Book Artist, Ellen Knudson
Subject / Verb / Object is a word game that grew from a need to process feelings of anger. The game has no beginning, no end, and no way to win. The turning, fitting, and order of words can lead to clarity or confusion. The reader plays with language and considers some of the options about what we all want, need, and have.
The concept behind the book stems from the frustration and anger I feel towards art criticism and other academic writing. Academic language seems intended to control its audience, exclude "outsiders", and is not meant to clarify the subject for a reader. It takes the beauty and passion out of language and, in turn, out of people. Subject/Verb/Object pokes at this idea by doing something similar: it uses simplistic language and structure to force the reader to attempt a visual organization of the things we cannot put in order: our desires.
The entire book was letterpress printed on a Vandercook Universal I from a combination of handset metal types and photopolymer plates. Handset body text is Stymie Medium and Bold 12 pt. Larger type is a combination of various display metal types. Volvelle, interior sleeve, and belly band are all printed on Murillo paper. The exterior sleeve is covered in Iris book cloth in Coffee. Metal brad binds the volvelle. Metal grommets on other portions of the the sleeve.
Closed sleeve: 13”W x 13”H x 0.25”thick
Volvelle: 12” diameter
Edition of 85 books.
$250.00
2012