Friday 15 December 2017

Artistic Explorations: Artists' Books and Book Objects (2)

In March I wrote about my first attempt to create an artists' book (see article). This inspired me to make many more but due to various other art projects, commissions and applications, it only stayed as concepts in my mind. Until now!

While browsing through my materials, I noticed one of my large prints would be suitable to create a flutter book from.

Ecotone (copper); drypoint with embossing and rubbing
with Artist Paintstik (copper) and conté crayon

After studying this book format and deciding where the cuts should be, I first made a sample out of cartridge paper, just to make sure it was all correct!

Then I selected the section I wanted, pencilled my measurements onto the print and cut it out with a scalpel knife. The paper was folded and some folds were partly slit to create an accordion. The back side was blank so I added pages by cutting out double spread sections. These were then handstitched with a pamphlet stitch to the flutter book by using copper metallic thread.


"Trees in a box", artists' book and box

"Trees in a box", artists' book and box


"Trees in a box", artists' book and box

"Trees in a box", close-up of a few pages from artists' book


"Trees in a box", close-up of a few pages from artists' book


"Trees in a box", close-up of page from artists' book


"Trees in a box", close-up of page from artists' book


"Trees in a box", front of artists' book


"Trees in a box", spine of artists' book (with handstitching)

I also made a box for this book out of cardboard and other parts of my original print. The box measures 11.5 x 8 x 3 cm.


Handmade box for artists' book "Trees in a box",
11.5 x 8.5 x 3 cm

Handmade box for artists' book "Trees in a box",
11.5 x 8.5 x 3 cm


Handmade box for artists' book "Trees in a box",
11.5 x 8.5 x 3 cm


Handmade box for artists' book "Trees in a box",
11.5 x 8.5 x 3 cm

Next year I hope to do an art residency to create more artists' books and book objects. I'll keep you informed if there is any news about that. In the meantime, I will be experimenting with this medium in my studio and see what else I can come up with.

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