Pyramid Atlantic 2006 Washington Book Arts Fair and Conference

Today I went to the Pyramid Atlantic 2006 Washington Book Arts Fair and Conference. It was so inspiring. I sat and thought of all the projects that I want to complete. I also realized that several of my art works from college probably qualify as book art since I always used text with each work. I guess I need to register for some classes at Pyramid Atlantic.

I told Henry that I wanted to show him some of my favorites, so I decided to blog at the same time. These are in no specific order. I am picking them up off of the pile and looking them up at the same time. This is show and tell multi-tasking at its best.

The last artist that I met had to be the most impressive. Julie Chen’s Full Circle was amazing. After reading View, which features a couple of books with a surprise inside the larger structure, I told Toni, her assistant, that I felt so emotional. But I promised her that I would not cry. Needless to say, Julie Chen’s workshops are definitely on my radar screen.

I loved Sara Langworthy’s Even Sleeping I Stay Put. This was the piece that I saw where I thought, I have to have this. Granted it was a little more than I was planning on spontaneously spending. But her linoleum prints were so vivid and colorful, simple and sweet. The story was based on a dream of taking a train and losing her ticket. As an avid dreamer myself, I am attracted to any story that shows the specific details like handwritten notes. I am really sad that I was not able to find any images for Sara’s work.

I was also intrigued by Alicia Bailey’s Lipstips. I had to pick up the tube and twist the tube to reveal the non-linear book inside. I loved the little phrases on shiny strips of paper. They reminded me of fortunehearts.

I loved Ed Hutchins books. I stood at his table staring at the different works and thought about how he had made a book out of someone different types of materials. None of the artists were as diversified as Ed. Going through his site, I was amazed by all of the different ideas he had. The book that first caught my attention was the Words for the World, which is a set of 15 sharpened pencils featuring different phrase in a foreign language and the translation in English. Most importantly, Ed said that he wanted to see my work. Wow. I will have to think of something to show him. Maybe his request will help me get motivated.

I picked up a list of workshops from Asheville Bookworks, which was a very popular booth. There always seemed to be a large crowd huddled around them. They were also on display with Booklyn, a Brooklyn-based non-profit that promotes book arts. I am certain that their work is worth checking out. I can’t think of a better reason to spend time in Asheville. Maybe I can plan a weekend mini-vacation to take a workshop that also includes a trip to the Grove Park Inn and Spa. Booklyn has some great educational resources on their web site. They looks so delightful, that I might look around for some items I can send them from their wishlist.

I passed by this booth more than once. It took me a while to become accustomed to being encouraged to touch the books. Although I rarely explored as much as I would have if I was left alone with the book. Rick Moody’s Surplus Value Books #13 reminded me of a very large version of the box discovered in Amelie. I wanted to know more. I am not sure why I didn’t ask.

I grabbed Lindsey Mears and Katie Baldwin’s cards, who are a members of inliquid.com, which is a great online hub of information about artists and resources related to the arts. Be sure to check out their work using their handy search feature.

Okay, more later…