Freehand

http://www.sharphandmadebooks.com/

A single-instance (one of a kind) artist's book in flag book structure. Combines an original poem with a repeated image of a mandala-like pattern cut into the shape of a human hand. The hand image appears on the recto of both the upper and lower sections of each three-part "leaf" while text appears on the verso of the middle section. Has double closures of Irish linen thread and metal brads, with glass bead accents on the threads--one closure over fore-edge and the other over spine, to keep the book folded when not being displayed.

"Canson Mi-Teintes, printed Momi, leaf-inclusion printed Strathmore, and office papers. Archival inkjet printing of original poem and of scanned original pen-and-ink drawing. Bound in paper-covered binders' board with paper title label on front board"--Vamp & Tramp Booksellers website, viewed Feb. 14, 2014.

"Through drawings, a poem, and the overall form, Freehand celebrates our ways of opening to rhythmic sounds in nature, in ourselves, and in interactions. Each day becomes an invitation to pause, breathe deeply, listen, share. Leading from one to another, the mandala-like opened hands--repetitions of an original pen-and-ink drawing--represent the ways in which life energy is gathered inward and radiated outward, sparking synergies that draw us together and expand awareness. Because of the flag-book form, the poem's lines and the hand images have linked movements that are both patterned and fluid"--Artist's statement from Vamp & Tramp Booksellers website, viewed Feb. 14, 2014.