Chronicle Books is excited to release the astonishing sequel to the runaway success of 2007, Creature. Andrew Zuckerman’s Bird is another extraordinary study of the animal kingdom. Turning his camera to the world of birds, Zuckerman has created a new body of work showcasing more than 200 stunning photographs of nearly 75 different species.

These winged creatures—from exotic parrots to everyday sparrows, and endangered penguins to woody owls—are captured with Zuckerman’s painstaking perspective against a stark white background to reveal the vivid colors, textures, and personalities of each subject in extraordinary and exquisite detail.

Designer Massimo Vignelli says of Zuckerman’s new work, “Once again he has created a masterpiece, an unforgettable document of those beautiful creatures who fly away to elude our gaze.”

Bird is a delightful and thought-provoking glimpse of these flighty members of the animal kingdom. The ultimate art book for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

We thought you might like to hear directly from Zuckerman. Click here to download a Q & A, and here for the interview in our Art & Design Newsletter.

Post a comment below and let us know what you think about these stunning new images, and enter to win one of 5 copies of the book that we’ll give away next week.

Stay tuned for more images, videos and additional giveaways related to Bird.

Patti Quill
Marketing & Publicity Manager

Popularity: 2% [?]

Sarah Neuburger, the artist behind The Small Object, has built a devoted following online and across the globe with her hilariously inventive art and handmade gift objects. Chronicle Books is thrilled to release a new line of Small Object stationery that perfectly captures the wit, charm, and DIY aesthetic of Sarah’s art.

The Small Object Thumbprint Notecard Set

With this mini stationery kit, it’s okay to be all thumbs! Following in the tried and true elementary school tradition –your thumb, stickers, and step-by-step instructions turn these simple notecards into one-of-a-kind works of art. A host of charming thumbprint characters give life to the scenes on each card. This sweet little set is ideal for all kinds of correspondence, from children’s birthdays to grown-up greetings.

Small Object Sticky Notes

Everyone love sticky notes. Sarah’s guided, often hilarious text make these notes stand out!

Small Object Labels and Stickers

Stickers and labels are a perfect packaging tool for crafters and cooks, scrapbookers and anyone devoted to The Small Object. Sarah’s hilarious text adds a level whimsy and charm.

Win one of 5 sets of Small Objects gift packs.
Answer the following questions by leaving a comment below. We’ll pick 5 random entries to win Sarah’s new notecards, sticky notes, and labels and stickers.

What do you think is the next big animal trend?

Who is your favorite up and coming artist? (extra points for including a link)

Patti Quill
Marketing & Publicity Manager

Popularity: 3% [?]

San Francisco Events:

REX RAY EXHIBITION
September 11 - October 31, 2009

Gallery 16
501 THIRD STREET, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94107
www.gallery16.com

Gallery 16 is pleased to present its sixth solo exhibition with San Francisco luminary Rex Ray. A new PBS documentary about the artist “How To Make A Rex Ray” will be premiered at Gallery 16 during the exhibition.

ELINOR CARUCCI ARTIST TALK & BOOK RELEASE
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
7 pm, Free of Charge

San Francisco Camerawork
657 Mission Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
www.sfcamerawork.org

Closer is the definitive book by Elinor Carucci, an artist known for relentlessly intimate photographs that capture the private worlds of her family and household. Since this classic monograph was first published in 2002, Carucci has evolved from an emerging artist into a widely collected photographer with an international reputation. Featuring a new foreword by Susan Kismaric and once again available in hardcover, this revised edition of Closer offers an opportunity for art lovers everywhere to get the only significant publication to survey this important artist’s oeuvre.

New York Events:

FROM ADAPTATION TO MUTATION: POPULAR CULTURE REMIXED
A panel on contemporary narrative artists remixing popular culture with Chronicle author Isabel Samaras, along with Nora Krug, and R.Sikoryak.
Moderated and introduced by Bill Kartalopouluos
September 17, 2009
7:00-9:00 pm, Free of Charge

The New School
66 W 12th Street, Room 404
New York, NY 10011

ON TENDER HOOKS BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING
Saturday, September 19th
3-5 pm, Free of Charge

Jonathan LeVine Gallery
529 w 20th Street, 9flr
New York, NY 10011
www.jonathanlevinegallery.com

THE BLDGBLOG BOOK LAUNCH
Saturday, September 26 2009
3pm–8pm, Free of Charge

Storefront for Art and Architecture
97 Kenmare Street, New York, NY 10012
www.storefrontnews.org

Read by millions since its launch in 2004, BLDGBLOG is the leading voice in speculation about architecture, landscape, and the built environment. Now The BLDGBLOG Book distills author Geoff Manaugh’s unique vision, offering an enthusiastic, idea-filled guide to the future of architecture, with stunning images and exclusive new content.

On Saturday, September 26, Manaugh will be joined by many of the writers, thinkers, and practitioners whose work is featured in The BLDGBLOG Book, in a day-long event of back-to-back presentations at Storefront for Art and Architecture.

Patti Quill
Marketing & Publicity Manager

Popularity: 2% [?]

Once again James Jean is thrilling folks at Comic Con (this weekend in San Diego). If you are lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the sold out four-day event, try your luck again and head over to Chronicle Books’ booth #1506 to be one of the first to buy James’ new book Kindling. There are only 500 copies available at Comic Con, and they are sure to go quickly. James will also be signing Kindling on Saturday afternoon.

Angela Carone wrote a great piece on James on her fabulous KPBS blog Culture Lust. If you aren’t familiar with this blog, you should be.

Also be on the look out for this GAP (PRODUCT) Red T-Shirt by James.

Not going to Comic Con? Check out a preview of Kindling here. And add a comment below telling us what you think of the book. Five lucky winners selected at random will win a copy of Kindling and James’ postcard book XOXO Hugs and Kisses.

Patti Quill
Marketing & Publicity Manager

Popularity: 2% [?]

Excerpted from High Style by Chronicle authors Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson.

One day, it was brought to our attention that Julius Shulman wanted to photograph the Barlow House. Shulman has photographed over seven decades worth of astounding indoor/outdoor architectural works by designers such as Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koenig, Richard Neutra, and William Wurster, for John Entenza’s Arts & Architecture magazine and the Case Study Houses program, among other projects. Shulman’s work has followed the pioneers of American modern design, especially those who brought new thinking, techniques, and materials to post-war California house building. But in his 70-year career, he hadn’t the opportunity to photograph much, if any, of Donald Wexler’s work on private residences. He had selected a handful of Wexler’s homes to photograph, and our project was one of them.

Julius Shulman taking a moment to enjoy Buddy’s company.

Shulman—spry as ever at age 94—and his crew drove up in a Volkswagen van to have a look at his muse. It was so incredible to meet Julius (who was partial to Buddy, our design dog); he photographed with the most skilled eye, still sharp and precise as ever. The Polaroids alone captured the magic and architectural wonder of the home in a way we had never seen on film. We still wonder how he did it. Luckily, the photos he took of the Barlow House will be on exhibition in the Palm Springs Art Museum, a modernist institution, for all to see.

Jaime and Julius take a look at test shots of the Barlow House.

We were all saddened to hear the news that Julius Shulman—described by many as one of the world’s greatest architectural photographers—died in Los Angeles last week at the age of 98.

Popularity: 2% [?]