What's this called, anyone know??

[annT]

Hi guys, long-shot question here: there's a form of art that involves working on books (dismantling them, drawing in them, turning them into a new/different work of art, etc.). Does anyone know what that's called?? I heard the tail end of an interview on NPR a couple of weeks ago about this process, and I was fascinated. I'm trying to find the name of the artist who was interviewed, but in order to do that, I'll need to know what her work is termed in the art world ... anyone?? TIA!

[TwinMom]

Altered Books!

[TwinMom]

Teesha Moore is one of my favorite altered book artists. There's even a website for altered book artists where you can find examples and information. It can be addicting!

[annT]

Thank you SO much, you rock!

[TwinMom]

You're welcome.

And, yes, I do rock.

[rorysgirl1]

if you're looking for some online resources, there is a big yahoo group for altered books, but also a lot of smaller ones. let me know and i can hook you up with a good small group

also, on my blog, there are some great altered book artists linked in the "blogs i read" section, especially susie lafond's altered vision and dj pettit's and karen owen's blogs.

[Starflower]

Wow! Those are cool links. I didn't realize "altered books" was its own category. I guess I would've lumped it in with mixed media. And it's something I have been interested in for a while now. Who knew? I'm going to study up on it more. Thanks!

[art4babies]

Here is one of my favorite altered book artists: http://babyfairies2.blogspot.com/200...1_archive.html

I did a writeup on my personal blog:
http://babyfairies2.blogspot.com/200...1_archive.html

[dorontac]

But how can you do those things to books...??? :

[mcmrymoon]

rorysgirl1 i would love info on the small group. i was in a group that was gonna do it but it never came about. i would love to give it a try!!!!

[kandkrose]

Originally Posted by dorontac

But how can you do those things to books...??? :

It can be controversial... the only book I ever did that to was : anyway... it was in someone's garbage can and I just happened to notice how nice the cover was (the inside pages were stuck together so you couldnt read it : )

I considered it a book "rescue" - I saved it from the trash (keeping it out of the landfill) and turned it into something beautiful!

[Doula Gina]

My mom does some altered book work -- she uses many "reader's digest" old copies of anthologies she finds in thrift stores, as she has never felt that the abriged Moby Dick was worth much!

[rorysgirl1]

Originally Posted by kandkrose

It can be controversial... the only book I ever did that to was : anyway... it was in someone's garbage can and I just happened to notice how nice the cover was (the inside pages were stuck together so you couldnt read it : )

I considered it a book "rescue" - I saved it from the trash (keeping it out of the landfill) and turned it into something beautiful!

it sort of depends on how you pick your books. there was a very cool group project, where a lot of books that had to do with gay themes were systematically slashed in a major library system. altered artists "rescued" them and turned them into art.

personally, i use old, falling apart kind of books because i like to redo the bindings, but increasingly, i tend to create my own journals to work in. i think altered books for a lot of people are a progression as an artist towards creating your own journals, and i feel quite sure that anything that causes people to move their souls forward probably means the book is achieving it's goal, just in a different way.

[wonderwahine]

plus, its recycling books that have millions of copys being trashed or piling up in thrift stores.

[Flor]

My college, MIlls College, had a great book arts department. We called them altered books or found books. I miss my days in the book binding/printing studio!!!!

[art4babies]

Originally Posted by rorysgirl1

i think altered books for a lot of people are a progression as an artist towards creating your own journals, and i feel quite sure that anything that causes people to move their souls forward probably means the book is achieving it's goal, just in a different way.

Your work is beautiful.
Literature is great, so is good art.