THE MUSHROOM BOOK: A COLLABORATION ACROSS TIME
I have been challenging myself to create artist books that function like a book (covers, plus pages that turn, etc) but can be displayed such that all of the content can be viewed at one time. This has meant experimenting with shapes and forms and binding methods. This artist book has pages that open, it also unfolds into a sort of paper quilt that can be hung flat on the wall, or it can be displayed standing on a surface like a sculpture.
In my artwork, I like to work with old books, and when the book is in the public domain, it gives me a lot of flexibility in using the content. As I began working with the pages of Nina Loving Marshall’s “The Mushroom Book,” published in 1910, I found myself wondering: Who was Nina Loving Marshall? Where did she work? I could find very little info about her online. It was like I was channeling a ghost as I cut apart and repurpose the pages of her book, like I was participating in a collaboration across distance and time.
The book, closed
The pages can be turned like a "normal" book
Original poem dedicated to Nina Loving Marshall
The book, when completely unfolded and hung on the wall
The back side, when unfolded
Displayed like a sculpture
