A different sort of published book . . .
So much talk lately on being published and not being published.
There’s actually another sort of book: the artist’s book . A book that is conceived by an artist, formatted and bound by that artist. It may have a graphic interior, text, or it may be blank, a rendition of the old-style journal. It will often be made of the most glorious paper and sometimes will be manipulated and folded to create a different style of book: a concertina book, a pamphlet book, an octavo, a ‘fat’ book, so many different sorts. It may have a box specially created to contain the book. And then there are the bindings: a traditional single-case binding, a Japanese side-binding, a Coptic binding and hundreds of other decorative styles.
I have a penchant for artist’s books. I like that there is a creative imagination behind so much of the piece. I like the feel of it in my hand, I like the smell of the paper and the faint squeak from a binding as the book is opened. I LOVE the covers that many artists design for their books.
To illustrate my point, here is a selection of artist’s books from Salt Studio. Salt Studio has a special place in my heart because the artist concerned designed the covers for The Stumpwork Robe and The Last Stitch.
those look lovely. Like “dream notebook”! 🙂
I still collect notebooks from around the word… so happy handwriting is still part of my writing life! 😀
V.V. special, aren’t they? She runs a wing to her business called Peppercorn Papers which are basically bespoke journals and albums and handmade artist’s books with beautiful prints and etchings inside.
awe! 🙂
sometimes I wish I could to more handcrafts (I do jewlry with beads as a hobby), especially with paper. I should try to do greeting cards, maybe? Mumble mumble…
I have a photo album done like those – I almost feel guilty putting photographs in it, though! 😉
You’re right Prue, we’re talking about getting published so much, we sometimes forget how special handwriting and notebooks are!
Those are wonderful! 🙂 Like Barb, I also collect notebooks and pens from everywhere I go.
I’m so glad to see some of Clare’s work! The bindings are all restrained and elegant, with beautiful proportions. What craft!
It’s pretty good, isn’t it? I’m very proud. This was a collection photographed for a magazine a couple of years ago.
Wonderful stuff!
Thanks Mike . . . she has no idea I have put these on the blog, I may be in trouble.