This huge richly illustrated publication provides sensitive, rare and enticing insights into the lives, works and unique studio environments of 60 significant artists. As artist Sonia Payes' latest publication, it was timed to coincide with the 2007 Venice Biennale in which several of the book's artists have represented Australia.

It was received with enthusiasm in Venice and in London. Two years in their compilation, and requiring travel across Australia and overseas, around 700 images offer outstanding visual descriptions of how and where individual Australian artists live and what fires their imagination.

The 400 spectacular pages are introduced by art critic and academic, Professor Ted Snell, and expertly designed by Simon Strong. Commentary on each artist is provided by a prominent author, of whom more than fifty have participated.