Last year finished on such a sad note with my mum's sudden death, that it was nice to begin the new year with some lovely art news.
The State Library of Queensland holds probably the best collection of artists' books in Australia. Back in 2013 they purchased my wee book A Subversive Stitch for the Australian Library of Art.
A few weeks ago I learnt that they have now purchased a further three of my artists' books for their collection. Don't you just love these stylised books as logos images?
I am thrilled that Fragile Gains will be held in an Australian collection. The edition of three are all sold and reside in collections in the USA but I really did want the Artists' Proof to be here in an Australian collection if at all possible. We had been negotiating about this book, so whilst I was thrilled, I had at least been hopeful.
On the other hand, I was taken quite by surprise when they also chose to purchase Time to Change the library of 52 small hand-made books around family violence. See here for its full story. This is precious book to me and again, I am honoured that it has found a home in such a prestigious collection and will be available for others to examine and consider the issues it describes.
The final sweet part was they also purchased one of my Too Many Poppies books. This is a simple, yet elegant, book that reflects on war and death - too many poppies too many deaths - and honours the 42 Australians killed in combat in Afghanistan.
It's funny to think that I may have already peaked for the year, and it's only January, but it was such delightful news I just had to share!
The State Library of Queensland holds probably the best collection of artists' books in Australia. Back in 2013 they purchased my wee book A Subversive Stitch for the Australian Library of Art.
A few weeks ago I learnt that they have now purchased a further three of my artists' books for their collection. Don't you just love these stylised books as logos images?
I am thrilled that Fragile Gains will be held in an Australian collection. The edition of three are all sold and reside in collections in the USA but I really did want the Artists' Proof to be here in an Australian collection if at all possible. We had been negotiating about this book, so whilst I was thrilled, I had at least been hopeful.
On the other hand, I was taken quite by surprise when they also chose to purchase Time to Change the library of 52 small hand-made books around family violence. See here for its full story. This is precious book to me and again, I am honoured that it has found a home in such a prestigious collection and will be available for others to examine and consider the issues it describes.
It's funny to think that I may have already peaked for the year, and it's only January, but it was such delightful news I just had to share!
congratulations Fiona, WOW!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mo - it felt very wow when I heard! Go well.
DeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny!
DeleteThats great news. Congratulations
ReplyDeleteThanks Jac!!
DeleteHeartfelt congratulations! This makes me happy both for you as an artist and for the fact that there are library collections still collecting the sort of books you create! Also, my sympathies on your mother's passing. My mother passed suddenly at the very beginning of 2015. We just marked the one year anniversary, and her passing will now always be a wistful part of my family's holiday season, and the whole mood and ritual of passing from one year to the next. I hope there is as much (or more!) joy for you in your memories of her as sadness at her parting. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks G/TT - I think losing a mother is unique in the ledger of losses, and I expect the ripples will go on for ages. One year is a massive moment, but then each day without them is as well. Take care, we are going gently and thanks for the hugs and congrats.
DeleteI think this recognition nationally of your book art contribution is well deserved. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lesley it feels special and I feel fortunate!
DeleteCongrats both to you and to the State Library ... I have no doubt that the librarians are delighted to have such thought-provokingly beautiful additions to their artists book collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz! The librarians have been very happy to have them which makes it more special. Go well.
DeleteCongratulations, Fiona! These are all gorgeous books!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kaija! I really like all three books and am so pleases they have found this special home. Go well.
DeleteLove your books and glad they got some well deserved recognition. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you Meg - it was a very happy moment!
DeletePeaked? Never, just imagine how awesome the rest of the year is going to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks Trace! Wouldn't,t it be fun if it was all up from here? Still I,m pretty chuffed which is nice.
DeleteCongratulations. Must put the State Library of Queensland on my places to visit and spend time viewing and examining your books and the work of other artists. That's when I get a chance to visit Australia.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maya - it would be a great destination for a visit for sure! It is a fabulousness Olle toon and you. An just ask to look at them...one. Old spend quite a few hours in there, just saying! Go well.
DeleteHi Fiona, A BIG WELL DONE to you, l hope your year gets even better, no peaking yet, its only the start of the year, go get 'em girl
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate - fingers crossed for onwards and upwards maybe?!?! It was nonetheless a nice start to 2016 and nice new after losing my mum. Go well.
DeleteYour beautiful and thought-provoking books have found an appropriate home. Congratulations! I'll bet this is just the kick-off for a wonderful year.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Dana - it was a lovely start and I am pretty happy right now. Go well.
DeleteSo glad you did share Fiona. What a wonderful start to your year!I'm thinking along the same lines as Trace Willans and actually I have butterflies thinking what an amazing year you are going to have. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn! I'd love to think your butterflies were right, shall have to work hard now I think : )
DeleteCongratulations Fiona, well deserved and what a brilliant start to the year. What would we do without the SLQ, must be one of the best libraries around?
ReplyDeleteThanks Jack, it is indeed a very special place, and a wonderful collection to peruse...go well.
DeleteThat's so awesome!!! Congratulations just doesn't seem quite enough...how about a happy dance? And I agree with Trace as well, your year has just begun and this is the prelude to what is bound to be an incredible year.
ReplyDeleteA happy snow dance! Thanks J - we shall see where the year heads, but is a lovely beginning. Go well.
DeleteCongratulations - what a great way to start this year. 2016 will awesome for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ali - it as a great start indeed! Here's hoping 2016 is a fine one for all of us. Go well.
DeleteThat's wonderful news, Fiona! It must be such a warm feeling to have your beautiful books gathered into a special & important home, and available for others to experience. Congratulations! (And I do doubt this will be the "peak" of the year...more like a sign of other good things to come - you have certainly earned it!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa - it is a special place and a good place to be a part of. Hopefully I haven't peaked, but if I have it was good!
Deletemost heartfelt congratulations, a well deserved honor - i can only imagine what that might feel like. hoping your toes stay off the ground for a wee bit - while it cannot bring your mum back, perhaps it can lighten your heavy heart just a little knowing how she is beaming beside you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much MJ - of course one of the first things I wanted to do was pick up the phone and tell mum, but I told dad instead. As John O'Donoghue says...Let us not look for you only in memory, where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, beside us when beauty brightens, when kindness glows and music echoes eternal tones. I think she was there with me...
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