Book Review: The Art of Tinkering

By Ben Everard. Posted

STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths – is a sometimes controversial acronym. Does art have a place among the other technical subjects? Here at HackSpace magazine, we feel that it should. A simple LED circuit includes science, technology, engineering, and maths, but add in some art and you could have sewable patches to adorn your clothes, a word clock, or all manner of other interesting and beautiful objects.

The Art Of Tinkering is an exploration of the work of over 150 makers who are bringing their artistic touches to the world of technology. While there are some short guides to help you get started with some of the areas looked at, such as light painting, paper circuits, and building with wire, the majority of the book is looking at the work of the featured makers. These makers cover a vast area of the world of makers, including puppet-makers, circuit benders, photographers, and much more.

If we were being picky, we’d say that we’d like to see a bit more coverage of electronics in there. There’s plenty of simple bits in it, with LEDs, motors, servos, etc., but nothing covering the arty side of electronics – the badgelife scene, or the designs of Boldport, for example. However, that’s just our personal preferences coming through.

The featured creations are beautifully photographed, and this book is so packed full of inspiration, it’s hard to put down. It’s one that will stay on your coffee table to be flicked through in idle moments.

Verdict: 9 out of 10

Maker inspiration packed up inside paper and put on a shelf.


https://hsmag.cc

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