Artists have been using the book format for quite some time. The "book" allows for a personal connection between the artist and the viewer. More often than not the artist intend you to manipulate the artwork by flipping through the work, assemble portions, or reconfigure the pages.

Many artists start working from the ground up to create artist books that are sculptural painted assemblages. Some artists start with exisiting books. Francesco Clemente uses 300 year old Indian books and washes the old ink off (water base) and reuses the sheets as painting surfaces.

If one start with a printed book, what was the content and context of its former life? How will its new incarnation reflect from whence it came? This assignment is designed to make you think about presenting a new vision for this time honored media.

Essential Questions

1. What is the fundamental purpose of the artist book?
   
2. What are some assumptions you make when thinking about artist books?
   
3. What is the key question you want to explore in this artist book?
   
4. In artist books, does form necessarily follow function?

Web Gallery of artwork

Mary Sue Kern

The Assignment