Book Arts is the World of Wonder between two Leaves

'Book Arts is the World of Wonder between two Leaves' (quoting myself) and has gripped me with a passion since I first discovered this 'World' just four years ago.

Opening the pages of a favourite childhood book, feeling the texture of the fragile leaves, smooth and rough in turn, I am drawn in to the fine detail of the worlds of wonder, far distant and remote, yet inextricably linked to our own. With each turn of the page, windows are flung wide in my mind, revealing snowscapes of delicate calm, cityscapes of chaos, seascapes of raging torment and landscapes of hidden undergrowth.

Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia 2008

North Seascape 2008

Snowfall in Holland 2008

Cityscape, London 2009

When asked to choose one book of inspiration, I consider carefully and make the almost impossible choice of 'Fairy Tales from Many Lands' illustrated by Arthur Rackham. My memory of this book, long untouched on my shelf, is of the smooth colour plates, interspersed among the rough to the touch pages of text. A treat as I progressed through each tale, these illustrations drew me in to imaginary lands of deep colour, fine line and exquisitely fragile and grotesque characters.

My study of Print history has revealed that the historical rarity of colour images in childhood story books was due to the lack of capability of mass printing methods and binding techniques. Unable to print colour ink onto cheaper paper, publishing companies kept colour plates, printed on luxuriously smooth paper, to a minimum. The illustrated plates were tipped in as single sheets or bound around the sewn sections of text. These were pages to cherish and adore.

As a Book Artist I get to take ownership of choosing my materials, creating the book form, binding my books and devising and making all content. Book Arts gives me the opportunity to indulge my multiple loves of bookbinding, printmaking, illustration, photography and creative writing.

Next entry......an Artist's Book by Mary C P

Finding my voice

My hands are hovering over the keyboard in eager anticipation of the words to flow from the tapping of the keys.
Poetry or prose? Fact or fiction? These are the questions.


Maybe i should backtrack a little, into the past of my mind and my reality. I invite you to join me on a journey beyond a fork in the road, along a new path lined with rich pickings and fruitful meaning.

Seeking my true passion I venture forward with increasing courage, drawing inspiration from every moment and taking time to smell the flora and fauna along the way.
I do not know what I am looking for - but i have rejected that which i do not want.
Chances are taken and risks abound, and with increased risk i take more chances.
Within the square mile and hidden in dusty tomes, i find fascination in the secrets of the City's past.
Evenings sacrificed to the study of art, I begin to look inwards and out with new eyes.
I delight in new ideas and the freedom of following my dreams into the unclear distance.
One year passes and my mind's will shows itself to be beyond retaining fine, accurate details of historical past - but passionate to soak up the visual language of the world around.
One decade split in two and five years on I am become book artist, illustrator and enthusiastic educator - and I meet you in the here and now.

A tentative beginning....

My world has long been one full of wonderful words in various languages and more recently full of imaginative images in varied forms and armed with these I am now ready to enter the land of blogging with my String of Words and Pictures.

Musings on the visual world, images from my portfolio and creative writing are to follow.

My range of interests is almost unending and my attention span is somewhat short - and to create a happy medium I propose to post more content, less often, rather than less content, more often!

I am still seeking my 'blogging voice' so please bear with me.....