Mixed Media Book Art Project Pt. 3 & 4
Overview
In the last entry, I talked about the the 2 books pictured in front. Today I will go over some reflections of the other 2 projects I made to complete the series. I continued incorporating pictures that I found stuffed in a flimsy bag at the bottom of a dusty box in the back of my late grandmothers attic. The group of photos I used appears to be from the 40’s-50’s NY. Probably Mt Vernon, NY. Maybe Harlem.
I enjoyed peering into the smallest details and selecting bits to collage with my inkies and other papers. I played with resin to make glassy magnifying windows adding gold leaf and beads and here and there.
Book/Box Set
Mixed Media book & box set. ©Sheeba Maya 2024.
I took a box making class at Center for Book Arts over the summer and wanted to put what I learned to work within this project. I like the thought of each book having a little home. I thought this would be a beautiful and praticle way to protect the art. But I realize now the box is art too…so something to work out when it comes to display. But I love that there’s more to open up and discover within the piece.
I’m so pleased with how the book fits snuggly inside the case. There’s enough room for the dimensional bits of resin to not hit the lid when its closed, but shallow enough to not feel sunken in too deep or swallowed up by walls and shadows. I made a 3 sided box for easy access to the book when taking it out.
I wanted the box to resemble a book in shape when closed and transform into a presentation of the book inside when opened.
Success.
The book is “finished for now” but may see some collaging or handwriting of some kind in the future. But I do like the idea of more to discover as you open the book. A thought for future projects…
True Vintage
Mixed media book cover detail. True vintage photo, resin, gold leaf, various papers, ink. Book size 2"x3". Detail is approx the isze of a quarter. I think this is my paternal grandfather in his 20's (Mt Vernon, NY 1950-something).
True Vintage is a term used to define something that isnt quite antique (at least 100 years old), but far into vintage status (20+ years old). I would probably date these pictures at around the 1940’s-50’s (75ish years old).
These pictures are in nearly pristene condition and thats frikkin amazing considering how they were stored. No climate control or modern acid free considerations for decades. And they just landed in my lap.
Crazy.
And now these little mili-moments in time are being preserved, reflected on, contemplated, and engaged with. The people in the pictures are looking at me like they were meant to be remembered or like we were meant to meet up this way.
Mixed media box top. Aprrox 4"x5". True vintage photo, resin, gold leaf, various papers, ink.
I dont know who the couple in this picture is or where they are. But they look like they know how to have a good time in pure style. I’m inclined to do some investigating to find out who they were.
