The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman (English) Paperback Book

Description: The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman Part personal narrative, part documentary, part travelogue, and part chapbook, this compilation of Kalmans "New York Times" columns form an intricately interconnected world view and an idiosyncratic inner monologue. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description "Sublime . . . Kalmans elegantly witty and at times melancholy narrative runs arm in arm with her unmistakable paintings on a serendipitous romp through the history of the world." —Vanity Fair "Wildly original . . . theres nothing else even remotely like it . . . This hilarious, wise, and deeply moving volume [is] the ultimate picture book for grown-ups." —O Magazine Maira Kalman paints her highly personal worldview in this inimitable combination of image and textAn irresistible invitation to experience life through a beloved artists psyche, The Principles of Uncertainty is a compilation of Maira Kalmans New York Times columns. Part personal narrative, part documentary, part travelogue, part chapbook, and all Kalman, these brilliant, whimsical paintings, ideas, and images - which initially appear random - ultimately form an intricately interconnected worldview, an idiosyncratic inner monologue. Author Biography Maira Kalman is an illustrator, an author, and a designer. She is the author of And the Pursuit of Happiness, The Principles of Uncertainty, Beloved Dog, and Cake. She is the illustrator of Michael Pollans Food Rules and the bestselling edition of William Strunk and E. B. Whites The Elements of Style. Kalmans work is shown at the Julie Saul Gallery in Manhattan. Review "Sublime . . . Kalmans elegantly witty and at times melancholy narrative runs arm in arm with her unmistakable paintings on a serendipitous romp through the history of the world." —Vanity Fair "Wildly original . . . theres nothing else even remotely like it . . . This hilarious, wise, and deeply moving volume [is] the ultimate picture book for grown-ups." —O Magazine "An odd treasure." —Ariel Levy, The New York Times Book Review "Within this work, as much literary as artistic, one finds the assurance (the certainty!) that the human condition is inescapable but not insurmountable." —The New York Observer "In her distinctive, muscularly whimsical paintings with sad-funny handwritten annotations, Kalman encounters, well, everything . . . More personal than much of her previous work, the book is simultaneously idiosyncratic and universal. And utterly lovable." —Culture + Travel "This is a unique, warmly intelligent book for the enjoyment of artists, writers and anyone who delights in works of genuine imagination." —L.K. Hanson, Minnesota Star Tribune "My absolute favorite book of recent memory: an exquisite and delightful and peculiarly illustrated memoir about . . . well, the search for the meaning of life. I will be giving this book to everyone I know." —Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love Review Quote My absolute favorite book of recent memory: an exquisite and delightful and peculiarly illustrated memoir about . . . well, the search for the meaning of life. I will be giving this book to everyone I love. Discussion Question for Reading Group Guide INTRODUCTION Incorporating illustration, photography, embroidery, and commentary, Maira Kalmans The Principles of Uncertainty is a collection of the columns she produced for The New York Times highlighting her playful artistic style and distinctive worldview. Kalman finds inspiration in the ephemera of life, and she sees beauty everywhere; her bold, colorful illustrations raise the mundane to the monumental. Much of The Principles of Uncertainty focuses on her ability to use her love for her family as an antidote for her fears and concerns. On a trip to Israel filled with troubling thoughts of political conflict, she is struck by the beauty of her sister standing beneath a bougainvillea. In times of pain, Kalmans comfort comes from the real rather than the ideal; she believes heaven on earth can be found in her aunts kitchen in Tel Aviv, where family anecdotes and honey cake stave off the anxieties of war and the heartaches of history. Many ghosts haunt her thoughts--her father and his unkindness; her mother, who could not marry the man she loved; her literary heroes with their own needs and failures. In one of the most moving moments in the collection, she touches on her great, mournful love for her late husband, Tibor Kalman. Unable to speak in any detail about his death, Kalman finds consolation in the knowledge that Ira and George Gershwin lie near her husband in the cemetery, the two musical geniuses keeping him company in the afterlife. Despite the heartache that life can bring, Kalman determinedly finds happiness in sources both sweet and surreal. Her curiosity and enthusiasm are contagious, and her readers are drawn into her fun, off-kilter perspective, as are her family; brief appearances by her children Alexander and Lulu show that they have not only inherited their mothers quirky charm but also her penchant for fabulous hats. Filled with her unique philosophy and personal experience, The Principles of Uncertainty is a testament to Kalmans wit, compassion, and candor, and her ability to connect with her readers by revealing herself. Kalman wonders, "How can I tell you everything that is in my heart?" and this book is her answer. ABOUT MAIRA KALMAN Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Maira Kalman is a prolific artist who has achieved success as an illustrator, author, and designer. Together with her late husband, Tibor Kalman, Ms. Kalman cofounded the design company M&Co in 1979, and many of their joint creations are now part of the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art. In addition, Ms. Kalman has produced work for Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade, Pucci, Sony, and the Mark Morris Dance Company. In 1986, she wrote her first childrens book, Stay Up Late , in collaboration with David Byrne, and she has since written and illustrated a number of popular childrens books including What Pete Ate from A-Z , inspired by the incredible appetite of her own dog, and a series of books starring Max Stravinsky, the millionaire canine poet. Ms. Kalmans exuberant painting and playful wit has earned her a devoted following not only through her childrens books but also her frequent contributions to The New Yorker , most notably her lively magazine covers. Her most recent publication is the illustrated edition of Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style . Kalman currently lives in New York City, where she teaches graduate design courses at the School of Visual Arts. A CONVERSATION WITH MAIRA KALMAN The Principles of Uncertainty --its an interesting title. Can you explain it? It refers to Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle, which relates to quantum mechanics and it goes without saying that I dont understand any of it. The editor in chief of the New York Times op-ed page thought of the title. When I told him what I wanted to write about--life, love, death, confusion, and hope--he felt this was an appropriate name for the column. As you mention, this book began as a series of illustrations for the New York Times op-ed page. Can you talk about how that came about? I was happily and thankfully approached by the editors at the New York Times. They just said simply and wonderfully that I should write about anything I wanted to write about. They said the magic words, "Just be yourself." How did the book evolve from there? I took their advice to heart. Each month I explored the things that were on my mind. I allowed serendipity to reveal the theme that was most compelling. I dont want to say that death was the only thing I was thinking about. I have many lively and happy moments in the book. It was a bittersweet search, so I walked around the city, or traveled around the world and looked at things and said what I felt. The paintings and the writing worked together to tell my story. I would not like to rely on just one or the other. Where do you find inspiration for your paintings? Paintings present themselves to me. I see things in vignettes. And when something or someone I see elicits a strong response, I know that I would like to do a painting. Often I cannot speak. Silence and painting is a good combination. It is good to hide and listen to music and a story is told. Your book illustrates historical events as well as personal family moments--how does this all connect and come together for you? Personal histories are inextricable from global histories. But in general, I am interested in the personal aspect of history. How do tragedies unfold? How do family histories and identities evolve? My fathers family was killed by the Nazis in a small town in Russia. His sadness never ceased. His tears were always present in my life. His history shaped mine, even though I grew up in optimistic New York City. What main existential themes do you explore with The Principles of Uncertainty ? Ah, existential themes. I guess all of them. The eternal question, "What is the point?" The dilemma of living. Of finding happiness. Of even trying to define happiness. Of finding trust. Finding out who you are. What to do. Who to love. How to love. It never stops, of course. Your last book was the Illustrated Elements of Style and before that you published several childrens books. How has your creative process differed between your books? Fortunately, I dont have to change my way of working. Perhaps I am a bit less serious with childrens books, but the sense of the absurd is universal and has no age limit. Basically, I look around and tell people what I see with humor and a kind of humanism. I only write about and paint the things I like or even love. How has your publishing experience differed between projects? I am usually way into the next project when a book comes out. There is a little bit of d Details ISBN0143116460 Author Maira Kalman Short Title PRINCIPLES OF UNCERTAINTY Audience Age 17-17 Language English ISBN-10 0143116460 ISBN-13 9780143116462 Media Book Format Paperback Year 2009 Illustrations Yes Residence New York City, NY, US Imprint The Penguin Press Country of Publication United States Affiliation Columbia University AU Release Date 2009-10-27 NZ Release Date 2009-10-27 US Release Date 2009-10-27 UK Release Date 1900-01-01 Pages 336 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Publication Date 2009-10-27 DEWEY 741.642092 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:43648497;

Price: 49.86 AUD

Location: Melbourne

End Time: 2024-11-04T02:31:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 AUD