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What People Are Saying About
“In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America" “Real life happens when the lights go dark and the interviewers pack up their gear. The small everyday moments of human connection captured in Norman Rockwell paintings and Kevin Rivoli photographs present a far more authentic sense of life as experienced by real people than anything we see on television or the news.” Donald J. Hall, Jr., President and CEO, Hallmark Cards, Inc. From Rockwell's "Freedom of Speech," accompanied by a Brian Williams essay to "The Problem We All Live With" featuring comments by recording artist Andy Williams, Rivoli's book is more than just a coffee table book. It is a convincing definition of Americana. The juxtaposition of "modern" photographs next to iconic illustrations flawlessly connects multiple generations. Deseret News Salt Lake City, Utah This collection speaks for itself. Regardless of your point of view, this superb book is certain to connect in a very personal way. Rockwell, who often painted from staged photographs he personally choreographed, would no doubt be pleased by this collection. His art work and the images of Rivoli are a seamless blend. Tucson Citizen Tucson, Arizona Norman Rockwell aficionados will get a double dose of their favorite painter and Saturday Evening Post illustrator when they pick up a copy of Kevin Rivoli's new book, In Search of Norman Rockwell's America. Rivoli, a sentimental photojournalist with background in community newspaper photography, gives us an interesting concept. Compare your most treasured feature photos of the past 20 years side-by-side with that of one of America's most beloved artists. Throw in a foreword by a noted Ph.D. and Rockwell expert, Andrew Mendelson, sidebar comments from famous Americans, and you have a successfully illustrated picture book for this year's holiday coffee table. Rockwell and Rivoli show us how a simple neighborhood scene can become an artist's and a photojournalist's "decisive moment"; an ordinary slice of "patriotism, faith, family and sports" made extraordinary. Rivoli's feature photos next to Rockwell's illustrations stress Rockwell's desire to never stop looking, "seeing," and to appreciate the obvious. "Commonplaces never become tiresome," Rockwell says. "It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative -- it is not a new scene which is needed, but a new viewpoint." Chicago Sun-Times Chicago, Il. Rivoli has done with photography what Rockwell did with painting... Salisbury Post Salisbury, North Carolina In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America by photojournalist Kevin Rivoli is an amazing book that has touched everyone who has looked at it. In this time of considerable change and unrest, this book is perfect for reminding all Americans about what is important." WDUN Morning Show with Bill and Joel Gainesville, GA. “Kevin Rivoli is at once present yet timeless. Flipping though the pages of his book, I find myself catching my breath. The honesty that stares back is haunting. The ability to see the 21st century through a lens that reflects Norman Rockwell’s prints will leave viewers in awe!”
Erika Davis, owner of Creekside Books & Coffee Skaneateles, New York Nostalgia wafts from every page of a new coffee-table book, "In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America.” Award-winning photojournalist Kevin Rivoli has combined his photos with the artwork of the late Norman Rockwell in a book that shows that many of life’s experiences are not limited by time and place...Rivoli, with his black-and-white photos, mimics the colorful drawings of Rockwell. They are placed side by side for comparison. They depict such happenings as youngsters at a soda fountain, soldiers coming home from war, children leaving for their first day at school, an art gallery viewer, the young and the old together, youngsters fishing, a choir singing, prom dates, people praying, waiting for Santa, wedding scenes, voting…The back cover suggests the book is "the result of Kevin Rivoli’s mission to prove that Rockwell’s America did — and still does — exist.” The reader is urged, while turning the pages, to "slow down and embrace what’s really important in life.” So, how about doing that? The Oklahoman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma We look at Norman Rockwell, then look at the world around us and think of our own world as too ruthless for Norman Rockwell. We should remember that Rockwell painted his way through rough and dangerous times, through two world wars, a major depression and cultural revolution. Rockwell trained himself to isolate the little victories that we win in the midst of global strife. Today, we need to train ourselves, as well, to see what's always there. This book is an apt guide to this civilizing project. Dave Hickey Art and Cultural Critic, Author |