Title and imprint from cover. Edition of 50 numbered copies, signed by the artist. "Wayfinding was written, illustrated, and designed by Julie Chen. This book was inspired by a series of conversations between Julie Chen and her daughter, Eleanor Chen-Ranstrom, about pattern, texture, perception and learning. Special thanks to John Sullivan for help with the cast paper elements and to Asa Nakata for assistance in the bindery. Published in an edition of 50 copies."--Colophon. Artist book that opens up to reveal 2 halves containing 2 large trays and one center leaf plus a magnet-held folded triangular overleaf each. The trays contain three-dimensional forms carved or cut from cardboard and the leaves feature landscapes, both real and abstract, human semaphores, and text. The book's various segments bear the numbered section titles: "1. Tangible," "2. Abstract," "3. Coalescent" and (unnumbered) "Colophon." As such, Wayfinding explores how the natural environment transforms into a man-made version, and vice versa. Chen spent three years conceiving and building this work. She created an alphabet of human body positions and translated those shapes into rocky structures made of meticulously crafted, rough paper. "Wayfinding examines the relationship between physical and mental learning through the context of navigation through time and space. The piece focuses the reader's experience on the physicality of the book as object through the inclusion of 3-dimensional cast paper sheets and pages of handmade paper that rattle when turned. A 3-dimensional alphabet abstracted from diagrams of flag semaphore addresses the activities of signaling and translation, and how information is taken in by all the senses and not just through the eyes." --Artist statement. Special Collections has copy no. 13/50, signed by book artist Julie Chen. IaU
OCLC:
(OCoLC)1107052725
Locations:
OVUX522 -- University of Iowa Libraries (Iowa City)
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.