Personal Histories Artist Book Exhibition


Bringing together artists from around the globe to share their own stories in artist book form. Sharing similarities, diversities and individual perspectives. Highlighting the dynamic world of artist books.

REDLAND MUSEUM: 12 October - 30 November 2014
REDLAND ART GALLERY: 29 March - 10 May 2015
UNSW CANBERRA: 28 September - 11 December 2015

For more information please contact the Coördinator, Robyn Foster (email: fostered@tpg.com.au.)


Wednesday 26 March 2014

Sending Items via Postal Service/Courier


As it is each artist's responsibility to forward their own works for this exhibition, in order for them to arrive safely and make the process as trouble free as possible for everyone,  I would like to remind artists submitting works to be mindful of the materials chosen for the construction of your works.  

I reiterate my post from 5 October 2013 "A Word to the Wise":

When thinking about the structure and materials for your book, please bear in mind possible strictures with postal carriers or custom importation bodies for materials such as plant/organic materials, bones, metals, dubious imagery etc.

Here is a link to the Australian Customs webpage for guidance if you have any doubts.


This is shaping up to be a terrific exhibition and I look forward to each and every book and photograph, from every corner of the globe, arriving safe and sound.

Happy Bookmaking.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Feature Artist - SUSAN REYNOLDS



is an artist book maker based in the foothills of the Black Range Mountains on the edge of the Gila National Forest in southern New Mexico.

Susan is a wife, mother of 4 grown children, Granny to 2 beautiful girls (aged 3 and 1), an artist, an author and an adventurer.




Known to get the "itch" for a good solo walk, she has sometimes gone 200-300 miles down a trail or in back country.  Some consider her most exotic walk to have been a 200 mile trek in the Arctic Circle of Lapland, Sweden.  
Definitely her most difficult walk was through back country desert in the Jornada del Muerto, which is an infamously historic expanse in southern New Mexico.  Whilst her foray alone in the Arctic was on an established trail, 
in the Jornada her husband drove the support vehicle as there is no water to be found in that particular desert.



Susan's artist books and boxes tend to include elements from nature, she says:

"I can't help it.  Having spent so much time walking in remote locations I've developed a deep love for trees, mountains, rivers, deserts, critters large and small.  Colour is important to me.  It surrounds us in the natural world - whether it be vivid or muted - it's always there.

I celebrated turning 50 by participating in and completing a full marathon.  It's what led me to my desire to take long walks.  It's a decade later and I spent some time pondering what to do to celebrate turning 60. 
A lengthy walk isn't possible for 2014, so I decided (with my husband's encouragement and agreement) to look into international artist residencies.  Things went well and I will be spending June and July 2014 in Iceland!  

There will be plenty of time for me to explore my surroundings as well as work independently in a studio.  My time in Iceland will also include creating troll treasure boxes with a group of local children."

Seems a great way for Susan to celebrate the beginning of her next decade and will be a wonderful experience to provide a bounty of material for future books and boxes.


ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST SUSAN REYNOLDS

In the meantime, Susan's workspace is host to copies of The Wind in the Willows and The Complete Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh.  These long-time friends are sources of current inspiration.  

Susan says there's no telling where they'll end up together but the getting there is a lot of fun.  The first of The Wind in the Willows pieces to emerge, "Terror of the Wild Wood", can be found on Susan's Flickr page.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Feature Artist - JACK OUDYN




 is a visual artist and arts educator based in Ormiston (near Brisbane) in South East Queensland, Australia.




"Paper Scissors Uluru" Artist collaboration with Helen Malone

Jack has exhibited widely over the past 30 years.  His work is represented in many public and private collections in Australia and internationally.  With degrees in Fine Art and Education Jack has spent most of his adult life as an artist and teacher.




Jack documents his memories, experiences and thoughts in copious visual diaries, artist books and zines to encapsulate his unique imagery and viewpoints.

His current arts practice focuses on artist books, altered books, mixed media works on paper, art workshops, teaching and artist book collaborations.


All images copyright of the artist Jack Oudyn

To see more of Jack's work visit his blog and website.