Artists’ Books: Primary Sources to Foster Creativity and Imagination

Books have always played a role in shaping society. From the moment Gutenberg’s Bible was set to print, books have served to educate, inform, democratize and redefine. The enduring legacy of the book as a powerful vehicle for social transformation is just as significant today as it was over five hundred years ago. Artists’ books can serve as powerful catalysts for addressing social issues such as race, diversity, inclusion, sustainability and much more. They can challenge us to rethink and reframe our historical and current narratives and offer new perspectives.

Whether the focus is the content, images or format, artists’ books are vehicles for artistic and personal expression. Contemporary book artists take their inspiration from what has come before while utilizing new techniques and technology to create unique works of art that can be used in a variety of classes. Artists’ books can be used in the classroom to address not only artistic techniques and creative thinking, but to foster discussions on social justice issues. They are primary sources that give voice to unique points of view. The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives defines an artists’ book as “a medium of artistic expression that uses the form or function of “book” as inspiration. It is the artistic initiative seen in the illustration, choice of materials, creation process, layout and design that makes it an art object. What truly makes an artist’s book is the artist’s intent, and artists have used the book as inspiration in a myriad of ways and techniques, from traditional to the experimental.”

Evidence of art in books can be seen in the illuminated manuscripts of the medieval era, the illustrated work of 18th century artist William Blake, and in the work of 19th century printers linked to the Arts & Crafts movement. The rise in popularity in creating what we now define as an artist's book can be linked to a combination of new technologies and social movements. Artists in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's embraced offset printing and copy machines to create easily reproduced and inexpensive books and artist manifestos. This early movement was about spreading messages in a democratic manner and addressing challenging issues. Today's book artists embrace both the traditional and new formats, structures, and materials, often collaborating with others to create works of art that inspire and challenge the reader/viewer to engage with the content. 

The Collins Library’s collection of artists’ books have been selected to integrate with the curriculum and the collection features artists and writers with a geographic connection to our region, books that focus on themes that reflect the values of our community such as diversity, social justice, sustainability and personal narratives as well as books that showcase a variety of formats. The use of artists’ books in courses can foster critical thinking, encourage discovery of interdisciplinary connections and inspire new forms of personal expression.

Artists’ books can be used in the classroom as a catalyst for conversation and serve as a starting point to examine points of view and to invite reflection. They allow a reader to intimately engage and interact with a topic. They give voice to issues and individuals that might not have the opportunity to be part of the traditional academic publishing model. They can be used to help process difficult issues. Artists in this rapidly expanding genre of art often express their own deeply felt passions as they create books that blend images and text in unique and creative ways.