I decided to create a tunnel book for the Book and Print Collective show, which was exhibited at the Transylvania County Public Library in Brevard, North Carolina. I entitled the book Hope Among the Ruins. The focal point of the book is a dragonfly on a coneflower. I am attracted to dragonflies for many reasons; one being that they are a symbol for longevity. Here are some images showing how I approached this piece.
Transferring the drawing to a linoleum block. Photographs I took of my gardens were the sources for the drawings.
I also carved a block using an image of iris leaves. I wanted multiple layers to use for the book pages.
Proof of the dragonfly and coneflower block.
I printed the blocks on pressure prints of iris leaves.
Once I had the blocks printed; I began constructing the book. It is always exciting to cut and layer the pages for a tunnel book!
I used a case binding covered in Iris book cloth for the book's exterior. I carved a square recessed area on the front, which I adorned with portion of the dragonfly print.
Opened completed book.
Carving the block.
This is a proof of a third block of a skyline. I used this to represent the concept of 'ruins'.
Ptinting on the Vandercook - what a beautiful teal!
Cityscape block printed on the iris leaves.
Pages are cut, layered, and assembled.
Closed completed book.
Standing and opened book. All of the components came together in a satisfying way. I will explore other ideas focused on the idea of hope found in the natural world!