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STARS
And first an hour... poems by Emily Bronte Technical Description Katie MacGregor handmade papers, my paste papers - pigmented with Nu Pastels and written in Derwent colored pencils on English Color Plan paper, other shiny papers, decorative threads, book board, book cloth, PVA, ribbon and pointed wooden skewer ends. Prose, lettering, page decoration, binding & box by Joelle Webber, Mermaid Bindery, Westport, Maine, 2018. Signed, numbered and dated by the artist. |
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Artist Statement Initially, this work was designed as a codex, with dark and angry colors, intended to display the emotional discomfort of the poems. A woman recognizing her world and relationships in more illuminated terms and wanting desperately to go back to her safe, starry delusions. Having resolved such difficult revelations in my own life, the design was revisited, and led to a sculptural celebration of Emily Bronte's wonderful land, sea and star-scapes. And first an hour... was added as a curiously similar counterpoint to Stars. The imagery and word choice of each line of And first an hour..., corresponds quite closely with the stanzas of Stars. Both poems follow a similar visual and philosophical thread, but while STARS faithfully yearns for the night sky, And first an hour... ends in honoring our own star, the sun. Suggesting that, once the inner struggle is over, illumination is not so terrible after all. |
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STARS "Ah! why,because the dazzling sun Restored our Earth to joy, Have you departed, every one, And left a desert sky?..." And first an hour... "And first an hour of mournful musing And then a gush of bitter tears..." Edition of 10 Closed book: 5.5“ wide x 12.5” tall x 1” deep Opened book: 11.25" across x 12.5“ tall Closed box: 14” across x 1.5” deep Opened box: 28.25” across x .25” deep Full presentation: 28.25” across x 12.75” tall |
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VOCABULARY OF BOOK FORM
Technical Description Katie MacGregor handmade papers, my paste papers - pigmented with gouache and written in gouache on Arches Text Wove paper, shiny paper, threads, book board, book cloth, PVA, puzzle pieces, metal pegs and hard wood chopstick. Prose, lettering, page decoration, binding & box by Joelle Webber, Mermaid Bindery, Westport, Maine, 2017. Signed, numbered and dated by the artist / author. Copyright protected. |
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Artist Statement This project began as a solid idea of structure before the content had been decided on. My love of puzzles lead to the idea of piecing a page together in order to read the text. A short history of the jigsaw puzzle was contemplated, until a late night inspiration produced a different theme. There is an ongoing conversation in the book world about what an artist book is. While no one example could wholly define a genre of such rich, creative possibilities, this work expresses what my experience and interests have largely been in the book art's field. This work describes basic vocabulary defining an artist book, while visually challenging the idea of 'book' structure. Vocabulary of Book Form encourages a viewer to be part of the creative process by actively piecing together the text. The interaction along with the description allows a viewer to more fully appreciate the dexterity and expressive choices an artist makes while creating a handmade book. |
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Vocabulary of Book Form
"Combining a written work with visual composition, for a viewer to closely handle, is a multifaceted puzzle. Every piece is designed to enhance the artist book's content. The protective box, labeled with the title, serves as an artful introduction. Piecing together the book aligns pagination. Paper and other materials are carefully chosen. Carrying a reader across the threshold of binding structure, to be enveloped in the folds of text. There is unique expression in the style and size of lettering, with page decoration. Such details inform page layout, where ideas are appreciated at a particular pace within a particular space. The colophon celebrates the expertise of contributors. Recognizing an eclectic community of artists, crafts people, researchers and historians, keeping this form of creativity thriving." Edition of 10 |
Closed: 12.75” across x 10.5” tall x 2.75" deep
Opened: 28.75” across x 10.5” tall x 2.75" deep |
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YULETIDE LUMINARY series
Katie MacGregor handmade papers, my paste papers - pigmented with gouache and written in gouache on Somerset Laid paper, shiny and vellum papers, decorative threads, book board, book cloth, PVA, flameless LED candles. Prose, lettering, page decoration, binding & box by Joelle Webber, Mermaid Bindery, Westport, Maine, 2016. Signed, numbered and dated by the artist / author. Copyright protected. |
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Artist Statement
The Yuletide Luminary series was designed to honor my favorite time of year with a philosophy that helps me thrive through the dark season. Visually the books are designed to celebrate the importance of light and it's illuminating interaction with the wintry northern landscape. Dark of Winter, in Alpine-glow colors of a winter sunset and starry skyline, speaks on contemplating the past year. Celebration, with painted and festively decorated evergreens, reminds us of the joys to be found during the season. Returning Light, in spring sunrise colors and uplifting skyline, urges us to think hopefully on the coming year. Along with this triptych of snowy carousel books, pedestal boxes were created to complete the luminaries. Luminous reflective papers on the inner layer of the books are mirrored on the pedestal platforms. The boxes were built to display the open books, as well as protect the books and tea lights when closed. |
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DARK OF WINTER "Nights lengthen. The earth is tucked under a crystalline blanket. Snow reflects the sun's meager winter light, as we reflect on the old year. The weary land rests, and we use this dark season for contemplation and rejuvenation." Edition of 10 Closed book: 5.5“ wide x 6.5“ tall x .75” deep Opened book: 10.25“ across x 6.5" tall Closed box: 12” across x 3” tall Opened box: 12” across x 4.25” tall Full presentation: 12” across x 10.75” tall |
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CELEBRATION "Evergreens stand sentinel over the snowy north, reminding us how life continues in this cold landscape. We decorate boughs, gathering their sweet and pungent life into our homes. In the warmth of lit candles and hearths, we gather with loved ones. Joyfully celebrating all we hold dear." Edition of 10 Closed book: 4.75“ wide x 8.5” tall x .75” deep Opened book: 8.5" tall x 9.25“ across Closed box: 11” across x 3” tall Opened box: 11” across x 4.25” tall Full presentation: 11” across x 13” tall |
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RETURNING LIGHT "The solstice arrives, a promise of lengthening days. Our hearts are warmed with hopes for a bright new year. We rest content, knowing when Spring returns, we will move forward into life." Edition of 10 Closed book: 4.25“ wide x 5“ tall x .75 deep Opened book: 8“ across x 5" tall Closed box: 10” across x 3” tall Opened box: 10” across x 4.25” tall Full presentation: 10” across x 9.75” tall |
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Mermaid Bindery I Westport Island, Maine I mermaidlady @ gwi . net I Please email to join my Artist Book mailing list.