Sew Far
By Chris Roberts-Antieau
200 pages; CRA

Sew Far, a volume of "fabric paintings" and other work by self-taught Chris Roberts-Antieau, has a madcap whimsy that makes her a favorite on the gallery circuit. Deftly stitched and embroidered—combining sophisticated needlework, primitive painting, and humorous, hand-lettered texts—her portraits of goofy faces, doll-like figures, dancers, musicians, circus performers, and jolly barnyard animals employ the techniques of traditional "woman's work" to create a highly personal and high-spirited brand of visionary folk art. Featuring pop-ups, foldouts, and a sweetly persuasive statement by the artist, each inventively designed limited edition book comes with a framed work of art—one among many splendid surprises.