Artist's Books

Last nights' Book Arts Guild meeting at UW Special Collections was inspirational. It usually is. The woman in charge of Artist's Books has a real passion for this extensive collection. She's been there almost 45 years and until recently has known most of the artists personally. She showed us many of the newer books and talked about new "trends." You might ask what IS an artist book and I couldn't give you a precise definition. Last night we saw one of a kind and editions of 50 or so. Little books in metal boxes, a coiled 2 in wide knitted "strap" with words meaning "lament" on it inclosed in a fabric bag, a paper pulp "rock" with words on it, accordion style books with photographs and embroidery on found fabric or handmade paper and letterpress words; one was a pillow with a story printed on gauzy fabric. Each handmade book has a custom box made to fit. Some illustrate poems, or dreams, some are autobiographical, dealing with illness or relatives with dementia and memories; some take a political or environmental stand. It seems that now more than ever the content is as important as the materials. But they are all beautiful works of art and I think in this electronic age where one can't keep up with all the many blogs out there nor remember them, to actually touch a piece of art and turn the pages will be an unforgettable experience. Some of the wonderful books in this collection get thousands of views a year. The director shows them to many classes at the UW as well.

I love this art! I have a shelf full of handmade books - many from travels, some family things, a few collaborative with my friend's writing, both prose and poetry --and ideas for environmental issues. Now it's so easy to make a book with photos on the computer, in MUCH less time, and they are another form, not to be scoffed at.

The blip is a flag book of mine, over 2 years old. One of a kind. (Homage to a rowing coach and style called "Harmony Balance and Rhythm") There was no way to photograph it well, so I just tried for interesting shapes. If I could ever get my act together and make some more, it could proudly join 3 other books of mine in this collection with so many other more talented book artists. Life seems to get in the way. But I've been thinking about books all day, during Tai chi, and our Ocean lecture, - the beginnings of an Elephants Greeting book in my head......

About the UW Book Arts collection

Edit: If you want to understand what a flag book is, I've put more of this one HERE.