During the Altered Book closing reception on Jan. 20, students were able to see many pieces of 3-D art created from the pages of books.

“I like how it shows books that wouldn’t normally be read.” Kate Moore, coordinator of electronic resources of the IUS Library, said.

Moore reserved the space in the IUS Library art gallery for the event.

“All of the books for the event were drawn from the IUS Library book sale,” Moore said.

The books from the IUS Library’s book sale cost 50 cents each.

Altered Books has been on display since Jan. 1.

It is one of the many different exhibits that have been set up in the Art Gallery of the IUS Library.

There were 15 works on display.  The works included everything from gloves made from the pages of a Bible to a tree made from small scraps of paper from a book.

Natalie Holman, adjunct professor of fine arts, coordinated the event.

Students from her Fundamentals of 3-D Design class and Introduction to Studio Art class submitted their projects to the Altered Books exhibit.

“The Altered Book Narrative exhibit at the IUS Library draws its inspiration, intention and style from a U.K. artist, Su Blackwell,” Holman said.

Su Blackwell uses books and other simple materials to create works of art.

“The students could take a theme from the book or from certain locations, events or memories,” Holman said.

Holman started teaching Fundamentals of 3-D Design and Introduction to Studio Art during the fall 2011 semester.

Holman said she has had great success with her students and their Altered Book project.

Angela Howard, fine arts junior, was one of the many students whose work was showcased at the event.

Howard’s artwork was a camping scene.  Howard said that her inspiration for her work was her love of camping.

Howard created small details such as a campfire, trees and an owl.

Howard created much of her art with simple tools such as a utility knife.

“My cat almost destroyed my piece,” Howard said.

Jonathon Jeffries, secondary education freshman, said he liked how these books were given new life by being shown at the Altered Book exhibit.

“I saw the exhibit [Altered Books] during the First-Year Seminar IUS Library tour and I was inspired by it,” Jeffries said.  “I like how it shows the artist’s twist on the written word.”

Donna Stallard, lecturer of fine arts, said she was very impressed with the work the students in one hundred level classes had accomplished.

“The works were assigned to the most talented students in the Intro to Studio Art and the Fundamentals to 3-D Design classes,” Stallard said.

Anne Allen, professor of art history, said she greatly appreciated the pieces of art that kept their integrity as books.

“It really helps for them to hear feedback and get their works acknowledged,” Allen said. “They can also compare their work with others outside of their class.”

Moore said the exhibit benefits visitors to the IUS Library because it opens up the possibility for wonder at the intimacy of the pieces as well as the beauty of the artwork.

“The show can serve as a welcome escape from studying, leading students to relax for a few moments to enjoy the great works of fellow students,” Moore said.

By BRADLEY COOPER

Staff

bradcoop@ius.edu