My printer is on and ready to print the first page of my last artists’ book Shadow Me. This stimulates me and frightens me at the same time. In the previous ten months, I barely turned on my printer. I only checked if the heads were clogged or blocked, lucky they were not. This is the first real print-out of a true page of a book in a year!
As I’m concentrating to make sure the page is printing properly on special paper—13 x 12 inches—enjoying the thrill of completing a task—my computer shouts out—”It’s 5 o'clock,” nudging me to get ready for a dinner out with friends.
© 2018 Michael Sutton, Louise with first print in 12 months
This week I stumbled on the software Horos—it converts MRI's and X-rays into JPG's. I was able to transform my sprained foot images to integrate them into my alphabet book. The foot is healing! So, I’m taking some time to visit a dear friend in Boise, Idaho.
The thrill is short but exciting! since Saturday after our return, we need to pack the truck with our belongings and start our journey East.
In the meantime, I’m writing this blog on more alphabet books. Many themes have been used for alphabet books including cat activities, the Bible, Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures, baby animals, tools... And simply the 26 characters of the alphabet in strikingly attractive ways.
© 2002 Carol Barton, Alphabetica Synthetica, accordion book structure with pop-ups and laser printing
The book Alphabetica Synthetica’s concept was developed years ago when Carol Barton started keeping an alphabetical list of synthetic chemicals and substances.
Science and the specific field of materials engineering have always intrigued me. I find great pleasure in searching for new fabrics, laminates, plastics, and composite substances, and in seeing how these materials are then used in fashion, architecture and industrial design. I also enjoy playing with unusual materials as components in my books. In designing Alphabetica Synthetica, I’ had a wonderful time exploring the world of synthetics and imagining a future altered by these discoveries, for better or worse.
Over time the list expanded to include other fabricated or “synthesized” creations, from the unconventional to the fantastic. When Cincinnati’s Lloyd Library announced its exhibition Mining the Lloyd, I discovered the library’s holdings included a sizeable collection of chemistry texts. I realized that names from these books could augment my own alphabetical list of synthetics, and plans for an abecedarium began to take shape. The result is this playful look at a fascinating field of science.
© 2014, Gail Murray,
Dale Harris brought 6 members together to create the Collaborative ABC Book in Zentangle. All alphabet letters are originals, hand drawn and painted by the participants for the Invitational Group Show at Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dale Harris bound the book once the artists completed and mailed their letters to Dale.
© 2014, left to right: Trish Meyer, Vicki Bolen, Trina Badarak Hall, Dale Harris, Ginger Rice, Marilyn Bennett, Gail Murray
© 2018 Gail Murray, this post is dedicated to Dominick who passed away May 17th in the arms of his mommy Gail
© 1986 Scott McCarney, two volume die-cut in an edition of 300; 4 x 6 in
Scott McCarney published Alphabook 3, an alphabet book bound in a dos-à-dos accordion fold format. Alphabook 3 is part of a series of alphabets designed in book form. The letterforms are dependent upon the physicality of the book's space.
© 2004, Laura Russell, ABC, long stitch binding into paper cover, archival digital printing on Superfine paper
Laura Russell's miniature ABC book (2 1/8” x 3” ) is an edition of 100. The book contains photographs of letters found on vintage neon signs. The alphabet letters are paired with terminology and fun facts from the fascinating world of neon artistry. A world that has changed little since the invention of the neon sign in 1910.
Thank you, everyone, for creating such inspiring work!