Calligraphy: A Scribe's Notes Art Blog
Artists Books on Display
by calligraphy , September 24, 2010—12:00 AM
One of the highlights of any lettering conference or gathering is the hand made books on display. Each unique in their content, construction, palette, and scale; books draw us in to a secret place, where the turn of a page is a magic revelation.
Annie Cicalie's book within a book entitled "Focus" is rich with layers upon layers of color and form. Books within books, it was displayed to be handled, which is a quite a treat since most books are keep under glass. "Focus" was displayed, standing almost as if it were a sculpture whose entire surface could be viewed at once.
Lorrie Doctor's book
"Dream of Using a pointed Brush" was displayed openly to be handled and fingered through as it had a very compelling surface that was as sturdy as it was beautiful. Each page, a section of a somewhat brief but powerful statement, holds the reader for a moment contemplating the weight of each phrase before turning to page. I saw many people go through the book several times, front to back then back to front and back again as if trying to absorb the feeling of the words and commit that feeling to memory.
Carol Pallesen's offering,
"Twenty Ten" went one step further, inviting viewers to write on the beautifully painted pages, their thoughts and observations surrounding the number and concept of 2010. Carol had written on some of the pages to give permission to others to do the same. Understandably reluctant, viewers shied away, afraid of spoiling the pages or sounding foolish. I decided to be brave and write something and don't you know it, I made a spelling error in the simplest word, but I was OK with that, it makes the work more human. I couldn't correct it if I'd wanted to, that would have surely spoiled the page. Others left notes and signatures, truly a keepsake for Carol.
CC Sadler's
"Alphabet Books" were extraordinary in their detailed, zentangle inspired design. Each page, a letter of the alphabet, reached out accordion style to make a river of letters and patterns all done in black on a deep cream stock with black covers. Gives new meaning to "attention to detail".
Nancy Culmone's book,
"Raven" was kept under glass and came complete with matching slipcase that was (almost) as beautiful as the book. A handmade limited edition of eight, each with a unique variant. All the superlatives you use to describe something exquisite are applicable to this book. Rich, delicate, detailed, captivating filled with darkness and light, power and surrender.
COMMENTS
02/23/2011 * 07:40:50
very inspiring and useful demonstration.
Thanks for posting such an interesting books. I will share it with my friends. I am fond of calligraphy artwork and while surfing I came through a video of calligraphy artist dave
wood which I would like to share with reader of this blog - http://davewood.com.au/blog/videos/artist-at-work-dave-wood-the-master-of-calligraphy-art
Hope you will enjoy it
( homepage )
11/10/2010 * 01:41:46
I really like this optical article, and hope there can be more great resources like this.
( homepage )
09/24/2010 * 17:02:01
Thanks for these wonderful photos and description, Mary. Truly enjoyed this!
Cari
Calligraphy ( homepage )
10/21/2011 * 02:47:55
Very interesting books. Those books are more helpful to how to make a Calligraphy design and how to select a design. A very thanks to you for given these books.