From time to time throughout history, a discussion about the function of art resurfaces. I personally believe that art is above function. It needs nothing to justify its existence. But there is no denying that art can be used in many ways and can have many functions. Making a statement is one of the ways that art can be used functionally.
This is page five in my Swatches journal, a tiny handbound book made from pieces of discarded library books. This page which I worked on top of had been part of a discarded children's encyclopedia. The entry was "plantation". I had already cut out the red dress and the white flower, grabbed some pieces of shreded washi tape, and was painting out the background when the picture emerged of the plantation owner sitting on a bench smoking a pipe while a slave labored over a barrel. I looked for a Lincoln stamp and found one. Then it all came together fairly quickly.
Sometimes when you least expect it, the pages themselves have a story to tell or a statement to make.
The necklace and heart are dimensional resin stickers, and have been included as part of my plan to use at least one sticker per page in this book.
incredible barbara. Love what you have made.
Posted by: Monica Smith | April 12, 2013 at 11:06 AM
I'm loving this tiny journal - such a wonderful idea but I'm amazed by how much you can fit on such a little page. Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Rosie | April 25, 2013 at 02:28 AM