Old books, paper pleats & an artist book exhibition

** Update... the show got a write up http://melbourneartcritic.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/this-is-not-a-book-review/ thanks Mark from Black Mark.
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I have a lovely stash of vintage books which I use for my artwork. I was trying to work out how to store them as they are really quite beautiful & came across this amazing sculpture.

"Book Igloo" is an  installation titled Home by Colombian artist Miler Lagos. It's made up of lots of old books. That's it I want an igloo, I want one now.... insert foot stomp.

Here is my current storage system for books...piled on the floor & while I was trying to take a  photo the wonder dog decided she wanted to get her fluffy self in the picture.

I have been working on a piece for an artist book exhibition here are a few snapshots of my work in progress.

 

 
It uses cut & pleated book papers in book form with vintage leather used for outer binding.  I love using old books as the quality of the  paper stock  is a real pleasure to work with, it folds easily and I love the foxing and patina that the papers take on with age.

The pleating & folding is something that I have been working with for a while; shadows formed by the pleated paper remind me of fabric ruffles and petticoats.
The piece is titled "The early bird gets the words...."

To display I have made a basic book supports, I think I will be making more of these as they are quite fun to make. The Powerhouse Museum has a brilliant section on their website outlining a series of conservation techniques - here's the link to the conservation resources with step by step guides on how to make book supports amongst other conservation techniques. 

My version of the book support 

The cardboard support is covered in tailoring horse hair canvas;  it's a heavy weight woven interfacing, used in tailoring jackets in particular lapels, collar and fronts to give firm body and stability. It used to be made literally of horse and goat hair but now its normally a mix of nylon/wool and other fibres. It also has a lovely colour & texture which works with the overall look & I have an acrylic box to house the finished piece. The material is a nice link between the textile look of the book.

Work in progress

The item will be on display at Artisan Books  which specialist in a books, periodicals and exhibition catalogues relating to art, craft, design and culture; as part of the 7th Annual Artist Book Exhibition, 11th of August - 8th of September. This exhibition explores the boundaries of how a book is defined, focusing on the books as a sculptural form.

Pop in and have a look!

Love Miss Foo XXX

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AUSTRALIA

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