When I was at College Art last week, I heard an artist presentation
about a project at the Portland Public Library (Me.). The library gave
discarded books to a couple hundred artists who made book/objects that
now circulate. Some of them are library-use-only because of sharp
edges; the kids love to check them out, wheel them around (we saw a
slide of one of wheels with nails or other projecting things), and
return them to the circ desk. If you want to see some of the records,
you can go to http://catalog.portland.lib.me.us/search and
search "altered book" or "artists books -- maine" as a subject. 176
hits on the latter.
Sample record:
Author Closson, Karalyn.
Title [Bird's nest / by Karalyn Closson.
Imprint [Portland, Me. : the Artist, 2005]
Descript Altered book : ill. ; 22 cm.
Note Nests
Altered book.
Altered book: Pages in central section of book glued together and then
cut so as to provide a cavity in which are contained cards decorated
with an etching of a bird. Viewer requested to take a card and mail it.
Case is painted.
Edition limited to 1 copy.
Entry in an exhibition held at Portland Public Library, April 16-31,
2005, Portland, Maine.
Signed: Karalyn Closson.
Subject Mail Art
Etchings
Intaglio
Birds
Altered books -- Maine.
Interactive art.
Artists' books -- Maine -- 2005. rbgenr
Another example of note on alterations:
Altered copy of The Essential Rumi: Box constructed of book case and
wood; opens to reveal interior decorated with fabric and paint;
contains poetry and 3 pads of paper to encourage participation by the
viewer; arachnid-like animal constructed of paper and wire suspended
from one end of the interior of the box; box covered with fabric,
fastened shut with 3 buttons.
What an interesting project, and one of my serendipity experiences
during the conference since I walked into the wrong room and found this
presentation.
Sherman Clarke
NYU Libraries
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