The Book as Art

The book artists showing their work are members of the North Redwoods Book Arts Guild (NORBAG). Founded in 1995, the guild currently has 155 members, 60 percent of whom live outside Humboldt. NORBAG members receive a monthly printed newsletter and the locals meet regularly the second Saturday of each month. The meeting generally includes a book art workshop and a voluntary book exchange, based upon a theme chosen in advance.

NORBAG maintains a rotating display at the Humboldt County Library in Eureka featuring books made by members. The www.NORBAG.net website includes information about the Guild and pointers to past and upcoming events including workshops and book exchanges. Photographs of end products of past workshops and other events are posted on the blog (www.norbag.blogspot.com).

Where does recent talk about the demise of the book leave book arts? A visit to the exhibit will make you realize that electronic versions of artists’ books would not provide the same experience as having them in your hands. An artist’s book is not mere text and/or illustrations that can be moved seamlessly onto another medium, as Peter Thomas puts it, it is “the only artifact worthy of consideration and, as such, the sole focus of attention and the treasure itself.”

He concludes, “As the book looses function, it can once again become an object. When computer hardware improves to the point that we have no second thought about curling up in bed with a screen, I believe this change will be complete. Then the book will be absolutely free from function and enjoyed solely as an aesthetic object: a work of art.”

What: North Redwoods Book Arts Guild Exhibit

Where: Eureka Books, 426 Second St.

When: Opening Sept. 3, 6-9 p.m. during Arts Alive! with the exhibit running through Sept. 30.

1 2 SHARE