Words and Pictures
Artists Books by Wendy Le Ber.
In this exhibition I am showing for the first time a selection of artists books that I have been making over the last few years. I have been drawn to the form of books for a few years, as a way of presenting perhaps a more personal or intimate response to the world. I love the sheer variety of book forms that can be used, small notebook style books for instance seem suited to the nature of journal keeping.
When I am on retreat I often keep such journals, relating to the natural world around me and the deeper connection that there seems to be when I am in silence. I usually record the daily happenings in the natural world of birds and trees that seems to have more meaning for me at the time.
Other books I make experiment with the shape of books, such as the Japanese octagon style book, and flag books. I have also gathered together small collections of my photographs to produce books that tell a story. Some books use collected and found materials, paint and text and have more of a scrap book feel about them.
I am pleased to be showing my artists books in Waterstones bookshop, showing some of the range of possibilities in the book form. Through this rich medium of book making I am continuing to explore my art practice and I hope this exhibition will inspire others to take up this particular art form.
I am also taking part in the Artists Book Library event at Walthamstow Central Library Thursday 10th September 3 till 8pm. Where you can see examples of artists books , see demonstrations of simple book making methods and try some out for yourself.
