Final Entry

I have decided to post my final journal entry on the day that our assessment task is due. I wanted to do this to signify that it really is the final entry that I can do for this class. It makes me quite sad it a way, but I feel like I have really taken a lot away from this class over the semester. A lot of my previous conventions have been challenged in this class and I feel like I can walk away saying that I learnt a lot.

I still find the topic of “What is a Book” and “What is art” quite confusing because of how broad the definition is but I feel like I can adequately answer these two questions now and debate them thoroughly should the question arise in a conversation. A book can be a book, if it has the form and/or function of a book. Art can be defined by the qualities of what art actually is. Does it also have the form and function of Art? Does it inspire, inform, evoke emotion? Is there a story behind it??

I feel like I want to learn more about what a book is and what art is as well. I think these two aspects in particular at the two that I want to address most outside of this class. Also I want to look more into the debate on whether or not the Comic can be considered as art or is it just the horribly good hybrid of the book and sequential art??

I think the thing that I am going to miss the most in the class is the bookmaking interludes. I felt like these help me learn quite a bit about the processes that were undertaken in order to produce each book type. It has made me want to explore the ideas of bookmaking in even more depth and I found that bookmaking actually had an impact on one of my Graphic Design assessments. I actually made a book/catalogue and used my own self made type of binding to put it all together. But I feel like the bookmaking interludes gave me a far greater grasp on the practical side of the book.

So, this is the end. All the best!

Ciao.

Week 12 Books in the Digital Era

This week I started on the last topic, Books in the Digital Era. I feel going into this topic that I am a little sad that this semester is coming to a close. But I also feel like this last topic is going to be quite easy and fun considering that everyone in the class has an adept knowledge of computers and the internet, and has had experience with the Digital book.

Before I get too in depth with this topic I will first define what ‘Hypertext’ is:

Hypertext refers to a method of storing data through a computer program that allows a user to create and link fields of information at will and to retrieve the data nonsequentially.

Some of the issues that were addressed in this topic were quite fascinating. I look at the questions about the digital Artsits’ books and they really intrigue me. One in particular “should such works be regarded as art?” (in regards to digital artists’ books). I believe that if it has the form and/or the function of a book it should be considered a book. So, in fact the digital artists’ books can, and more often than not, are considered to be books even though they only exist as binary code in their simplest form.

There was an interesting question that we were asked to address for this topic in regards to the existence of the digital book. The question was “Will the physical book continue to exist into the future?” The answer that I gave for this question is as follows:

Even though the digital book is a growing epidemic, and that technology is far exceeding tradition there will still be people that will choose to both create and still read the traditional book. So yes they will still exist. However, they may become obsolete. To put it into an analogy. The physical book will become like the very first computer. It still exists however there are only few that still use it. We can not safely assume that the physical book would become extinct due to the vast history and impact that it has had. I think that the physical book has had too much of an impact on our lives in general to be taken over by the digital world.

This topic, although short was fun. Although I didn’t really gain much from it because I already know quite a bit of information about the digital era and digital books.

Week 11 Artist's Books

Still having a read over the second reading. I find myself not having enough time to even look at the study questions at the moment which is just appalling. I will definitely have to get into it when I get back to Wagga Wagga that’s for sure. For the time being I am content with reading what I have got. I think that I am taking up more knowledge by sitting down and reading through everything first before I look at the questions. Most would say it’s just procrastination but I just don’t agree at all!!
I have had a further look at some artist’s books that other classmates have posted up on the forum. I would have to say that my favorite is Georgia Russell because of her whacky stuff. I think her Lolita (2009) is my favorite out of her work. You can see an image of the work below.
I also had a look at some of Vladimir Kush’s work. I particular loved the book below. Utterly amazing what some people will do!!!

Week 10 Distractions

During this week I was unable to get much done at all due to rushing around like crazy after my family issues. Newcastle has been good but it has been a major distraction from my work. I had a skim over the study guide questions this week and I had a look at some different artists’ books. Also I defined what an artists’ book is. My definition was as follows:

The Artists’ Book is a book, whether digital or traditional that is a representation of an artistic view point through the use of imagery and/or text. It is a visual interpretation by an artist of what a book is actually supposed to be.

I also had a read over the two reading for this week. I found Drucker’s “The Century of Artists’ Books” to be quite riveting. I was immediately caught up in the reading from the first paragraph.

“It’s easy enough to state that an artist’s book is a book created as an original work of art, rather than a reproduction of pre-existing work. And also, that it is a book which integrates the formal means of its realization and production with its thematic or aesthetic issues. However this definition raises more questions than it answers.”

Drucker also addresses the idea of what a book actually is in this reading. I would like to quote it, because it reminds me of the first class that we had when we discussed “What is a book?” The subjects that were addressed by Drucker are very similar to the ones that we all brought up in class.

“Is a book restricted to codex form? Does it include scrolls? Tablets? Deck of cards? A block of wood with one end painted with a title, like a conventional spine? A walk-in space of oversized panels hinged together? A metaphysical concept, disembodied, but invoked in performance or ritual?”

I think that the Artist’s Book is more of a challenge to what a book actually is. It is the job of the artist, not only to just create a pretty picture, but to also challenge current ethical views, and also to challenge the traditional. So, yes an artist’s book represents the views and imagery that the Artist was trying to convey, but it is also a challenge on the very meaning of what a book actually is. I like this idea. I believe than anything traditional can be challenged. There is always something, not necessarily better, but different.

Week 9 Going Away For Two Weeks!!!

Well, I am going to be away for two week because my Uncle has had his leg amputated and I am needed in Newcastle in order to help out with some private family business. I will however be taking the work with me so that I can keep up to date. Will not be surprised if I fall behind though because I am going to be flat out, so I have tried to do a lot this week to make up for it. I have had a look at Topic 6 Artists’ books in depth however I find myself being quite a bit distracted at the moment because of how much stuff is going on at the moment. I had a look at the first few study activities and answered all of the questions. I looked in depth at the difference between livres d’artiste, fine printing and independent publishing. But first I want to talk about the artists’ book.
What is considered an artist’s book? I had a look at several of the definitions on the Art and Books website and I came to the conclusion that an artist’s book, in it’s most basic definition is a book that has been illustrated in some way by an artist to convey a certain aspect, idea, mood or concept. An artist’s book can be, but most often is not mass produced.
Traditionally, illustrators working for the printing trade developed black and white illustrations on paper and the design was translated by a master craftsman into a wood or metal engraving for reproduction. In contrast the illustrations on livres d’artiste are produced using original graphic processes, such as lithography, woodcut, linocut or etching, with the artist either working directly on the printing matrix or working in close collaboration with a master printer. The end result being a limited edition book that contained original illustrations and was intended for sale as a collectable object on the art market. \
I wanted to include these in my learning journal because I feel that I got a lot more of an understanding about what an Artists’ Book was through look at different ideas of what an Artists’ Book could and could not be.

An exhibit in an exhibition comprising a book that is bound up so it can not be opened?
I believe that this example can be considered to be an artist’s book because it represents all of the aspects of an artist’s book. It convey a certain concept, and fundamentally it is a book, and has book-like qualities. I’ll take this opportunity to refer back to topic 1 when we discussed what a book actually was and the idea of bookness was brought up. The exhibit represents the form of a book, and the function fundamentally however it just can not be opened.

Australian artist Imants Tillers creates composite works made up of individual panels. Many of these works contain images and text. When not exhibited on the wall these works are stacked on top of one another in sequential order.
I think that even though it is a sequential artwork, it is not to be classified as an artist’s book. One the panels are completely individual and two, just because the works, when not being exhibited, are stacked in sequential order does not mean that they can be considered a book. A stack of pages is not considered a book until it is bound. Again the form and function of a book need to be considered here. It does have the function of a book, with it’s imagery and text, however it does not employ the form of a book, with binding.

A portfolio of prints on the same topic presented in a box.
It could be argued that this can be an artist’s book because it has both the function and the form of a book. It has pages, which house the prints for a portfolio. Also it is represented in a box which can be considered a form of binding.

Well I better finish off for now. Need to start packing and get out of Wagga Wagga on the next train. Should be a wonderful train ride. I am enjoying this topic so far. It is something I have never really looked into before so I am getting quite a bit out of it. I was having a little trouble grasping what an Artists’ book was so I think that I am going to have more of a look into Artists’ Books before I post next.

Week 8 Key Examples

I had a look at the key examples for the Comics and Graphic Novels topic this week. The key examples for this topic were Art Speigelman’s Maus and Winsor mcCays ‘Little Nemo in Slumberland’ strips. Looking at these two very different but very similar comic styles many things were drawn to my attention that I really didn’t consider until now. One of the things we were asked to consider was that both of these examples were drawing by a single person. What sort of impact does this have on the finished form?

I believe that the fact that only a single person worked on both of the key examples means that there would have been a hint of personal emotions and ideals written into both the strip and the novel. Although this statement is quite apparent in Art speigelman’s Maus due to the fact that it is a biography about his father, there has to be some personal attachment in order to convey the right message across to the audience.

I didn’t enjoy this topic as much as I thought I would because I have done similar topics before in other classes and covered quite a lot of this stuff before. However I have to admit that Maus was definitely my favorite part of this topic. I feel like I have grasped on some new aspects of the comic and graphic novels. I would like to learn a little more about Winsor McCay and I would like to read the other two leading graphic novels.

Week 7 The Production of Comic Books

I had a look at the production of comic books during this week as well as had a look at Reading 8 and did a little bit of research on the Graphic Novel.

The method of production and reproduction was my main focus for this week. I had a look at the study activity questions and answered them to the best of my ability. I have a very strong opinion about the comic book and I believe that a more, how should I word this, a more desirable product is produced when there is a team of artists working on it. Although working individually is quite good for smaller comic projects, and more personal projects, the higher end comics need a large group to work fluidly in order to produce the desired product by the deadline. However there are some distinct disadvantages to working in a team environment. More often than not there is a ‘clash of the titans’ of sorts. There will always be a person, or minority of the team that disagrees with the proposal. This doesn’t occur when working individually. However, this can also be considered a disadvantage of working individually. There is nobody else to bounce ideas/concepts off in order to produce the most desirable effect.

I also had a look at a variety of different comics, ranging from personal and low key comics, such as Cyanide and Happiness, to older style comics such as X-Men and Wonder Woman. I also had a look at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics so I could compare and contrast the techniques of production and how these can effect the visual appearance of the comic. Looking at the comic page below from Wonder Woman it is clear that is it a far later comic than that of the X-Men, because of the ‘poor’ quality of the imagery and the lack of clean cut lines. This, I believe, is largely related to printing and drawing styles.

Moving on the Graphic Novel now. A graphic novel is a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of novels. The three graphic novel titles that are considered to be important in the development of the graphic novel were Batman- The Dark Knight Returns, written by Frank Miller, Watchmen(1987) by Alan Moore and David Gibbons, and Maus by Art Spiegelman. The most memorable out of these three for me was Maus, which is used as a reference in my essay for this subject. It is a very touching and disturbing tale, the biography of the author’s father.

Although I enjoyed having a look at all of the different comic books and graphic novels I didn’t really feel like I could much out of this study activity. However, I did enjoy studying Maus and I enjoyed the brief study so much that I actually went out and hired the novel out to have a read of it. I was captured by it immediately and couldn’t put it down until I had finished it.

Week 6 Comics and Graphic Novels Topic

This week I started having a look at the optional topic, the Comic Book, which I am thrilled was an option because I adore comic books so I feel like this topic is just going to be an utter enjoyment for me. First of all I need to define what a comic actually is.

By definition, a comic is a sequential novel that employs the use of extravagant imagery and speech bubbles to convey a story. At least, this is what I believed until I had a look at Reading 7 and Sabin’s definition of what a comic was. I realized that I had not put enough thought into my definition of a comic, so I decided to change it a bit and I came up with this instead.
A comic is a sequential novel that tells a story through the use of imagery and, but not in all cases, text. It can be a single image or multiple images. It is a publication in its own book form or it can be displayed in newspapers, magazines, etc.

Which I am happier with by far, after this I had a look at the history of the comic and was quite intrigued by the “Golden Age of Comics”. The Golden Age of Comics refers to a period in comic book history, from the late 1930s until the late 1940s, where the modern comic book was first published. During this time there was a surge of popularity of the comic. Also the archetype of the superhero was created and defined. Many of the most famous super heroes were created during this period, including Superman and Wonder Woman.

I also had a look at the founding father of the comic, Winsor McCay. Winsor McCay’s “Little Nemo” comic strip, with its world of magic, fantasy and dreams, as well as the inventive use of frames and page layout played a major role in the development of the comic.

I think that this is enough for this week. I may have a look at the bookmaking interlude, the Stick and Elastic Band Book later on this week and I will post up some photos of what I come up with, hooray!! Time for coffee and a snooze I think. Not really, I still have far too much work to do. However I have found this topic to be both fun and very informative so far. I am grasping the topic well.

Week 5 Tutorial

I had a little bit to catch up in during this class so I spent my time, while everyone else was playing around with Sewing on tape, looking at the Gutenberg bible and comparing and noting the contrasts between the two separate copies. I noted that in the paper copy it seemed to be targeted more towards a noble and wealthy group of people due to the greater and more colorful use of imagery throughout the book. The velum copy seems to be suited more to public use, or for more dedicated religious followers because of its lack on intricate designs and color.

I also noted that the two books were almost identical, however there were different color ranges and some of the imagery was more elaborate in the paper version. I noted as well that the paper version had much clearer lettering. However this can be attributed to the fact that paper absorbed ink much more efficiently than the velum could.

It was brought to my attention that the use of imagery in relation to the text was in order to help lead the reader’s eye onto another chapter or paragraph. Sometimes the text was set out in a way that the next paragraphed needed to be marked so there was no confusion. I also believe that the images help create the mood for what the manuscript entails.

While in class I had a look at the Kelmscott Chaucer as well and noted some differences in this illuminated manuscript in comparison to those from the illuminated manuscript era. The Kelmscott Chaucer can be considered as William Morris’ tribute to the 15^th century illuminated manuscript. However when compared to the Book of Kells, as seen below, the Kelmscott Chaucer is vastly differently.

For instance, the lack of color is a major difference, as well as how elaborate the designs are in the Kelmscott Chaucer, it almost seems overdone, or overbeautified if you prefer. Also, the imagery itself in the Kelmscott Chaucer is rather extravagant and in great detail, where in the Book of Kells the imagery is far more beast-like and primitive.

I did find it interesting looking at the Kelmscott Press, and the Chaucer. It’s inspiring to know that someone could have such a love for the illuminated manuscript as to want to recreate one of their own.

Week 4 Study Questions

I was not present in the class this week due to illness. Seems like I am always getting ill these days, but that is not relevant. I have been looking over some of the study activities for this week and the thing that looks most interesting to me this week is the bookmaking interlude. Very intrigued by the prospect of the pamphlet stitch. However I think this was looked at in class this week. Damn being sick!!But anyways moving on. I had a look at what a block book is, and the advantages and disadvantages of the block book.

A block book is a book where each double page opening was printed from a single block of wood. The advantages to this process were the fact that it was possible to integrate text in a way that was not available in other forms of printing. Also once a series of blocks were created books could be printed to order until such times as the blocks deteriorated. However there were some disadvantages to Block printing. The process of cutting the blocks was time consuming and therefore expensive, with a separate block being required for every page. It was also difficult to cut even and well aligned text.

I was quite interested by the prospect of the Block Book having some impact on the introduction of the comic book. However when I actually compared the two I came to the conclusion that even though there may be people that think that the Block Book was the precedent for the comic book, only the layout is similar between the two mediums. Maybe the idea of the layout did come from the Block Book, however the idea of the sequential narrative can be related to other artistic objects from later in history.

Skimmed over some of the other study guides as well, and I had a look at Printing with Movable type. Some of the elements that were needed for print technology to be adopted were that there needed to be type, a press and a large assortment of other elements. I found it interesting looking over the steps that are undertaken to create a printed book. I didn’t realize until now how much effort really had to be put into creating a printed book. There was the composition, imposition, and the binding just to name a few. Amazing to think how little effort there is in bookmaking now, save for the artists books and whatnot. Truly interesting.

Week 3 Study Guide Questions

Today I finished up on the rest of the study guide questions. I had a look at the study activity that talked about the Types and Styles of illuminated manuscripts. I discovered that more often that not, the church was responsible for the production of a great deal of manuscripts. In other words, the main production of manuscripts was for Bibles. Many famous manuscripts were made for the use of public church services.

Also I discovered while I was looking at some of the examples on the Art and Books website, that the purpose of the book had a large impact on the production and final form of the manuscript. Books that were intended for public church services were elaborately designed, however the message and images were quite dark. In comparison to a book that was made for decorative purposes only, the pages were far more delicate and the decorative aspects of the book were in more detail. Also there was a lot more elaborate imagery in the decorative books.

Week 3 Tutorial

In the tutorial today we had a look at Coptic binding!! I was so excited by the prospect of creating my own book because it something that I have never done before. I found the whole process to be quite easy and enjoyable at the same time. I would have much preferred if my book had been a little neater but what can you do??? The Coptic binding exercise made me interested in having a look at several different binding styles, and although I know it is not reliable I had a look at Wikipedia and some of the different binding types that was talked about on there. The site I went to was Bookbinding.

Also while waiting for tools to be passed around during the bookmaking interlude Susan asked the class to have a look over one of the study activities for Topic 2. It was the book comparison between Les Tres Riches Hures Du Duc De Berry and the Book of Kells, which I had already had a look at last week in class with Catherine. I came to some interesting conclusions when I was comparing these two books. When looking at the Duc de Berry and the Book of Kells there are many distinct differences. The Book of Kells, was really only intended for public display and Duc de Berry was meant to be displayed. This is most notable through the use of different coloring styles. Duc de Berry is far more extravagant in regards to color. There is a strong use of blues and golds, and the color is far more vibrant. Also the era that the two books came from is far different. The printing process had improved dramatically in the era of Duc de Berry.

When look at the styles between the two books The Book of Kells was written in the insular style, meaning narrow-minded or provincial, and the images were of Celtic design. Duc de Berry, on the other hand took a more naturalistic approach and the imagery was more closely related to the human form.

During this class there wasn’t anything that I really struggled with grasping which was wonderful. I always love it when things proceed smoothly. I found some interest in Duc de Berry and the painting style that was used in it. The imagery was quite intriguing and I would like to have a look at similar books.

Week 2 Study Guide Questions

Today I spent a few hours reading through some of the essays on the Art and Books website. I also had a look at the essential reading which I did find boring but informing. It took me several attempts to be able to finish the large chunk of reading but I found that I picked up quite a lot of information about illuminated manuscripts and the process that was behind the making of them. The essential reading Medieval and Renaissance Book Production - Manuscript Books brought to my attention even more the fact that the creation of illuminated manuscripts was a long and time consuming process that took not only knowledge of art and writing but also required the production of vellum (animal skin), or parchment so that the scribes had some medium to write on. Also the production of manuscripts also required that new inks were made and certain pigments, such as blue, had to be imported before the actual writing and painting process could take place.

Week 2 Illuminated Manuscripts

Due to some personal issues I had to skip my regular class and I attending the Wednesday Tutorial instead. I loved the sized and the atmosphere of the smaller class, however that’s not what I’m supposed to be talking about. Anyways, in this tutorial we started our discussion on Illuminated Manuscripts and we had a look at several replicas of some illuminated manuscripts. My fellow class mate Catherine and I had a look at the Book of Kells which I found to be quite dark and almost primitive in design. I felt as though this manuscript was designed more to frighten its readers rather than to inform them.

We then sat down as a group and discussed the similarities and differences between the Book of Kells and another manuscript known as Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. I found this book to be far more charming than the Book of Kells but I think this can be largely attributed to the use of color and the much lighter feeling imagery. However these two books do differ greatly because of the time frame as well as their purposes.

Also in class Susan spoke about Coptic binding which was the binding process that they used in the illuminated manuscripts and also suggested that we could have a go at making our own Coptic bound books which I found to be a very good and interesting idea. The concept of creating our own books is a much more interesting learning experience for me and I find that I take more in if the topic is far more hands on.

I am really looking forward to next week’s class because I want to play with Coptic binding. I found everything in the class quite easy to grasp and it was well explained. However I think the reason that it was so easy to take in was because we were able to discuss in detail with the rest of our class group. It was also handy having members in the class that had taken the class the year before.

I want to learn more about the Book of Kells and the meaning behind it and I also want to find about the time period it was introduced in.

Week 1 Study Guide Questions

Today I worked through all of the outside class work. I found it to be a little draining but none the less rewarding. I found the note taking to be a little bit drab but got through it making a thorough effort even though it’s not my cup of tea. I learnt about new ways to define a book through the readings that were posted up on the Art and Books Website, and I found these to be both very informing and quite interesting especially the article written by Phillip Smith.

Due to these articles I was able to change my own definition in order to suit all types of books. Also when reading the article by Phillip Smith I came across a new word that I found to be extremely interesting, ‘Bookness’. I find this word to be quite good for categorizing what a book actually is because it is a rather universal word that describes the aspects that make up a book rather than the contents that make up a book in order to define it.

When reading Edward Hutchin’s article I came across a quote that I really liked as well, and that I thought summed up the topic of “What is a book?” quite well. “Some people say that a scroll is a scroll and a book is a codex. I think it is more accurate to say that a scroll is a scroll, a codex is a codex and they both have a lot of bookness to them”

My new definition is as follows and I feel very satisfied by what I have come up with. “A book is an object that has the form and/or function of a book. For example a group of leaves with writing on them bound together by a piece of strong to form a connection. This has the form AND the function of a book. It has qualities of bookness.”

I feel like a accomplished something today and I am extremely glad that I followed up and did more research of the idea of what a book actually is.

Week 1 Introduction to Books

I really enjoyed the first class for this subject. Not only does it seem like an enjoyable class, I think that I will feel challenged by it. Can’t wait to see what next week has in store for us. This week we went over the general areas that needed to be covered in the introductory class, but also we had a look at a very interesting, yet simple question “What is a Book?” We were asked to define it in class and I didn’t struggle with this at all.

“A Book is a compilation of words and/or images that are used to educate or entertain. Usually a book is, but not necessarily constrained to a series of paper pages bound together to form some sort of sequences of events or imagery”

The debate that we had on the definition of a book was quite invigorating and it was interesting to learn about everyone else’s opinions on the topic. I also discovered that my definition did not cover the entirety of what a book actually is. I learnt that almost anything can be a book if it has the form and/or function of a book, it was very interesting to learn.