About Sanzi
Baltimore City Station North AE District
Sanzi Kermes is the progeny of immigrant grandparents (Bohemia and Italy). At age seven, Sanzi declared that she wanted to be an artist, but her family was less than enthusiastic, encouraging her to choose a path other than “starving artist.” She complied, pursuing a double major in geography and advertising at Syracuse University.
In 1995, Sanzi left her job as a cartographer and began to focus her energy on an art career. Her life took two extraordinary turns: In 2003, she became… more
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Postcards Home
A postbox is placed in public venues with instructions for people to post messages to me via snail mail. This began in 2003 during my own travels. I would make a postcard and mail it back to myself.
I have since asked viewers to mail me a message.
This has had quite limited success here in the US, however, while living in the UK the response was tremendous.
I compile the messages, scan them, and configure them into collapsible books/posters.
I have since asked viewers to mail me a message.
This has had quite limited success here in the US, however, while living in the UK the response was tremendous.
I compile the messages, scan them, and configure them into collapsible books/posters.
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Message from Raindrops
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Message via Toy Soldier
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Message about Bathroom Door
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Message from Krissie's mum
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Message from Sarah
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Installation viewPostbox on pedestal with instructions for sending a message to me
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Installation ViewLeeds Art Fair, UK. The instructions were clear: take a card, write a message, post it back to me. In the UK, this was more successful as people still write and post letters. In this day of social media here in the US, the project has come to a grinding halt. When I attempted to place the postbox in a university setting, the cards were stolen.
ERR:::II (pronounced eye-eye):::Haiku Hair Cigarettes::
ERR::
A series of sculptural objects made using screen printed fabric, fishing line, crystals
II (pronounced eye-eye)::
Screen print and collage on repurposed room divider.
This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side:
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
HAIKU HAIR CIGARETTES:
Rolled cigarettes, with human hair, and screen print Haiku
These are a visual biography of my ancestry. My father was a lifelong smoker of Camel unfiltered cigarettes. My mother's family were hairdressers and own many salons as well as a beauty school. The haiku are those written for my Scrabble books.
A series of sculptural objects made using screen printed fabric, fishing line, crystals
II (pronounced eye-eye)::
Screen print and collage on repurposed room divider.
This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side:
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
HAIKU HAIR CIGARETTES:
Rolled cigarettes, with human hair, and screen print Haiku
These are a visual biography of my ancestry. My father was a lifelong smoker of Camel unfiltered cigarettes. My mother's family were hairdressers and own many salons as well as a beauty school. The haiku are those written for my Scrabble books.
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8 II (pronounced eye eye) yellow.jpgRoom divider repurposed into large scale "book".
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Origami boxscreen print origami box from Scrabble game Installation view at Ferguson Gallery Origami box, made from original screen print based on a Scrabble game, holding hand rolled cigarettes with human hair and screen printed with Haiku
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Hair Cigarettes and ERR LEFT flip bookInstallation view at Ferguson Gallery Origami box, made from original screen print based on a Scrabble game, holding hand rolled cigarettes with human hair and screen printed with Haiku Tin is an old Camel product Small flip book under glass, ERR LEFT
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detailOrigami box, made from original screen print based on a Scrabble game, holding hand rolled cigarettes with human hair and screen printed with Haiku
UI: UI pronouns left. You travel to parts unknown. I wait up for you
Handmade artist book with 98 screen print pages and 30 interleaves of original Haiku, all based on one game played of Scrabble.
I began with a finite set of parameters : 225 squares, 100 letter tiles. How many variations and ways are there to visually represent one Scrabble game? Each book presented is based solely on one game.
During the process of creating the screen prints, I randomly added woodblock letters (in the original positions to the documented resource game) and then from those random letters, rearranged and contextualized the words using Haiku as the narrative form.
I began with a finite set of parameters : 225 squares, 100 letter tiles. How many variations and ways are there to visually represent one Scrabble game? Each book presented is based solely on one game.
During the process of creating the screen prints, I randomly added woodblock letters (in the original positions to the documented resource game) and then from those random letters, rearranged and contextualized the words using Haiku as the narrative form.
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UI page 25More dross is too gross One hundred forty-four studs Only one needed
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UI in boxScrabble book nestled in handmade box.
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Foh. Pg 23Bright sun tans your hide The foh wind flexes the skin Grief pores over him
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Pg 67Odea. Oh dear. Him humming hymn. Homonym. Singing a psalm song
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Pg 23Nod - as if to say Her dress, her snood, shaken off Tripping on drug dose
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Pg 40Words scatter about A rack of vowels and consonants Arranged precisely
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UI pg 17 detailembossing detail showing letterpress haiku
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Detail of open box
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UI binding detailHand-sewn stitching for book, 49 single leaf pages.
GT: GT (Gran Turismo) My brother loved to drive fast Cool wind billowing
Handmade artist book with 98 screen print pages and 30 interleaves of original Haiku, all based on one game played of Scrabble.
I began with a finite set of parameters : 225 squares, 100 letter tiles. How many variations and ways are there to visually represent one Scrabble game? Each book presented is based solely on one game.
During the process of creating the screen prints, I randomly added woodblock letters (in the original positions to the documented resource game) and then from those random letters, rearranged and contextualized the words using Haiku as the narrative form.
This particular game was interpreted at full Scrabble-scale! Deluxe version! The paper is handmade heavy weight paper - its only distributor in the US is Daniel Smith. I spoke to Daniel Smith himself who told me that the paper is brought down from the mountains in India by sherpa. The 100% cotton rag and mottled texture of the paper made it perfect for multiple screen passes. The result is a truly beautiful painterly effect.
Once the prints and interleaves were finished, I found I had a very large book and needed a very large box. Given the Eastern influence of my work (using Haiku and the logographic reference in the prints), I chose a hinged box of Japanese influence.
I began with a finite set of parameters : 225 squares, 100 letter tiles. How many variations and ways are there to visually represent one Scrabble game? Each book presented is based solely on one game.
During the process of creating the screen prints, I randomly added woodblock letters (in the original positions to the documented resource game) and then from those random letters, rearranged and contextualized the words using Haiku as the narrative form.
This particular game was interpreted at full Scrabble-scale! Deluxe version! The paper is handmade heavy weight paper - its only distributor in the US is Daniel Smith. I spoke to Daniel Smith himself who told me that the paper is brought down from the mountains in India by sherpa. The 100% cotton rag and mottled texture of the paper made it perfect for multiple screen passes. The result is a truly beautiful painterly effect.
Once the prints and interleaves were finished, I found I had a very large book and needed a very large box. Given the Eastern influence of my work (using Haiku and the logographic reference in the prints), I chose a hinged box of Japanese influence.
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GT32Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Fiddle with letters I cannot bear your absence An a, q, no u
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GT56Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Seven tiles before me I grope I scratch I scramble Elusive bingo
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GT63Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Strategy fails me I played too close to the triple Annihilated
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GT73Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Chance gives me three Iâ??s, An e, one u, and two tâ??s Do I pass or play?
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GT94Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Tapping and clicking Arrhythmic muffled clatter John Cage and I Ching
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GT119Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper patterns change each time only constant middle grid filled street scapes going nowhere
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GT140Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Grid patterns again. Why does one corner stay empty? Wordless? Without tiles.
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GT144Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Linear structure Contemporary art theory Is there emotion?
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GT151Screen print on 460 gm cotton rag paper Abutted letters Intimately connected Full of stuttering
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GT open boxThis box contains 98 screen prints, as depicted in other details, portraying one Scrabble game. The title of GT derives from the letters left over at the end of play. The title page, GT, contains a haiku ~ a short narrative form chosen as much for its brevity as for its syllabic formula of 5-7-5, for a total of 17 syllables. Succinct and obtuse at the same time, this mimics the words played during a game of Scrabble.
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery/specific costumes
In September of 2016 I developed a visual installation in response to the gallery assigned to me, which was adjacent to Mrs Lyon Smith's dressing room. Mrs Lyon Smith was a Washington socialite who entertained at the mansion from the 1920s-1950s. I obtained costumes from Center Stage Baltimore reflective of these eras and screen printed on the costumes, as well as vintage gloves and sewing patterns.
In the fireplace, I positioned a book made on felted paper and folded into origami tessellation design to evoke a sense of a fire.
On the walls are located sewing patterns of period era clothing upon which I screen printed my Scrabble design.
These ten photos are details of several of the costumes acquired and printed with my Scrabble design.
In the fireplace, I positioned a book made on felted paper and folded into origami tessellation design to evoke a sense of a fire.
On the walls are located sewing patterns of period era clothing upon which I screen printed my Scrabble design.
These ten photos are details of several of the costumes acquired and printed with my Scrabble design.
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WWII brown wool coat front.JPGThis is a costume from Center Stage Theatre in Baltimore MD. It is a replica of a 1940s WWII era wool coat dress. I screen printed my Scrabble design onto the front and back (if you compare them side to side, you will see the subtle shift of color field). The gloves are vintage leather gloves, also printed with my Scrabble design.
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WWII brown wool coat back.JPGReverse of brown wool coat dress from WWII, a costume from Center Stage Theatre Baltimore
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split panel w jacket no jacket front.JPG1940s era split panel skirt dress with vintage blue gloves, printed with my Scrabble design.
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prairie dress w cape back.JPGThis well made heavy linen costume evokes the era of prairie days. The skirt, blouse, jacket are each printed with a combination of Scrabble design and senryu.
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white wool strapless front a.JPGEra related white wool dress printed with my Scrabble design. Part of Glenview Mansion installation Sept 2016. Vintage gloves also screen printed
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multipanel black dress w jewel collar front.JPGMultipanel dress with jewel collar, a real vintage find! Gorgeous vintage dress printed with Scrabble design in soft white and red, interwoven with senryu.
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lounge wear side.JPGAnother remarkable find, this delicate loungewear was acquired from Center Stage Theatre in Baltimore, and under printed with my Scrabble design. The soft layers of chiffon drape elegantly over the printing.
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1920s flapper.JPG1920s flapper dress (authentic) with Scrabble design printed. Vintage gloves.
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cobalt blue front (1).jpgCobalt blue dress and gloves with Scrabble design screen print
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black %22trash%22 dress.JPGBlack taffeta dress and knit gloves
Installation Ferguson Gallery, Loyola University
Installation for exhibition at Ferguson Gallery at Loyola/Notre Dame University Library.
My work focuses on interpreting games of Scrabble that I have played. The structure of a finite set of conditions (a board of 225 squares on a 15x15 grid and 100 letters) and the subsequent permutations that result are compiled and visually interpreted. In this case of NN, I wanted to respond to the exhibition space in a way that would stretch the definition of a book. NN is compiled of 98 pages and each hanging strand is a chapter, if you will. The narrative (haiku, or more correctly, senryu) is strung amongst the illustrations.
Each documented game of Scrabble is interpreted into a different book type. Other projects include traditional book arts.
The opening haiku is written based on the letters left at game's end (NN) as well as including words played during the game. In this instance, FUD is an acceptable Scrabble word and means fear, uncertainty, doubt.
ERR::
A series of sculptural objects made using screen printed fabric, fishing line, crystals
II (pronounced eye-eye)::
Screen print and collage on repurposed room divider.
This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side:
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
HAIKU HAIR CIGARETTES:
Rolled cigarettes, with human hair, and screen print Haiku
These are a visual biography of my ancestry. My father was a lifelong smoker of Camel unfiltered cigarettes. My mother's family were hairdressers and own many salons as well as a beauty school. The haiku are those written for my Scrabble books.
My work focuses on interpreting games of Scrabble that I have played. The structure of a finite set of conditions (a board of 225 squares on a 15x15 grid and 100 letters) and the subsequent permutations that result are compiled and visually interpreted. In this case of NN, I wanted to respond to the exhibition space in a way that would stretch the definition of a book. NN is compiled of 98 pages and each hanging strand is a chapter, if you will. The narrative (haiku, or more correctly, senryu) is strung amongst the illustrations.
Each documented game of Scrabble is interpreted into a different book type. Other projects include traditional book arts.
The opening haiku is written based on the letters left at game's end (NN) as well as including words played during the game. In this instance, FUD is an acceptable Scrabble word and means fear, uncertainty, doubt.
ERR::
A series of sculptural objects made using screen printed fabric, fishing line, crystals
II (pronounced eye-eye)::
Screen print and collage on repurposed room divider.
This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side:
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
HAIKU HAIR CIGARETTES:
Rolled cigarettes, with human hair, and screen print Haiku
These are a visual biography of my ancestry. My father was a lifelong smoker of Camel unfiltered cigarettes. My mother's family were hairdressers and own many salons as well as a beauty school. The haiku are those written for my Scrabble books.
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NNdetail view of installation with artist
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NNdetail, installation at night
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NNAlternate view of installation at night.
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NNa detail of the installation The origami shape is threaded one atop the other via 40lb test fishing line.
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NNA series of hanging origami screen prints interwoven with letterpress haiku - an interpretation of one specific game of Scrabble played. NN denotes the two letters left at end of game's play. Haiku written are based on the words played in this specific game of two players.
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NNA series of hanging origami screen prints interwoven with letterpress haiku - an interpretation of one specific game of Scrabble played. NN denotes the two letters left at end of game's play. Haiku written are based on the words played in this specific game of two players.
II (pronounced eye-eye)
Rather than a single sheet book binding, as all past projects have been (including NN), this is a frontal layout of one game. This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side:
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
I am, she uttered
Head to tail, I stand upright
Cut and run? Or stay?
I am, replied he.
Tail to head, I'm upside down.
Rocky road traveled.
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II (pronounced eye-eye) yellowRather than a single sheet book binding, as all past projects have been (including NN), this is a frontal layout of one game. This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side: I am, she uttered Head to tail, I stand upright Cut and run? Or stay? This side, predominantly yellow, is the female voice in the story. II, the two letters left at the end of this Scrabble game, are the start point of title haiku in developing a very loose story line using the words played during the game.
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II detailOne of the more interesting aspects to collecting the Scrabble games is that I learn new and antiquated language. This is a partial wood block of the word, STOWP. A more common word in Scotland, it is the vessel containing holy water that one encounters upon entering a catholic church.
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II, detail FINS/LOGSThis image shows the right side up in context with the verso wrong side up. The concept of this binding is based on a 16th century binding technique called "tete beche" or head to tail. One side is right reading (head first) and the other side, in order to become right reading, has to be turned and flipped.
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II, detail FINSSeveral layers of screen prints using Shuji Japanese paper. The topmost layer is a different rice paper with a watercolor wash and woodblock printing, outlining the specific game of Scrabble on this "book". This is a departure from my usual format of single sheet bindings.
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II, detail yellowslightly closer view The wood block letters are interspersed to give the reader a general idea of the game.
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II (pronounced eye-eye)Rather than a single sheet book binding, as all past projects have been (including NN), this is a frontal layout of one game. This "binding", if you will, is a tete-beche (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The precedent was set as early as the 16th century for The New Testament and Psalter, as each book was needed during services. In a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis, The Loving Couple: His (and Her) Story, the author used the tete beche binding to give each character a separate voice in the narrative. Because the letters left at games end were "II", I chose to use the tete beche binding (loosely interpreted, to say the least) for this screen. My opening haiku for each side: I am, she uttered Head to tail, I stand upright Cut and run? Or stay? I am, replied he. Tail to head, I'm upside down. Rocky road traveled. trifold room divider measures 65"x54"
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II (pronounced eye-eye) blueVerso side of tete beche binding (from the French, meaning head to tail). One side of the screen is right side up reading and if one walked to the back, the work is upside down. The blue, or male, side of the story of II (pronounced eye-eye): I am, replied he. Tail to head, I'm upside down. Rocky road traveled.
IIITU: Three eyes of beauty. Striking gaze reveals her soul. Five arms caress you.
A book designed and developed via a springboard called The Ideation Project. Six idea cards are drawn and the ensing product was developed as a result of those cards.
Each of my works are developed from a single concept - a visual and linguistic interpretation of a game of Scrabble. I screen print the pattern from the finished game. The title of the book is the letters left at game's end. The narrative is based on the words played during the game. As Scrabble is a game of brevity, I have chosen haiku. Below are examples written for this specific game.
Led Zeppelin sings
My ears hear Zed Leppelin!
Jefferson Starship
Page, Plant, Bonham, Jones
Alcohol binge kills player
Stairway to Heaven
A song for Sara
No time is good for goodbye
Slick rasps a sad dirge
Large tub of butter
Baking a better batter
Bitter buns abound
Apples and pears, dears.
Aloe?! Anyone at home?
Cockney rhyming slang.
Passengers emplane
Pilot announces flight plan
Cacophonous squeg
Turbulence ensues
Plethora of distressed kophs
Tranquil skies ahead
Play it, Sam. Play it.
Of all the gin joints...
Bogart delivers
Each of my works are developed from a single concept - a visual and linguistic interpretation of a game of Scrabble. I screen print the pattern from the finished game. The title of the book is the letters left at game's end. The narrative is based on the words played during the game. As Scrabble is a game of brevity, I have chosen haiku. Below are examples written for this specific game.
Led Zeppelin sings
My ears hear Zed Leppelin!
Jefferson Starship
Page, Plant, Bonham, Jones
Alcohol binge kills player
Stairway to Heaven
A song for Sara
No time is good for goodbye
Slick rasps a sad dirge
Large tub of butter
Baking a better batter
Bitter buns abound
Apples and pears, dears.
Aloe?! Anyone at home?
Cockney rhyming slang.
Passengers emplane
Pilot announces flight plan
Cacophonous squeg
Turbulence ensues
Plethora of distressed kophs
Tranquil skies ahead
Play it, Sam. Play it.
Of all the gin joints...
Bogart delivers
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IIITUOpen chapters. These pages are folded using a Turkish Map Fold style and hinged back to back. The chapters open much like a Slinky and the reverse of each page has wood block printing.
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IIITU , page detailscreen print on paper. Multiple layers.
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IIITU, detail pagescreen print on paper, several layers.
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IIITU, single page sampleScreen print
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IIITU, detail of open chaptersOpen chapters. These pages are folded using a Turkish Map Fold style and hinged back to back. The chapters open much like a Slinky and the reverse of each page has wood block printing.
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IIITU open chapter 1, detailThe entire book and box are color coded. Chapter 1 begins with red and ends with purple, leading to Chapter 2's purple start and blue finish, Chapter 3's blue start and red finish, to lead to a circular reading of the book.
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IIITUopen box, title page and one open chapter Book Title page with subtitle (score of game) IIITU 267-263 "530"
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IIITUThe presentation box falls open, as though a new Scrabble game will begin any time!
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IIITUPresentation box specially designed for this book. IIITU was generated using screen print, wood block print, and typewritten haiku. Box is color coded to match the title page and three chapters housed within.
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IIITUThis was a fun and interesting project. A Colorado gallery put out a call - the gist of it is this: A deck of cards with prompts for creating a project. My cards were: color – single color; structure – single sheet binding; technique – low tech; layout – based on historic example; text – self generated image symbols; paper – multiple colors. Adjectives – layered, poetic, issue-based, descriptive, instructive/decorative. As my work is singularly focused on interpreting a game of Scrabble, the content was a shoe-in. The single sheet binding along with a layout based on historic example gave way to creating an oversized "map" of this game. I used a Turkish map fold for each page, glued back to back - hence the chapter opens like a pinwheel. On the reverse of each page, I used wood block letters. The title of the book - those five letters were left at game's end. The subtitle is the score of the game. Once the chapters were complete, I designed a box that would flap open like a game board. A very challenging process and very satisfying result!