Artists Books
A selection of handmade artists’ books created over the past 25 years, combining paper engineering with collage to explore narrative, place, and the passage of time. Inspired by travel and a fascination with buildings, the books use repetition, structure, and playful elements to create intimate, immersive worlds.
Remnants
Every abandoned and half demolished building has a history and a story about how it got that way. The remnants of a past life, the traces of paint, wallpaper and the crumbling facades fascinate me and make me wonder about the lives of the people who once lived there.
Size: 7.5 x 10 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
Unlimited Edition
Revive
Revive was made in response to the broken windows theory which states that visible signs of crime and antisocial behaviour creates an urban environment that encourages more crime and disorder. I applied this theory as a metaphor for the current time of the pandemic. I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my life and if there are any fixes or changes I can make to improve it going forward. The broken window collages are a physical representation of the areas that need work and the mirrors suggest fragility of life.
Size: 7 x 15 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, vinyl mirrors, wood, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Combustion
Personal tribute to my late Grandfather who was a draftsman, musician and painter. All his influences are found within this book
Size: 12 x 5 x 2.5cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, original mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Cut Across
‘Cut across’ was made specifically for the 2020 Vision: Magellan's Voyage of Discovery Exhibition in Liverpool. It is a flag book structure which is designed to be displayed open. The book comes to life when handled as the pages emulate the crashing of the waves and the vast open sea; where the horizon and the sky become one. An extra fold in the construction gives space for a collection of detailed collages focussing on the cramped conditions and multi-functional space within the ship.
Size: 12 x 5 x 2.5cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, vinyl mirrors, wood, original mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Shelter
My response to the areyoubookenough challenge on instagram for December's theme of Warmth. Titled 'Shelter' - for the homeless or those that can't afford adequate heating this winter and how they must feel walking by all the houses that look so cosy and warm.
Size: 5 x 15 x 5cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, original mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Curation
For my book 'Curation' I gathered various papers and carefully curated a series of miniature collages and encased them so it feels like it's in a museum collection. I remember always collecting objects and storing them in matchboxes and the objects were so special to me.
Size: 3.5 x 5.5 x 10cm closed
Media used: Paper, card, paint, original mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Obscured
Obscured explores glimpses into hidden worlds behind closed windows.
Size: 10 x 13 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, paint, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
One off Book
Minor Scale
Minor Scale is a playful book which invites the viewer to explore miniature worlds inspired by buildings and music, using the incorporated magnifying glass. The book can be manipulated into a variety of shapes, and the collages within explore proportion and scale, mixing areas of space next to areas of minute detail.
Size: 5 x 5 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, paint, magnifying glass, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
Extend
Extend reflects the extension and transformation of our home. Based on an accordion structure the paper features extra cuts and folds to create rooms within the pages. The intricacy of the collages give a glimpse into the changing architecture, hidden history of the previous occupants and the process into its current state.
Size: 7 x 14 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, paint, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
Edition of 5
Offset
'Offset' is a panel book showcasing a series of collages which explore the interplay between shapes, lines and textures. Drawings and found papers are cut into fragments, these are intricately reassembled into new playful compositions which have a fresh energy and purpose.
Media used:
Paper, bookboard, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages.
Turning Point
Turning point takes you on a journey through unfamiliar urban environments. The individual collages incorporate the pathways, architecture and feelings you experience, along with the motion of changing direction. The collages are contained within an accordion structure with foldout pages giving a framework to view the book in multiple formations.
Size: 16 x 12 x 1cm closed
Media used: Paper, paint, digital prints of mixed media and paper collages
Edition of 3
Oculus
Oculus is inspired by a building with circular windows. I was drawn to the colours, layers and a glimpse into the secret worlds behind each window.
Miniature collages incorporating elements of the windows and dot/dash mark-making are set into an accordion structure representing the architectural qualities of the building.
Size: 13.5 x 14 x 2cm closed
Media used: Paper and greyboard, paint, coloured pencils, digital prints
One off Book