Artists books
I’m often asked what is an artists book. It is one of the lesser known artist media for many. The artist book became more popular in the late 20th century.
Artists' books are works of art. They use the book as the art form.
Although some are mass-produced with multiple editions, most are published in small or limited editions, while others are produced as one-of-a-kind objects. Many are hand made using traditional techniques.
'Bag of Dopamine'. Artist book collection. Illustration MA major project.
A collection of 8 artists books housed within an old battered brown case. The collection of books create narrative of the maker. Designed for audience interaction and to facilitate dissemination of information in a fun, interesting manor. Materials used have been hunted, found, gathered or hand made as much as possible and the techniques used range from tradition drawing and craft skills to digital illustration and editing.
Some books are created using objects, such as a bottle and a make up compact.
Book size ranges from 22cm square to 6cm square.
Edition of 1, Isle of Wight, England.
Not for sale
My Artists book are often produced as one offs or limited additions. Each has a signed certificate of authenticity accompanying it and often I make films or animations linked to my books.
Although I call upon traditional book binding methods and deploy some of these methods within my work, I would describe myself as a playful, experimental book artist, looking for different, interesting and sometimes bizarre ways to create my books and share a narrative. The covers and elements of my books are often part of the story I am telling or helps in the dissemination of the information contained.
I have a keen interest in the consumerism culture and its effect on society and the planet, this is reflected within the way I produce my work, using found, hand made recycled items, or pre loved items as much as possible. This can make the process of creating a book a little harder and can take longer but it also gives me the chance to get creative, invent and problem solve which are my strengths.
'Dopamine HITS'. Artist book. Illustration MA major project. Lucy Bell
Pulped bank statements pressed into tablets with hand drawn illustrations of dopamine hits on, housed within a glass bottle and old music hand typed label. 12cm tall. 1 of 1. Not for sale.
'Friendship' Artist book. Illustration MA major project. Lucy Bell
Created using fabric samples and hand printed fabric for covers. printed digital illustrations folded into concertina book.
6cm x 6cm, Limited addition of 4.