Hello Nature: How to Draw, Paint, Cook, and Find Your Way by William Wegman
Well known for his wry humour, which is manifested in his photographs of his dogs, as well as in videos, drawings, and paintings, Wegman's work is accessible to both children and adults. In this unique and wonderfully meandering book, Wegman explores the origins of his work, excavating source material from children's encyclopaedias, camping cookbooks, the writings of Henry David Thoreau, and the Maine landscape, among other influences. He writes about a childhood spent exploring the woods and lakes of Maine, how he became an artist, and how these things are related. Along with Wegman's own commentary are additional texts from curators of the exhibit and a piece of short fiction by award winning author Padgett Powell. Meticulously composed, this volume leads the reader along a rambling woodland path, which culminates in a more profound understanding of the artist and his work.