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Book Arts |
This exhibition features books from members of the Artists Book Club (ABC). ABC is a cross-disciplinary group for makers of artists’ books and ephemera. It was founded in 2009 by Lilla Duignan when she was a student on the Multidisciplinary Printmaking MA course, joined by Angie Butler in co-organising ABC events. Each year, two students coordinate the group for the academic year. ABC is open to all creative arts students and interested parties based at Bower Ashton, UWE.
In 2017/18 the group was coordinated by Gen Harrison and Cathey Webb. They chose the theme ‘found’ for the year because of its wide-ranging appeal. Members of the group were invited to make books using any media and book-making techniques they chose, and freely interpret the theme.
Throughout the year various activities focusing on the theme were arranged. Examples include an inspiring workshop by Jeremy Dixon of Hazard Press on Found Poetry (fig 1.) and one on making Needle Thread Pockets, by Gen Harrison; perfect for hiding and finding things in (fig 2 and 3).
The group also explored Bower Ashton Library’s Artists’ Books Collection and a selection of books from Arnolfini’s Artist’s Book Collection for inspiration.
Some of the books from exhibition include:
This book will appeal to three architects by Corinne Welch (fig 4). Snake book (folded from one sheet of A3) containing collaged ‘found words’ from off-cuts from a re-purposed book for another project. Inspired by workshops by Jeremy Dixon and Daniel Lehan.
Yoke by Gen Harrison (fig 5). The idea for this book came from finding a pile of 35mm negatives from 1995, and a friend offering to scan them. The structure is about channelling New York in an idea of the city as a playground. The reader can construct the book as a sculptural object to a design of their own choosing. The decision of the way to go is theirs alone. It celebrates both the grid structure and language of the city via Paul Auster. It captures something thought nearly 25 years ago and misremembered along the way. If you don’t look you will still find it…
Found on the Downs by Linda Parr (fig 6). Details of what you may and may not find along the 87 miles of the Ridgeway National Trail, North Wessex Downs.
Untitled by Zelda Velika (fig 7). A book made using only found items, including the paper and printing materials (photo of work in progress).
Library Book Shelves by Cathey Webb. Found Poetry (fig 8). Each book contains a poem made from words collected by randomly selecting one word from each book on library shelf.
Gen and Cathey thoroughly enjoyed co-ordinating the group and would like to thank everyone who took part.
Visit ABC’s website for more information on their events.
UWE Bristol, City Campus at Bower Ashton, Kennel Lodge Road, Bristol BS3 2JT.