I have entered a few exhibitions/competitions recently - it seems to be the time everybody wants your applications in - and one of them (East Gippsland) was about books that "revolutionalise the form of the book beyond conventional and conceptual boundaries". Despite the difficulty in that topic, I had a look around the studio for possibilities to include in the application.
One of the ones I considered, but later rejected, was this wee one called " From little things..."
I am quite fond of this book; it was one I made quite early on (circa 2008) for the very first artists' book exhibition I ever participated in, here in Maleny at Ken's former gallery Maleny Artworks.
It uses a black bean pod - and I have since learned that there is only one black bean tree in a public or open area in Maleny, so I was very lucky to happen upon it near the library and pick up some pods when I did! Inside is a hand-stitched book made using banana leaf paper. It sits upon a Japanese-inspired plinth, made from cedar timber left over from the window frames on our house.
One of the ones I considered, but later rejected, was this wee one called " From little things..."
I am quite fond of this book; it was one I made quite early on (circa 2008) for the very first artists' book exhibition I ever participated in, here in Maleny at Ken's former gallery Maleny Artworks.
It uses a black bean pod - and I have since learned that there is only one black bean tree in a public or open area in Maleny, so I was very lucky to happen upon it near the library and pick up some pods when I did! Inside is a hand-stitched book made using banana leaf paper. It sits upon a Japanese-inspired plinth, made from cedar timber left over from the window frames on our house.
"From pods grow trees, from books grow imagination and
knowledge. Hand stitched book,
set in a pod and displayed on a Japanese style plinth. Elegant simplicity." is what I wrote for that first exhibition - and it still holds true.
It sits with me in the studio - reminding me of one of the pathways into this artists' book world that I took when I began, and reminding me that from little things, big things grow...
Sometimes it's good to look back.
I really like the integration of the book into a different structure. The contrast of the wood, pod and paper makes me want to pick it up and play with it
ReplyDeleteThanks Jac - it is still book-like I think and somehow the soft curves fit with the straight lines of the base. I often look at all sorts of things as possible book covers now!
DeleteThe flow of one form to the other is beautiful, and becomes many things - a shell with a mollusk inhabitant, a flower opening - it suggests so much. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Valerianna - glad it let your mind take a wander and imagine all sorts. Soft and flowing it is...
DeleteBanana leaf pod books ..... my heart skips at the thought. Great photos too, Fiona. Love that last one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn - it's nice when the imagination just goes maybe this, with that, and then...
DeleteI love how the soft paper has curled and unfurled all on its own. The draping is just gorgeous I think.
Wow!! This is just playfully gorgeous. Can see why you love it so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie - glad it made you smile it is a real little sweetie!
DeleteThe best yet, I think I have fallen in love at first sight! I thought it was possible with a man, I know it is possible with my camera, now it is possible with books! Thank you Fiona, you never cease to amaze. :) Mind like a bear trap. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise - you made me smile for sure. It's funny how some of the beauties just get it right and pass the test of time, and amazing to know that one can fall in love with a book at first sight! Love it! Enjoy.
DeleteA beautiful piece Fiona...still.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo - it's nice when you still like your earlier work isn't it?!?
DeleteProportions, textures, feel: perfect!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anna - a lovely set of words for my wee book!
DeleteWhat a little beauty. Symbiosis in both form and matter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lesley - it all balances rather beautifully!
DeleteA very beautiful combination, Fiona, the delicacy of the banana leaf paper with the woody bean pod is lovely. When I was a kid (in NSW) I had a cubby in a Queensland Bean Tree and I thought, and still do, that it is one of the most beautiful trees in Australia.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol- they are great trees aren't they? I only know of the one public one here and I often visit to collect pods at different stages. I'm glad you think it works.
DeleteHi Fiona, sorry to be commenting so belatedly, but I just had to add my admiration to that of the others when I saw this post. Your book is rich and deep and simple all at once - just like a perfect little poem...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lisa - a perfect little poem! How gorgeous. Iti s a sweetie of a book, I like its balance and gentleness and simple elegance.
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