The Shape of You
2024
variable edition of 5
7 x 10 (closed), 18 pages
This artist's book begins with the cut-out silhouette of two young trees. Through a series of pages, the trees grow closer - almost touching, and finally grow together, intertwining and nurturing one another. This phenomenon is called "inosculation" and such trees are colloquially referred to as "marriage trees".
That metaphor plays out in the central image of a dancing couple superimposed upon the two mature trees. There is reference to the Greek myth of Baucis and Philemon - an old married couple who wished to be turned into trees so that they could stay together always.
In the second section of the book, only the woman/tree is present - limbs broken and torn, without the other's support and nourishment. "We were not granted that wish . . . "
Eventually, a tiny bit of new growth appears - "water sprouts," are new shoots that grow in damaged areas. This concept informs the final pages.
The woman/tree retains the shape of her marriage, even while new growth happens - a fitting metaphor for resilience in the face of devastation, and the enduring shape of our connections to our loved ones.
100% cotton paper, washi paper, and book cloth on Super Black art board. Hand-cut silhouette pages. Drum leaf binding. Digital printing. Signed and numbered.
variable edition of 5
7 x 10 (closed), 18 pages
This artist's book begins with the cut-out silhouette of two young trees. Through a series of pages, the trees grow closer - almost touching, and finally grow together, intertwining and nurturing one another. This phenomenon is called "inosculation" and such trees are colloquially referred to as "marriage trees".
That metaphor plays out in the central image of a dancing couple superimposed upon the two mature trees. There is reference to the Greek myth of Baucis and Philemon - an old married couple who wished to be turned into trees so that they could stay together always.
In the second section of the book, only the woman/tree is present - limbs broken and torn, without the other's support and nourishment. "We were not granted that wish . . . "
Eventually, a tiny bit of new growth appears - "water sprouts," are new shoots that grow in damaged areas. This concept informs the final pages.
The woman/tree retains the shape of her marriage, even while new growth happens - a fitting metaphor for resilience in the face of devastation, and the enduring shape of our connections to our loved ones.
100% cotton paper, washi paper, and book cloth on Super Black art board. Hand-cut silhouette pages. Drum leaf binding. Digital printing. Signed and numbered.