What Are Handmade Book Artists?

Handmade book artists are people who create a work of art in the form of a book.  This book is an object of art; this form has become increasingly popular in the 20th century.  They are sometimes produced as one-of-kind objects and sometimes they are published in small editions.

As a writer and an artist, creating Artist Books meets a great need I have for deep expression that can be held, touched, opened…this interactive relationship to the Artist Book allows the onlooker an intimate experience.  And sometimes I need to go beyond my words on a page….

Artists’ books are beautifully displayed in museums and galleries as well as other art shows.

Writers create artists books for many reasons.  These works challenge the conventional book format and become works of art with words.  They can make art available to people outside of galleries and museums and all ages can create these masterpieces.

Here is a short video of an Artist Book that I created using my handmade paper, a sewing machine, leather, silver wire and turquoise. This Artist Book is a home for poetry that comes from Native American (style) flute songs.

Here are some other examples of Artist Books I have created.

• This is a link to ‘The Moon Watches Over You’ – a ceramic artists book with turquoise, silver, handmade paper and other found items. https://dianeanniemathias.com/one-kind-books/
• This Artist Book, ‘I Look for a Doorway With No Frame’, is created with finger paint, torn paper and rice paper. https://dianeanniemathias.com/look-doorway-no-frame/
• This one is created on fence slats, it is called, ‘Singing With Stars’. https://dianeanniemathias.com/stars-3-singing-with-stars/.

Artist Books take on many forms and shapes.  These pieces of creative expression can be created using a myriad of materials.  I have created Artist Books using ceramics, semi precious gems, handmade paper, large cardboard and fabric as well as boxes and photography.

Have you ever created an artist book of your own?