Artists' Books galore

 
 

Artists' Books are a bit of a niche segment of the creative world, one that falls somewhere in between Fine Art and bookmaking/bookbinding - basically they're a work of art created within the format of a "book" (which itself is hugely open to interpretation). And for those not yet familiar with Artists' Books, Wikipedia has a nice little definition and some pics over here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist's_book

Well, it certainly seems like April is jam-packed with all things Artists' Book related. Here's just a couple of events, exhibitions and happenings that I've noticed around the art'o'sphere:
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Artspace Mackay - Artists' Books Forum & Libris Award 2010

Artspace Mackay houses one of Australia’s most significant regional collections of artists’ books, and also hosts Focus on Artists Books, a program that includes special exhibitions by leading Australian book artists, and an annual conference on artists’ books.

In its fifth year, Focus on Artists' Books V begins this Thursday 8th April and continues until Monday 12th April, and includes a 2-day conference, masterclasses, workshops, gallery floor talks, and the 2010 Libris Awards artists' book exhibition.

My good friend Jay Dee Dearness is one of the guest speakers at the Focus on Artists' Books conference this week, and she'll be introducing and showcasing her fabulous new Brisbane-based gallery and workshop space Myrtle Street Studio. Jay Dee's aim for Myrtle Street Studio is to provide a professional yet accessible contemporary art space for the local community, and to achieve this, MSS incorporates a gallery space, artist studio, workshop space, as well as a specialist print/book store. A little birdy tells me that Jay Dee has a soft spot for handmade books, so keep your eye on MSS for future exhibitions/events and even a possible retail outlet for locally-made artists' books. 

 

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Call for Entries
ArtBound artists' book exhibition at Gallery Red, Sydney

Photo credit: Amazing Paper, Enmore 

Australian Bookbinders Incorporated will be holding an artists' books exhibition at Gallery Red in Glebe next month. If you are interested in exhibiting an artists' book in the ArtBound exhibition, you can download an entry form and information here: Download ArtBound Entry Form and Info

Entries must be received by the gallery no later than the 16th April 2010, and the exhibition itself will run from 29th May until the 15th June 2010.

 
^ Snugglepot & Cuddlepie artist book set Shelbyville submitted in a previous ABI exhibition

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The Australian Book Arts Journal

In mid-April, Queensland-based book artist Linda Douglas will be launching a new, exclusively Australian publication, The Australian Book Arts Journal (ABAJ).  
 
Linda explains in her Media Release:
This quarterly journal is about and for book artists, fine binders, printmakers (including letterpress),  and writers. I am calling for submissions for articles, reviews of books and exhibitions, profiles, interviews, bodies of work in all fields above and anything you consider worth including in this exciting, new publication. There will also be a place in this issue for three pieces of fiction from unpublished writers!   email Linda Douglas at theraggededge@hotmail.com for further details.   

THEMES
Issue I   - Beginnings.  April ( deadline - Ides of March) 
Issue II  - Women of the Book.  July ( deadline - Ides of June)
issue III -  Text and Image, Image and Text. October ( deadline Sept 15)
 
**NB: Three issues for 2010:  $60 per year, Groups - $88
Four issues per year from 2011:  $80 per year, Groups $118
(overseas subs, contact Linda via email re: rates and postage and handling)

There  will be the usual features for Events and What's on,  state by state. Each issue will contain an essay, interviews, reviews, profiles, tutorials/masterclass, tips and techniques. 

If interested in subscribing to The Australian Book Arts Journal:
Download ABAJ_subscription form

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And for those interested in exploring a little deeper into the realm of artists' books, here are some excellent resources to begin with:

Book Arts Web
http://www.philobiblon.com/

State Library of Queensland artist book collection
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/coll/austart/ab

Artists Books - redefining the book
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/exhibit/online/ab

State Library of Victoria
SLV holds a notable collection of artists’ books, and is very actively developed and exhibited
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/index.html

YouTube - artists books videos
artist book slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6kN6PVfEmM
pop-up book marvels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMMBZyctTgw&feature=related
possibilities for old books: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSrkf5xARIM&feature=related

Graham Galleries and Editions, Milton, Queensland
A gallery specialising in prints, artists’ books and other works on paper
http://www.grahamegalleries.com/

Comments

[Alisa]

What a fabulously inspiring post!! Artist's books are so very lush!... Just imagine having a copy of Max Ernst's 'Une semaine de bonté' in your hands... Oooooh!!

[Jay Dee]

Thanks Michelle for the lovely write-up :) - everything is coming along well at the moment and we have a photography exhibition opening at the end of May - so stay tuned!! xxoo