Blue Book in a Box

I noticed I got a lot of viewers  on my most recent blogs about the pop up books. Thus I will continue
 more about my handmade book series.This particular image is my blue book in the tarot decorated cigar box. I call it "Blue Book in a Box". But what a special box. I covered an old cigar box in paper decorated with images of tarot cards. Tarot was used as far back as the 14th century by fortunetellers and gypsies to predict the future. I liked the paper, and the concept that this book could be filled with thoughts and words to come. In truth, it is really more difficult to cover an existing box than to start from scratch.Getting the corners to close tightly is not easy. However, I like to recycle, and I like a challenge. 

The book is an open signature design. Signatures are sheets of paper sewn together, often in multiples of four, that form the pages of a book. Those decorated beads in front actually hold them all together. I used a handmade Italian paper, the last  sheet that I had been saving for just  the perfect project. I like to give each book I make its own  "home". Then I feel it is complete. Maybe I could have called this blog " Completion".

Pop Up Dimension and Perspective.

Here are two views of the same page in my recently created kinetic pop up book. When I look at this intriguing cut out, I am aware of both its dimension and perspective. The dictionary gives one meaning to the former as "Any measurable extent, as length, breadth, or thickness." I know I used my ruler to measure the page; to decide where to make the cuts,and how long they must be to create my desired form. It has an architectural look to me, and that brings into play a matter of perspective. This can refer to "the art or theory of representing...objects...to convey the impression of depth and distance." Think about how we examine three dimensional art? It appeals to us just because we can view it from more than one side.It has depth. It intrigues us. 

Viewed in these two photos, there appears to be more than one angle to the pop up feature. Interpretation can  depend on whether it is examined from the side or the front view. 

 Reminds me of life. From one interpretation of an event or person, we might think we are  really getting  the true point of view, or perspective. Yet looking at something head on, or from another side could reveal an entirely different dimension. What are your thoughts on this ? 

Facing a Challenge

I had a wonderful day yesterday. I learned how  to make a  kinetic pop up book in a workshop taught by, and filled with, other  book artists. Everyone takes turns teaching, and it is always an adventure! Here is a picture of what I invented  by the end of the day. 

I love the fact that I created a finished book.That  gives me such a feeling of satisfaction. The pages open and reveal a dimension behind. They can also be a kinetic object, as is  the circle on the right sided page. Up and down it goes...magic! 

I guess what I felt the most was the challenge of learning new things, which were intimidating to me with their complexity. I persevered and was finally able  to understand these new ways  of thinking. I guess everyday we are all faced with how to solve a new dilemma.There seem always to be new problems that come up at the most inopportune times. How do we face these challenges? First remember to Breathe. Working  more slowly until the right solution presents itself can be a helpful path. For me, it always comes down to just staying with it, until here is an evolution  into the new creation I envision. Of course, often I have to totally change that vision and follow the path that seems to unfold by the materials and the inspiration. Life and art are not so different.