Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects Into Art

As a child, I spent many hours reading fairy tales and myths. The myths I read and studied were ancient. I loved them and they came from all over the world. I related to each one of them intuitively. I couldn't help it! Many readers, like me, begin as children, loving myths. Possibly you agree that the human condition, our joys, trials, everything, is distilled myth, be it Inuit, Hindu, Greek. Myths can seem grand and off-putting. However, when you pair them with the writing of the often humorous, occasionally mystical (I am thinking of his walk in the woods where he found some stove pieces, way away from any house, and wrote a lovely and visually elegant vignette about it) and frequently charming style of assemblage artist/teacher Michael de Meng, they are lively, full of energy and fun to view as potential subjects for artworks! Read this book and you are reading two books side by side: de Meng recounts the myth he is concerned with, then begins to discuss the process he goes through when he creates an art piece representing that myth. Simultaneously, he comments in journalling script form on the side of each page about what is going on in his real life with a different sort of emotional immediacy, as he is making the art piece, or recalling something to do with it. Both segments of the book intersect and cross over in certain ways...but the main segment essentially deals with the original myth and his work on creating the piece he makes inspired by it, using bathroom scales he alters, or funky "Brady Bunch '70's clocks", the insides of irons, and things he likes. You read a vaiety of discussions and tales of the processes he goes through in order to do create his art pieces. The notebook part basically discusses life stories: where he was when he found something, how he was feeling, why it was great. What is super unique and good about this book? Without being "grand" about it, Michael de Meng explains that artists are the people who climb to the top of the pyramid...who get that chance to look all around with that "all seeing eye" (he mentions eyes quite a bit and uses them in his work frequently), and then, when inspired, they climb back down to earth and, without being frightened by being judged, express themselves through creating. Some readers have commented that the photography is too dark in this book. I disagree. This is a mysterious book and the photography is perfect for it. It is extremely cool. I don't want to be Mr. de Meng, however, if I lived near him, I would certinly take a class from him, because I believe he really has a lot to offer, and he offers up his heart and soul, in an incandescent manner, in this remarkable, fascinating book. If I were teaching a class on found objects and altered art, I would insist that this book, The Secret of Rusty Things, by Michael de Meng, be on the reading list. It is illuminating.

I won't beat the dead horse... if you've read the other reviews then you know Secrets of Rusty Things isn't a "how-to" book. In fact I think I really wouldn't have enjoyed it much if Demeng provided actual detailed instructions on how he makes his art. The real magic in this book is how it is truly written from his "voice". Perhaps the publisher did a great job of fooling me but all the narratives seemed to come straight from Demeng with what seems like very little editorial intervention. If you've ever pulled a stool up to a bar and delighted in finding out you were sitting beside an interesting character, then you are in for a treat. Part mythology lesson, part studio visit, part malty-brew-induced story telling.... this book is a refreshing take on one man's creative process. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in mixed media artwork - whether you are an artist or just a like minded soul.

I've been a HUGE fan of Michael deMeng for a few years now, and have attended a few of his WAAAAY FUN workshops. When he mentioned last year his upcoming book, and how it would be based on these mythology stories, I thought, "Oh God....sounds boring!"........But NOT the way Michael writes them! They are highlarious! (I'm sorry for ever doubting you, Michael!...I will let you pick ANYTHING you want from MY junkpile for my penance) So, you get these funny stories, THEN you get full-page pictures of all these new, beautiful works of art, and the thought process and smaller pictures in making them, and ALSO you get this little sideline blog, with these outrageously funny stories of how and where he finds his junk and people he meets along the way. This is the BEST art book I've seen to date! (and I've seen LOTS of them). Excellent job, Michael!

I found this book to be amazing and worth the wait. I was more than pleased with it. The book is presented in a 3 part format within each chapter. Michael shares his inspirations about his creations; shares how they are constucted and then within a side bar, shares additional tidbits of insight and few helpful tips. This book will give any reader the chance to peer inside the 'real' heart of an artist rather than being a typical how to book however just viewing Michael's artwork will give any mixed media artist or anyone for that matter ideas for trying to do a piece on their own. You only need a bit of imagniation to make your own creations come to life. Most of the materials he uses can be found easily and 'Great Stuff' and 'Liquid Nails' are readily available at most hardware stores. A little paint, a few parts from the junk drawer and you will have begun your own journey. This is a book worth having and Michael's story telling is in a word; priceless. It will make you think, ponder the artwork a bit, a few smiles are sure to be had along with a bit of laughter for good measure. This is a book that will generate conversation if you take it with you to your favorite coffee spot.

I anxiously awaited the publication of this book. I was sure it would be special. But i had no idea just how special it would be! The book design itself is awesome. The graphic and cover designer, Marc Whitaker, went way beyond what one usually expects in a book that is in the "crafts" catagory. And then there is Michael deMeng's artwork...bold and mysterious and amazing. I love the theme of pieces of art based on mythology. Humm...actually, that's been going on for quite a long time, but no one has done it quite like deMeng. Instead of a how to book, this is even better. It is a book about the creative process. The author takes us along on a written journey into his creative mind. A few artists are able to do this, but not many. (Nick Bantock's THE ARTFUL DODGER comes to mind. ) DeMeng's book is inspiring, insightful and fun to read. I have a huge art library, and this book will be right in there with my favorates.