Marylee Bytheriver
My artist's books begin with a concept, not with a manuscript as do trade publications or fine press books. I design each element of the book- materials,structure, content- as integrated and interactive expressions of the overall concept. The structure of the book frees the artistic concept from confinement to a flat paper surface; rather than ending at artificial margins, the aesthetic elements move in three dimensions.
Duration, sequence, and movement are other essential elements of my artist's books. I create them to be appreciated over time, as are compositions of music or dance. During this time intimate physical interaction, through the movement of both of the viewer and the book itself, becomes an essential component of the aesthetic concept of the work.
Venus on the half shell: and other images of divine women, 23,000 BCE to date.
Lunation Press, Oakland, CA, 1994.
Bound with exposed-sewing, split board binding. Blue silk cloth covers. 28 cm.
An edition of 50 copies.