Art
“Paper Alchemist” Bel Mills on the Magic of Making Books by Hand
In college, I took a life-changing class called The Art of the Book, an intensive workshop held in the basement of my university’s oldest library where we learned how to make books by hand. I’d always had an affinity for handcraft and beautiful handheld objects, and book arts proved to be the ultimate expression of that sort of limitless, analog art.
Despite the rapid digitization of pretty much everything, the book arts community is small but mighty. In an increasingly virtual, screen-obsessed world, there’s an equal and opposite thirst for the tangible. Art forms like book arts serve as a refreshing reminder that we are, in fact, real; that we can make real things that we can touch, that take up space. In the face of AI, Web3, the Metaverse, NFTs and whatever other acronym we need to learn next, we can still make something magnificent with a found piece of paper and glue.
Read more: https://www.printmag.com/designer-interviews/scrap-paper-circus-bel-mills/
Recently, a vibrant array of potted flowers in various shapes and colors greeted visitors at the Chongqing Zoo, capturing the attention of everyone entering the zoo.
“I’ve been looking forward to this exhibition for a long time,” said Ms. Li, a local resident. “I heard there would be many exquisite floral arrangements and potted plants, so I rushed to bring my family here as soon as it opened. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the New Year and soak in some artistic atmosphere!”
Read more: https://www.cqnews.net/1/detail/1324322687267987456/app/content_1324322687267987456.html
Gabriel Martinez talks with Robert Boyd about Charles Burns, Gary Panter, and the art of underground comics.
“The publishing industry doesn’t work the way the art industry does. You have a royalty system. Whereas if you resell a painting, unless you’re in California, the artist doesn’t get anything.”
To play the podcast, click on the orange play button below. You can also find Glasstire on Apple Podcasts and on Spotify.
Read more: https://glasstire.com/2024/09/22/art-dirt-robert-boyd-on-the-art-of-underground-comics/
The Literature and Language Reading Room is what I would consider a semi-hidden gem amidst the physical spaces that make up UIUC’s massive and impressive library. Lined with massive windows and perimeter bookshelves, it’s difficult to physically miss. However, to gain the full aesthetic experience, one needs to linger. Understandably, this is a difficult task for a busy student. Trust me…I know. However, if you feel the time has finally come to check it out, I highly encourage you to drop in while the newest exhibit, Image + Verse: Poetry Inspired by Art, is still on display.
As both an art and poetry enthusiast, it felt like a dream come true to hear about the library’s collection being highlighted in this way. Two glass cases greeted me at the entrance, and I immediately spotted a few of my favorite collections bookmarked and propped open. Reading the familiar words in tandem with the art displays warmed my heart. The affection of the curator for art and poetry also seemed to be on full display. I couldn’t help but wonder more about their ideas and inspirations.
Read more: https://www.smilepolitely.com/arts/the-art-of-poetry-on-display-at-the-university-of-illinois/
