[BKARTS] Art, Craft & Rustic Books

[Andie Thrams <andiethrams@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Regarding the idea of rustic books, art & craft, two words come to mind:

authenticity
wabi-sabi

I like this discussion topic, as sometimes I find that book arts can  
over-emphasize form over content... If art feels authentic, true,  
real, right, etc., then the form is effectively serving the work's  
purpose. Sometimes realized art is created via imperfection of  
execution. Other times, a lack of refinement in execution takes away  
from the work's highest purpose. I can fall as easily in love with a  
perfectly formed book as with an funky raw but genuinely made book.  
(Life parallels art, yes?) It really all depends on the reason for  
the book.

There's a lovely book called "Wabi-Sabi" that addresses the Japanese  
concept of raw earthy authenticity in art and craft, the sublime of  
funk, etc. Anyone else know more about this?

I look forward to hearing more about this pursuit of the rustic.

Andie Thrams


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