artist books

In 2012 I shall make 3 editions as part of the BookArtObject exchange with more than 50 other book artists. From time to time I will post some progress pictures here. And maybe some of my other paper-and- book-related fiddling and folding.

My page on Artists Books 3.0

“TWILIGHT” for BAO group 10.

                               

My first interpretation of the title was a gate-fold, with paper cut-away and a ribbon tie. And a hideous typo! Against the clock, I switched to a simpler presentation, the pamphlet stitched book shown here. 14 x 10.5 cms. Inkjet printed on Strathmore drawing paper.Cover Canson Mi-Teintes. Text and images by the author.

Clicking images should make them easier to read.

“SILENT WOLVES” for BAO Group 6 

Front with band closure

Back band closure

Front

Colophon.

haiku

The drawings were done in graphite (6B pencil if you’re dying to know), scanned and inkjet printed onto Fabriano “Rosapina.” This is a lush, thick printing paper. My printer was not happy when I fed it double thickness paper…

Eventually, I solved the problem of paper being chewed to confetti.I held the folded paper together with a tiny piece of Scotch tape. The magic kind, because it is possible (with great care and a lot of luck) to peel it apart afterwards.Ordinary sellotape does not work for this.

I finished the shading post-printing and stitching, to avoid smudges. The bands are Canson Mi-Teintes, dark grey.

Some progress shots of “Daisy Chain.” March 27.

The colophon (on the underside of the box lid) and the board game, folded in the Turkish Map fold.

 Dice and counters (buttons because the only shop which sold plain counters had burned down!)

The “board game” in its folded state.  

Presentation box with chain clasp and original drawing dog. 

The presentation box. I used Canson  paper (lightweight card would have been better, but  the local art store orders ALL supplies from Melbourne, once a month, by road freight and floods had closed the highway. )

It’s done, signed, packed and mailed. I have to say I am not entirely happy with it, but it has gone out into the world with the best of intentions, if not execution. As always, I have had moments of agony and inspiration in about equal measure. And always, encouragement from fellow-bookmakers.

Now…onto the other two titles!

WORK IN PROGRESS     December 2012

With Sara’s latest announcement that she will be shipping Sarah Bodman’s copies in January I think several jaws dropped with a resounding bump!One of them was mine.

Yes, I could have completed the work several months ago. Probably should have! But, not being driven by a deadline [something I think MUST be addressed before any new rounds are opened], I have chosen to wind up several other projects before year’s end, thinking that the generally slow time over the Christmas-New Year break would be ideal for making my books.

Well, we all know what Mr. Burns had to say about well-laid plans!

I will be emailing the members of my 3 groups with an explanation of   grovelling apology for my tardiness and the decision I have come to.

In brief…I will try to have  Sara Bodman’s copies shipped to Sara Bowen in time, but the full editions will take a little longer.

For the moment, here are  some pictures of some of the work for ” The Daisy Chain.”

Below, Trial stages for “The Daisy Chain,” one of the titles I’m working on using The Turkish map fold.Why, yes! That is a remote control unit, along with box knife, pencils, eraser, cutting board…the usual book-y paraphernalia. The radio is my usual accompaniment/distraction, but I wanted the TV news update that day.

Below, Attaching the chain

Further explanation of the construction once all parties have received their  books.

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Not my work! But worth another mention, this wonderful, teasing treasure hunt from someone whose mind works in a way I wish more could,or should, work.

http://popularkinetics.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/the-scottish-library-phantom/

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

When we come to presenting our books, or “objects” if they are not quite conventionally perceived books, we need to consider the need for instruction in their reading/using/manipulation.

We might include this in the colophon,but most people wont read that until the story is finished. If then! Or we could have a “read this first” page.

Now, I’m one of those hands-on-and -figure-it-out people. I only RTFM when I’ve completely lost my way! Yeah, impatient. (If I’d been in Sara’s group I would have played with her Art and Lies piece before looking at the video!)

Instructions are fine, but not if they come in at several pages of close type. We’re reading a book, not building a space ship!

For one of the books I’m currently working on, I could include instructions, but I feel that might be insulting my readers’ intelligence. Better, I think, to construct the piece to withstand exploration. Think I’m gonna need stickier glue!

Here’s a link to Alisa Golden’s page, where she sort-of mentions the same thing.