas, techniques, and solutions to problems.  When a doctor is stitching up a wound, it is important to maintain tension on a suture, and the knot used is called a surgeon’s knot.  This is not the only application! Surgeon’s knots are used by fly fishermen, butchers, and also for tying quilts.  Weaver’s knots are used not only by weavers… also bookbinders, net makers, knitters and cross-stitchers.  How did these diverse groups of people find these knots?  Cross pollination!  When the engineers designing spacecraft need to figure out how to fit giant solar arrays into a tiny payload packet who do they ask?  An Expert Origami Artist. You are encouraged to check out books on DIFFERENT Art media, NOT your usual topic.  Check out books on watercolour painting, photography, colour theory, and quilting.  How do other media approach design?  What do they look for in composition, line, form, and colour?  Learn concepts used in other disciplines, such as positive and negative space, cropping, and how to apply colour.  You may also find a new way of thinking! Our Library is a HUB that draws on experts from around the world and across time.  They put their best work into their books, and include knowledge gleaned from years of making. Every book has the potential to re-ignite your Art and put you on the path to innovation. You will be invigorated by new perspectives and challenges! Think of the guild library as a research source that opens pathways to ideas and generates creative solutions to problems.