TACOMA – Puget Sound Book Artists will hold its third annual public exhibit in Collins Memorial Library at University of Puget Sound from Thursday, June 6, through Wednesday, July 31, 2013.
The exhibit showcases handmade books by 30 talented artists who interpret the book in exciting and original ways, often pushing the boundaries of tradition. Begun in 2011, the book art exhibit has grown in popularity and this year will be featuring work from new members based in Oregon, New Mexico, and Indiana.
The opening reception, where the public can meet the artists, will be 4:30–6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 6, in the library. On Thursday, June 20, 5–8 p.m., there will be a conversation with several of the artists, who will discuss the process and thought behind their works.
Book art is an innovative movement that draws from a range of artistic media and that offers new interpretations of the book form. Books, as we know them and read them, serve as universal connection points—transmitting stories across time. This has made them a source of fascination and inspiration for artists, who merge new structures with historical forms of the book to create distinctive pieces of art. The works often challenge the viewer to think quite differently about the book.
Contemporary art books are created in a variety of structures, sometimes using moveable elements and multiple materials. These can include handmade papers, photographs, fabric, thread, wire, decorated paper, and recycled and found materials. The paper may be embellished with paint, rust, dirt, stitching, or calligraphy. Techniques vary from the traditional to the avant-garde.
Some works are hand painted and one of a kind. For limited edition works, small presses and individual artists often employ letterpress printing or handcrafting. Other artists use computer-generated images and photocopiers to reproduce their work. The themes portrayed can include nature, literature, politics, social issues, and family and personal history.
Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) is a nonprofit organization comprised of amateurs and professionals from all quarters of the book art field. The group aims to create a spirit of community around the book arts and to introduce the field to newcomers. PSBA also aims to offer educational opportunities and to foster excellence through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and publications.
The group meets monthly for lectures or “play days,” which provide brainstorming opportunities for both beginning and experienced book artists. There is time to discuss lectures, work on personal projects, ask questions, and view samples of handmade and published books.
For directions and a map of the campus: www.pugetsound.edu/directions.
For accessibility information please contact accessibility@pugetsound.edu or 253.879.3236.
To learn more about Puget Sound Book Artists visit: blogs.pugetsound.edu/