While in the state of North Carolina, I reached out to Josh Hockensmith, Art Library Assistant for the Joseph C. Sloane Art Library of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill for the presentation of my artists’ books.
Prior to my visit, Josh asked if perusing the collection would be of interest, if so, he would be delighted to pull a selection of books for me. Enthusiastically looking through their collection in the Artstor image database, I chose several books. The artists' books that interested me where the ones relating to subject matters in my own or future books. I was also interested in researching different interpretations of similar themes or innovative concept while at Hanes Art Center.
I presented my artists’ books to Josh Hockensmith and Alice Whiteside, the head of the art library. After our session, Joshua talked about Angela Lorenz’s artists’ book called Soap Story. As, I washed my hands with one of the last six tiny bars of soap, I found myself instrumental in helping an artist realize her goal by releasing a little more of the text, silk-screened on linen pages placed inside the soap.
Afterwards, I was guided to a table full of artists’ books for me to genuinely enjoy. It was thrilling to be able to properly view artists’ books included on my short list. Some were seen online, others discovered through conversations, without having the unique experience of reading them first hand.
After naturally viewing my web site Josh added quite a few more artists’ books that might peek a mutual interest. I enjoyed Josh’s excellent selection.
I also viewed Fragments from the stacked deck by Judy Anderson, Nexus Press. Loose-leaf in enclosure, offset printing."This book began in outrage, a response to the increasing reports of violence against women in the world. Text fragments were taken from the daily news, juxtaposed with one woman's voice." A deck of cards offset printed in color on one side and black-and-white on the opposite side, with silhouettes of women and "feminine" forms such as vases and floral/botanical imagery cut out from surrounding fields of text.
Panorama by Julie Chen; took two people to handle for viewing, so, Josh helped me to experience the book opened as it revealed various panoramic views. Panorama contains two main sections, each with layered pop-ups. Each page contains relief and pressure print images and texts. When completely opened the book measures 5 feet wide. Housed in a cloth-covered, drop-spine box.
My books and I were well received, and I enjoyed viewing some incredible creations from some talented artists. Later onI will provide feedback on the results of my visit.
I hope you enjoyed reading of my visit at the Joseph C. Sloane Art Library. I wish you all a great year 2020.