OK, here's the zinger I promised you but let me clear--IT ISN'T MINE. I did not make this book.
You might remember (or note above) that I mentioned in the intro that I learned book-making from my sister, Marilyn Worrix. Marilyn lives in Oregon and is one of the organizers of an important bi-annual book arts conference (which, in fact, started today). For every conference, there is a gallery show of artists' books done by the faculty and staff. Marilyn always tries to make something special for that show.
And boy did she out-do herself this time! This is as much a piece of sculpture as it is a book. And I about fell out of my chair when she emailed my a picture of it.
Here it is. Click on the image to get a larger version:
The basic structural parts are different types of wood. The two pedestals are painted with milk paint. I think all the other wood parts are stained. The two plaques on the front are copper (left) and brass (right), which have been etched in ferric chloride with the letter "G" (left) and the word "Gutenberg" (right). The central book is a leather-covered codex stitched on cords. It measures approx. 4"x5". The four "portholes" above, cut from thick pieces of mica, have a thin mica window, behind which are pieces of metal type. The top book is made of paper that has been torn, died, inked, and otherwise distressed.
After this, I may not make another book for the rest of my life. My attempts here seem embarrassing by comparison. (No, I'll keep going, just maybe try to aim a little higher.)
Hope you enjoy seeing this. Can you tell I'm a proud sister???
P.S.: I'll post my book for today a little later, as soon as I can get it to do what I want it to do!
You might remember (or note above) that I mentioned in the intro that I learned book-making from my sister, Marilyn Worrix. Marilyn lives in Oregon and is one of the organizers of an important bi-annual book arts conference (which, in fact, started today). For every conference, there is a gallery show of artists' books done by the faculty and staff. Marilyn always tries to make something special for that show.
And boy did she out-do herself this time! This is as much a piece of sculpture as it is a book. And I about fell out of my chair when she emailed my a picture of it.
Here it is. Click on the image to get a larger version:
After this, I may not make another book for the rest of my life. My attempts here seem embarrassing by comparison. (No, I'll keep going, just maybe try to aim a little higher.)
Hope you enjoy seeing this. Can you tell I'm a proud sister???
P.S.: I'll post my book for today a little later, as soon as I can get it to do what I want it to do!
My goodness! Now that is elaborate! Beyond mere bookmaking, it is art. I bet that would be a fascinating exhibit to attend, tho.
ReplyDeleteYour sister is very talented, but so are you. :)
And we know that she is not making one of these a day. But how wonderful that she has shared her passion with you, and then you with us. This work is really grand.
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