In February 2008, Sas Colby posed a question to ten artists who had not worked in the book format.

What Is A Book?

The exploration began at the Oakopolis Creativity Center with three group meetings on the history, overview, and concept of artists' books from my unique perspective. It continued in the hearts, minds, and studios of the participants during March, April, and May. It was presented to the public at the June 2008, Art Murmur reception, at Oakopolis Gallery

The beauty of nature is celebrated in Richard Stangl’s double accordion fold book of tree images, and Nathan Galanter’s elegant botanical series convey his immense pleasure of drawing blind with carbon paper. Jeanne Jabbour uses nature as metaphor for strength and endurance, deploying a personal story across fragile pages of paper and cloth. Textiles are the chosen medium for three artists: Raymond Haywood makes a hanging patchwork of silk and personal correspondence; Rachel Cubra’s patterned fabric pages are a counterpoint to the darker emotions stitched into her Polaroid photos; and painted clusters deploying a personal iconography in a banner and a scroll by Joell Jones. In John Wood’s luscious book of paintings the viewer is al-lowed an unusual intimacy with paper, pencil and oil mediums. The slip sheets give us pause as we page through this sensual richness. Visual autobiographies tell personal history with carefully selected photographs and text in the books of Jan Camp and Vita Wells, two books that artistically encapsulate life’s journey. Andrew Kaluzynski gives us a modern take on a book with interactive video feed that allows the viewer to create the book in real time.

Andrew Kaluzynski (not shown)