Book Description

For centuries text printed on paper in the form of a book has been a vehicle for human thought. In our generation a book can be electronic, an installation, something edible, or perhaps anything related to the activity of reading. Book designers and artists are making choices today; paper, design, images, movement, structure, sequencing, type style and size. Most often the major ingredient is words, making it possible to get into each other's places. Although reading is a private activity we are not alone; we are cooperating with the book, bringing it into ourselves. Reading is not only about transplanting ourselves to the beyond, but we modify ourselves to see the world differently. Our vision or purpose for Handmade Path is for you to participate in this collaboration. As we worked on this book many things around the globe have been changing including a pandemic which has forced isolation.The represented artists in Handmade Path provide insight into how they got started, their breakthroughs and breakdowns, why they still make paper and books, and their future dream projects. We also asked them in what way do they understand the five senses of paper/book and what they felt the difference was from reading on a digital device and reading a book? We invited artists to provide images of both their work and of their hands. We asked artists to answer with handwriting because it connects the hand, the mind, and the heart in an intimate way. Multiple languages and the different ways people write on different kinds of paper conveys textural warmth. As the book progressed, we decided to highlight excerpts of the artist's text and include language translations. Some artists sent portraits and biographies, allowing Handmade Path to mature in textures, ideas, and page numbers.The cover is letterpress printed on custom made handmade paper by Amanda Degener using a calligraphy stroke created by Lu Jingren. The calligraphy combines ancient Chinese characters to communicate a hand growing out of the heart. We invite you to bring your own heart towards a beyond that is right here inside this book.