When I was making my book in Judy's workshop, I spent a good deal of time thinking about how I wanted to fill the pages. As my hands were cutting book board, sewing signatures, aging paper, wrapping velvet, and being coated with layers of glue, I was once again amazed by the tools that I was using to create my book. And by tools...I mean hands! And with that thought, in that moment... Handbook was born.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know how much I am fascinated by hands. You can read this to see what I mean!
I am spending a lot of time on this book, with all the pages evolving organically and in their own time. Still working on the cover, which will be revealed when the book is complete. But for now, here is a glimpse (as always, click images to enlarge for detail)...
And here is how the book is shaping up...
And to give you an idea of the inside, here is a completed page...
More to come soon!
46 comments:
Amazing where your book is going. The side view shots are awesome. So different from work we've seen so far. Love that you've shared a whole page- but you do have me on the edge of my seat wanting to see more! You've such rich color in the rusting - especially behind the hand. Is that some stenciling I see hidden inside? Love the concept of your Handbook - especially how it came to be. Maybe you need to contact Lloyds of London - those hands of yours are a gift which should definitely be insured!!
Seth, this book looks scrumptious! I can't wait to see the piece as a whole. Huge kudos!
Seth, this is turning into something so sacred. Wonderful layers, love the rust layers too.
I feel "handbook" is the perfect title.
Whenever I look at anyones artwork, I also like to think about the artists hands that created it in the first place! It's always been a little thing I do.
Of course looking at this book, makes me want to hold it! :)
Wow, what a HANDsome book! It's really turning out beautiful!
Seth, this is very inspiring work. Working with our hands is very fundamental to what humans are. This weekend, I made something with my hands for the first time in over three years. It ws a profoundly affecting experience, triggering all sorts of memories and emotions. I ended up sobbing my heart out!!!
awesome!
PERFECT title...then the little hand...!
this is going to be such a heartfelt project to reflect back over the process and events that led up to it...
useing everything and every expression you can pull from yourself to bring this forth...
like sculpting
Such tasty morsels you share here Seth! I love the organic, loved and well thumbed look your created.
Fascinating to read and see what you have done!
It is so beyond words awesome!!!
Your handbook has all of my attention, Seth. Layers, frayed edges, rust, nooks .... everything I love. These images are so moreish, I know I'll be back to look again.
LOL. I see one of your pages is now demonstrating a hand to mouth existence... ;o)
Seth - I want to be there when you finish it, so that I can touch it, smell it, hold it - it is so very tactile.
Love the witty title. Don't you just love those marbled endpages in old books. You've used them to great effect here.
I am very jealous of your taking a class with Judy. I hope to meet her one day. I know Michael and have become familiar with her work through him. You work is wonderful. I am always seeking out other guys who crafts. We seem to be a minority. Keep posting great stuff. I will keep checking back. I am not paying my own blog much attention these days, but hope to change that soon.
This is the kind of art object that I want to pick up and take to a very quiet place and look at it for hours. I don't want to talk to anybody, I don't want background noise I just want to "listen" to what each page wants to tell me. :)Bea
Seth, this book is just going to be a masterpiece!
to me hands are the creative center of my body! they are the most fabulous tools.
Lots of lovely texture and dimension. I am sure this is going to be a masterpiece.
I love this style - almost a book of assemblage. I'm looking forward to your reveal. What an artist you are!
Gorgeous !!!
A beauty in the making, Seth. Can't wait to see the end piece.
I totally adore the Handbook! Your work is always so lush with colors and textures, very enjoyable to look at!
The combination of media and elements used for your book is lovely Seth. Clever title and very apt, LOL! I did expect this project to be soemthing special and it is not disappointing either. Someday I would love the opportunity to pour over it as it looks fabulously engaging in textures and visuals.
what a masterpiece! i adore the found rusty objects and hardware you've chosen. the side view is such a tease...can't wait to see what it reveals.
You have a hand...in getting the most intimate personal feelings and making them visible for the world of artists and lovers to behold. The possibilities here in this process are infinite much like the grace we discover in the power of loving another human being. These seem to be your sacred prayers and I am so fortunate to be able to witness the beauty in the processes. You give me such Peace when I stop by your awe inspiring blog. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
The handbook....of course! Looking great, Seth!
Wow, that book looks amazing. Love those layers.
I like your obsession with hands-- the results of your obsession are a special treat for us.
This is wonderful, Seth. I love how no matter what you create, you always manage to be yourself. Handbook has your unmistakable hand, that certain something that says "Seth." And I love the title, "Handbook." Beautiful all together!
Judith in NYC
Until the book getting older, it becomes more grow stale. But even those kind of books showed up it is not the basis the entire physical of the book but the important is the concept and the description of the book means.
The book is one of the reason why we get changes and everything. It doesn't matter how the book being pale but the description would be important and very applicable for us. This kind of handbook gives us the meaning which our fate prefered.
stunning work as always, so nice to come by and be inspired a little... and also a little humbled by your drive and beautifully textured work. Thanks for just being you!
I love that you are sharing snippets here and there! Can't wait for the final reveal!
this is really, really amazing, seth. i LOVE hands too, your hands in your book, and "handbook". how wonderful! the completed page makes me want to sneak into your window so i can play with that page. it's gorgeous!
i too must take a judy workshop one day before i die -- that just looks like so much fun!
btw, your photos are always really amazing. what kind of camera do you use?
I like all these layers and embellishments and how they are placed. I can see your keen eye at work along with your artful hands.
Not only did I enjoy looking at your artwork but also reading the comments others have left behind.
Since I love handmade books in the style of yours, i am happy to have discovered your blog.
The photographs you share with us on the book give us a good idea as to its shape and design, since you cover numerous angles.
Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day
Egmont
wow. stunning. can I come over? I will sit really really really quiet- promise. wont even know i am there! I just want to peak and see what is gonna happen next. I will bring cookies!
Wow wow and wow! It is clear that lessons from a master create master work: sculptural and exquisite!
Once again, you put me to shame. I have been working on a Hand themed AB for about six months and nowhere does it look as good as your one page you shared with us. I'm so in awe of your work and now I'm even more intriged. I will look to you for "handy" inspiration.
Wow..Seth I am always so in awe of your creative hands and the magic they create....I always love your work...this is in particular one of my favourites so far...I love the added hand elements.
Supria
Seth, what a beautiful book! Old, rustic and cherished handbook.....just beautiful.
"Handsome" truly describes your beautiful HANDBOOK. To be handled, and handed around and possibly even handed down......
Joy
Al your work is GORGEOUS!!!!!
Your work is so incredibly inspiring to me. You are an amazing artist!
LUV the background to that page! And this is one hefty baby!!
I gotta HAND it to you.
hahAHAAH! get it?
I have really been enjoying your scrumptious pix of your book, so amazing. It looks so inviting, fragile and sacred, would love to hold that book and open it slowly and absorb....
The textures & objects you are using & showing us is just delicious, Seth. Makes my heart skip a beat ~ really!
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