THE IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
An artist's book based on the idea of illusion and impossibility.
THE IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
I have created my own artist's book as part of a 'Bookworks' Project.
This is a white infinity mirror box containing three small mirrored books. Length 270mm. Width 220mm. Depth 65mm. A handmade box with an infinity light mirror in the lid. Inside, there are three mirrored books containing different illusions and unconventional book binding techniques at a size of 76.2mm x 76.2mm. The pages are made from 140gsm white paper.
Binding techniques: Concertina, Flexagon and Jacob’s Ladder techniques
Book 1 and 2 have been printed using laser printer onto 140gsm paper and acetate. The third book has been hand drawn using black and red ink pen. The mirrored covers and box are handmade.
This interactive artist book aims to create an unusual experience for the reader by showing ‘impossible things’. Nothing is what it seems, creating a sense of mystery and wonder, and allowing the reader to explore and discover new illusions. The use of mirrors reflects the idea of an unusual world and tests the perception of reality.
This bookwork is inspired by Through the Looking-glass by Lewis Carroll which explores themes around ‘the impossible’ in a strange mirrored world.
THE BOX
I handcrafted my own box. It contains an infinity mirror in the lid which I also made myself. This is the first illusion contained in the box, and looks really effective. When the lights are turned off, it looks like a normal mirrored box. Then, when the lights are turned on, it transforms into an 'endless tunnel' that extends past the bottom of the box, creating a strange illusion.
INSIDE THE BOX
Inside, I have created a custom-made insert to safely present each book. Each hole is cut to the size of a specific book, and contains a ribbon to easily take a book out. On the top left hand corner, there is a switch which will turn on the infinity mirror. Each book has identical mirrored covers, which creates a sense fo mystery when you open the box. It also reflects the box illustration which creates an interesting parallel to Through The Looking-Glass.
BOOK 1- FLEXAGONS
The first book of the collection is a set of flexagons. The two books come in a handmade mirrored case which opens up to reveal the items. The books open up in unusual ways to magically reveal another 'face'. Each page has a optical illusion which further creates the sense of illusion. In total, there are 8 different pages within the two books.
BOOK 2- ALIVE PICTURES
The second book is a concertina that contains seven images that come alive when the acetate is moved over the top. I created a range of animations that show different effects such as a running hare and abstract patterns. The book has mirrored covers and a pocket to safely store the acetate in.
BOOK 3- JACOB'S LADDER
The third and final book is a Jacob's ladder. The book at first glance looks like a plain, black and white book with images of impossible shapes and patterns. Then, when the book is flipped like a Jacob's ladder, the plain pages disappear and brightly coloured pages appear in its place. The old pages appear to have disappeared completely and they have now turned into colour. On the other side, text appears to reveal a quote. The covers are mirrored again, to reflect Through the Looking-Glass and the idea of an impossible parallel world.
