This third and final Altered Book post looks at a few examples of sculpted text and found objects incorporated into the altered book form. (Click on images for larger version).
Credit for the above image: missdeleon213.wikispaces.com
Hundreds of variations of transforming a book into a 3D work of art exist, but most involve cutting into the book in some way and sometimes adding found objects. The following does both. Titled Fear the work is by Karen Hatzigeorgiou and can be found at: artful-journey.com
Sometimes the artist ‘illustrates’ the narrative of the book in 3D such as in the wondrously detailed Mad Hatters Tea Party below. Art by Su Blackwell from: ullam.typepad.com
Or in this work by Jennifer Khoshbin: jenkhoshbin.com
Other altered book artists take a more abstract approach as in this piece by Lucille Moroni, found at jeniegao.blogspot.com
And in this, titled Fate, Far, Fast, Fall, Final, by the great master, Brian Dettmer (see my The 100 series #28 and #31).
Excavated recesses in the book can hold found objects as in, below: Aotearoa from jenpezaro.wordpress.com followed by a work by Frank Turek, from alteredbookart.com
And finally, some altered book artists strike off in new creative directions, as in the circular, nostalgic piece below, by Lisa Kokin, from dailyartmuse.com
If this series has tempted you to explore more, or to try your hand at Altered Books, you will find a multitude of sites on the web, or you can visit those sites I have credited. This art form is fun, creative and accessible for all.
‘The 100′ series was initiated by my 100th Post in April 2012. As text and images are the essence of my blog my intention is to present 100 pieces of textual art from historical and contemporary artists and from my own hand. To view the series to date click on ‘The 100’ in my Category Menu.
Some interesting shapes here, exquisitely detailed little sculptural pieces. As a process It seems strangely wicked. One of my early teachers stressed the importance of caring for books, not defacing them etc!
Philippa, I hear you and was taught the same; however, books are objects whatever beauty they contain and like other objects they wear out or are cast out. All of the books I have personally worked on have come from thrift (charity) stores or from library cast offs bound for the dump. I always felt I was giving them another life and hopefully adding to their aging beauty…
Yes, the idea of enriching their beauty and meaning is appealing and far outweighs any squeamishness! We have lots of oldies here – a 40 year old text on human physiology could make something interesting.
Go for it Philippa…
totally awesome !
Many thanks…
Some truly awesome works.
Glad you liked the post Hansi…
Wowsers!what fabulous finds. Thank you John 😀
You are welcome Eph – happy to share…
I admit to being puzzled by these beautiful creations. Are ‘we’ now viewing the physically printed word as an artifact to reconstruct?
Yes – to reconstruct, recycle and reconsider the creative possibilities of discarded books. Thank you for your comment…
These are so amazing!!!
I agree Isabella – totally mind blowing…
Excellent post John. Love book art. New life for old books. What about new life for old artists?
I found mine when I gave up working for the Man – how about you?
John I agree… I gave up working for the Man when I decided to become an artist over 30 years ago. Not one day’s regret since!
Intriguing!
Indeed…
I think I will experiment with this art form.
Go for it Carl…
Fascinating way of interacting with language, the history of publishing and literacy itself. I wonder what it says, that ‘we’ are doing this now to objects which transmit information.
The Canadian philosopher, Marshall McLuhan, said that old technology becomes art – might that also apply to books?