Reference

Of all the questions that I have received regarding art, “What is an artist book?” is the most asked.  There are many answers to that question but I think I have a simple answer.  It is whatever the maker of the book wants it to be. 

In general artist books are some combination of art and words but often no words are included.  The artist's creativity  shows through in the message that is delivered by the scene that is created and often by the words that accompany the art.  The story is meant to tell itself but it is not often easy to translate.  Many artist’s books are small editions or one of a kind but they may also be published in significant larger editions.  I always look for the beauty of the art and the paper that is used as well as the binding. I also look closely how it is printed.  But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I have never met an Artist who did not want to make an Artist Book.