page 4

I do love unveiling this work. On page four if you look closely you will see

that I am using embossing and creating a prime number sequence. The 

spacing of the numbers corresponds to the numbers missing in the

math problem. Also, peaking out of the gutter is a glimpse of a work to 

appear on a later page. I think I am enamored with with this art format

because it is touch, feel and even smell. It's not under glass; instead it's

meant to be enjoyed as an art object that one can hold, handle and enjoy

without the intrusion of a frame and glass. A little like mail art. I've been 

working on version two and three this week and may take the artist way

and throw something else in the mix. 

page 3

Page 3 and still none of "my work" other than I set the type

on page 1. A unique plate by Jean Arp sets the stage for a 

forward by Robin Price .

Page 2

Like so many posts, I try to examine the technique and the why of what 

I'm doing. I think that trying to describe making an artist book is next 

to impossible. You need to have personal contact to make any sense of 

it. This is page two. This is a collaboration of six people. Six people 

who are embracing chance in the creation of these books. 6 decide on

quotes derived from random books; 6 decide on images available at 

Wesleyan (via Robin, our tour guide) and 6 print four folios.  The four 

folios give us 16 possible pages to customize. Now bear in mind we have

 to learn a new measurement system and the upside down of the press.

We need to learn the art of the press. The machine that impresses our 

work. I think each one may have a unique temperament.  I did have the 

pleasure of setting type for the opening and the pleasure of inking and 

running the second page. I promise that the images will appear soon.

 

Letterpress

This turn of events, this new exploration will take several posts to

unravel. Like the onion, many layers exist. I've finished my three

week intensive of artists books. I'm encouraged by my toe dipping

into this world. What I learned was not able to measure. To show

something on a wall, under glass, is one thing; to hold and require

the receiver to respond is another. Don't touch when we visit a

museum, but artist books can be touched. They are made to be 

unfolded and unraveled. So to begin telling this art saga I will reveal 

title page - observe the ghost of type and image to come due to the

paper choice.

  

Letterpress

So this is our first project - collaborate with someone at random. One sorts

through the image selection of the Wesleyan collection and one sets type.

Words of our own choice. My collaboration with Carol. It took a long time 

to set the jump jumble, but the result was worth it. A nice call and response.

There are six more cards in this series. Plus the cover, which you have a

sense of from my last post. We are making individual covers. Our next project

will be much more complex now that some of us are taking advantage of 

open studio time on these presses. I'm a little sad that you can't feel the paper,

because it has a slight impression, so that there is a tactile feel not available 

to us computer people. Plus the choice of paper, etc. I'm making books!

So busy crazy until at least Friday. Best Love to all who post.

Letterpress

I've been taking an art course. A three week intensive starting 

last Monday. Robin Price is instructing and the course concerns

constructing artist books. We are also working with chance 

operations, think John Cage. Old fashioned letterpress

with plenty of quirks. Midway through the second week. I

have to admit that learning the fundamentals takes a bit, but 

the results are not only a feast for the eyes but a feast for touch.

For those of you coming of late to this blog, I have a master of 

arts but love to continue my learning curve at Wesleyan

University, because of the caliber of visiting professors.

Plus in the world of art why not think of ourselves as

beginners? We get stuck when we are too wrapped up in

our own world. Robin's course is breaking down that thinking

by requiring us to work not only in collaboration but with

chance as well. The pix above is a section of a cover I'm working

on for a series of cards that six of us have collaborated on.  More 

to follow on the unique world of artist books.

I had this great idea after posting on Victoria's Horse Wisdom site.

Follow her example and make a post about my work space. Hers' is

serene, mine chaos. I thought what a great counterpoint. So, of 

course the blogging demon has been screwing with my attempts to 

post. I just hope this is the last time I'm going to reconstruct this

train of thought. My studio-just a computer and a window to

stare out of. A printer, scanner, a slide to digital converter and 

a chair. But, I'm out of control in the picking up after projects

department. Just scroll down and you will see that all is not 

serene with the guy who loves a great zen meditation.

Now, the table is an heirloom.  Made by my great-great

grandfather. Passed down and restored when my son and I 

stripped the original finish which turned very soft in the 

summer humidity and exposed the wonderful chestnut

underneath. But, I confess when I run out of space I

turn to the dining room table. This time to make a quick 

sign for a friend. I can't paint letters to save my life.

My shop is no better-total chaos after two back to back

projects; there is no time to clean and pick up.

A further example of my lack of discipline, the basement.

I haven't picked up my workspace here since getting ready 

for the art fair. This is the area I use for matting and shrink-wrapping.

Falling Monks

Yes there are falling leaves and there are falling Monks.  In Zen tradition

 there are many Monks who fail to understand. I only pick upon 

this due to my commitment to understand the differences in religious 

traditions.   

Maze

First off - Thanks to everyone for holding my hand through my own hand wringing

of late.  "Art Contemplations" took a back seat for awhile.  I was wrestling with

some thorny personal preferences.  I should know better.  I've made the decisions

that place me here and now.  I pursued art; gave up on it once and am back for 

a second round.  Trouble is, these rounds last years.  If you have followed this blog

for awhile you must realize my infatuation with Zen koans.  Of late my life 

seems to encompass "The great way is not difficult if you just don't pick and

choose." (Sengcan)  It's difficult to accept where you are, especially if it's 

not where you want to be.  If I look back, I realize I am here.  Everything

leads to this place. Every decision from the time I was able to make decisions.

I link to Horse Wisdom  because whether we are talking horses, art or life; we 

are speaking about a mindful life - full of the unexpected - full of love.

My work today is far removed from this picture.  This is an installation piece

where I created  a maze to follow to the main gallery.   Thank you for curators

who are open to the new. I need to find a few more.

Over the Top

So how did it go you ask?  Was it worthwhile?  I'm not  sure.

The set up went well and I had a location that was near the entrance.

I was next to one of our towns treasures - Elizabeth Sennentt. (sorry no web presence)  Gorgeous works in oil and watercolor - a local legend and a very gratuitous 

woman.  I didn't sell a single piece.  Yet, I have this nice third place ribbon and

a check for $50.  I had so many people pass asking how these images were 

produced and after explaining - there was still - is that possible look.   Why

should I be afraid?  I've spent eight years learning Photoshop, plus I still 

continue my sumi-e and other traditional techniques.  We went from the 

60's yesterday to over 90 and humid today.  K and I are melted. Time for

some extreme iced wine.

This is my set up.  Praise be to having worked as a framer for so many years.  If I

 had to pay someone to frame all this stuff I'd be in deep crap.  I've been framing,

cutting mats, shrink wrapping and generally not sleeping for the last couple of weeks.  I'm not 

sure if this will pay off, but todays experience was positive.  Even people I'm 

friends with were amazed with the depth of my work (frankly some were unaware

of what I'm up to)  Yieks - I'm so bad at marketing.  The big bright side was my

friend Teri  coming over last night to share some wine and distract K and I for an hour.

• 
  
• The piece that caught the judge's eye was my work 'Meltdown' : I don't 
  
• think I've published this on my blog to date.  I use elements of this 
  
• piece as my logo in the blog world.  The piece derives from a difficult
  
• period in my art life.  Art life - what is that?  Thats the point where
  
•  art can't possibly pay bills and all the nay sayers are pointing fingers
  
• at your decisions.  It was a period in NYC that Karen and I lost three
  
• great artist friends within a year.  Leukemia, heroin overdose and a 
  
• highway fatality.  Yes, NYC seems the art capitol of the world, but we
  
• had to retreat - too much pain.  My piece 'Meltdown' remains a 
  
• reflection on these emotions.