Way back in January, when I disclosed seven random things about me, I mentioned I was working on a book-related art project. Well, it’s finally done, and here it is:
A few stats: the collage measures 1 foot by 3 feet; the background is made of squares cut from actual books (all galleys, all favorites of mine); the letters and frames are made of tiny book jackets. I arranged them all on the computer, printed them out, then cut out the letters. The jackets included are all from books that we, as a family, own. Most of them are mine, but there are several of my wife’s knitting books and some of my son’s favorite picture books.
Here’s a close-up of the bottom corner of the letter "B," so you can really see how it was laid out:
It took a long time to complete, but I’m thrilled with the way it came out. The only thing I might change is the frame; I might continue the jackets all the way around. Not sure yet…
I’ve been compiling a list of artists who work with books and I was going to include a bunch of links here, but, rather than make this post too long, I’ll save those for another time. My list is substantial, but I’m sure I’ve missed some. So, if you’ve got any favorite book-based pieces of art, leave the links in the comments. I’d love to see them!
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Wow, that’s amazing! Good job…
It’s gorgeous!
This is so cool! I have always wanted to try something like this!
Love it!
Really amazing and cool!
Beautiful job, Michael! I’d love to put something like that on my wall.
~kc
Dear Michael,
Extraordinary. It can’t be a coincidence that several times in the past two days I have picked up and closely examined my own beloved Kindness original work of book art. Mine and yours are both priceless, but certainly you could commission or sell these incomparable collages to book lovers. And unlike say a Jackson Pollack, you don’t even have to spill any paint on yourself.
Michael,
Two things:
Firstly, that’s pretty awesome! I can see a lot of work has gone into doing this, but the effort looks like it was well worth it. I’m actually in the process of planning a similar thing for my home office, but it’s more to do with entirely filling every wall with pages from books, as though I’m actually sitting inside a book. I know, I’m weird
)
Secondly, you reminded me I still have to take you up on your invite to list seven things about myself. *blush* I’m on it!
Oh and personally I’d go with the ‘jackets all around’ idea.
Anyway great job and thanks for sharing it
Rob
Beautiful job! I think it looks amazing and feels something like a quilt. Mmmm, warm, cozy, Books!
I would leave the border frame as is. Completely surrounding it makes me feel as though books are meant to be contained and separated.
As the work currently is, it evokes books leaking out into the world, where they are free to roam and are accessible to everyone!
That is amazing, I love it. If I saw it on Etsy I’d be buying it!
That’s amazing. It must have taken hours.
This maybe isn’t what you meant, but I love the artwork on the front and back cover of Susan Vreeland’s The Forest Lover, which is about the artist Emily Carr. The painting is by Emily, and I think it’s called Fir Trees and Sky. I love it.
What a great job!! It looks fantastic!
Very nice! Must have been fun to work on, too!
Love it!
That is simply stunning – to combine your creativity with one of your deepest loves in such a beautiful way…. Gorgeous.
Not to be repetitive (but I will be) that is so cool! I feel covetous.
That is awesome, Michael — can you make me one
wonderful!
I do wish it were mine.
Fabulous! You must have the talent and patience of a saint! Could you whip one up for me for my store – say by Saturday? LOL