Alice Austin
Ca’ d’Oro, 2012
Tunnel book inspired by palace of the same name (Golden Palace) on the Grand Canal in Venice. Two etchings, linoleum prints, handmade paste paper covered box. 12 x 7.5 x 2 inches, edition of six. $1000
Hand-set metal type and linoleum cuts printed on a Vandercook press. Paper handmade by Michelle Wilson for the artist – 50/50 abaca /cotton and shredded money, 3.5 x 3.5 inches, edition of 40. $225
relief print, hand set type, center pop-up, 7 x 8 inches, Number 9 from an edition of 15. $400
Statement
My approach to the book is often sculptural: the form presents my idea. Words, when used, reinforce the visual. My knowledge of different book forms has evolved over the years spent as a book conservator. I see myself as a keeper of craft, using this respect for a beautifully realized book, and combining it with a modern approach, to create a sensual object. In my work I am interested in the textures of different mark making – drawn or printed – the feel of the paper – the sound of the page – as it relates to the entire book.
Biography
Alice Austin is a Philadelphia printmaker and book artist. She is a lecturer at the University of the Arts, teaching book structures, and also works as a book conservator at the Library Company of Philadelphia, a rare book library founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin. She earned a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art and has been an active member of the Guild of Bookworkers for over ten years.
Her work is widely held in private, public and special collections worldwide and you can listen to a podcast about her work from the University of Alabama. Her art work is also featured in “500 Handmade Books†and “Magic Books and Paper Toys.â€
