Friday’s library snapshot …
This week I came across Mary Azarian an illustrator and print-maker who has produced many books yet I found only one about Wilson Bentley in the library not in Special Collections has I hoped but on the open shelves at the Main Library. Then, I went on to think about what makes a book special. There are of course a myriad of good reasons and many more when considering a book to be kept in ‘special’ conditions; even without the economic and space issues.
For this one, I would make a case, not only is it illustrated by a notable woman wood engraver and therefore complimentary to our collections of works by wood engravers in our Printing and Publishing Collections, its subject matter is significant. Wilson Bentley, (1865-1931) was the first man to photograph snowflakes. As a small boy he was fascinated by snow; its structure and beauty. When he was given a camera in the late 19th century he was able to develop his passion fully. It is a lovely story while the images are beautiful the message to a young reader is special.
Alphabe Thursday C is for Ffyona Campbell
As described last week Basho walked to speak with his god. Others do it to test their body and soul. Ffyona Campbell, for instance in the 1980s, a daughter of a harsh military man wanted to prove herself to him and herself. She was on a quest to walk, not only the length of Britain but also around the world.
The first trip in 1983 at the age of 16 she walked 1000 miles, sponsored by London’s Evening Standard to raise money for a hospital. Then, she set out to walk around the world; this was not a continuous venture. First she walked across the United States of America, two years later Australia and then the length of Africa eight years later. Finishing up in 1994 with a trek from Spain to the English Channel. During this time she returned to Africa and the US to complete parts she had missed out earlier.
These extensive walks were documented in several books in particular the Whole story ; a walk around the world. Not literary masterpieces, as written by previous walkers such as Wordsworth. Without the delight of landscape in her narrative her writing appears as the ideals of a determined young woman with resolute goals. Campbell is a practiced sponsored walker; remarkably she walked 50 miles each day without let up, along the side of roads in all weather conditions. She walked across Australia, 3200 miles in 95 days. Her legs strong and relentless in their pursuit, but without scenery, pleasure or encounters human or otherwise.
So while Campbell tells us about walking and how it should be done with its fundraising and personal betterment, she was very successful. However, without the views, thoughts, (poetic or not) and the other human experiences (good or bad), it really doesn’t seem so worthwhile after all.
Wednesday’s wood cutter …
I like these images by Mary Azarian, they are wood cuts while they are bigger than wood engravings they tell a story. They are also from A farmer’s alphabet ; ABC books are a passion of mine and these little motifs are a delight. I will look out for her books.
Meanwhile I will share the little information I have about the artist.
Mary Azarian (1940) is an American wood engraver and illustrator, in 1999 she won the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin; the story of Wilson Bentley ; the first known photographer of snowflakes. She has produced many original prints and published more than 50 books. Before become a full-time artist Mary taught for 3 years in a one room school house. At first she printed black and white images by hand, later she added colour. When she found an old Vandercook proofing press she was able to increase her out put considerably. In the 1970s she began illustrating children’s books.
Weekly photo challenge … Converge
We women boast our ability to multitask; but I am not sure this is such a good thing. I like the idea that we are able to assume different roles throughout our working days. I enjoy beginning my day with yoga being calm and peaceful devoting 30 minutes or so to my breath and my body before I become something else. Before, I leave the house for work I am already a blogger, cook, cleaner and household executive. I commute as a cyclist; destined for the Tour de France. At work I take on many guises, Reading Room assistance, high tech wizard, bottle washer, remover of rubbish, investigator, motivator; in my bread winner mode I leave no stone unturned.
But we cannot maintain these roles or do a good job unless we isolate them; we cannot successfully do them at the some time. For instance while zooming down the cycle track in my yellow shirt I cannot launder the clothes or while I am washing the dishes I cannot become a electrician and change a plug on the iron that has blown. These are extreme examples but nonetheless things are not going to get done properly while multitasking.
Best we celebrate our ability to change roles and immerse ourselves wholly in the job at hand.
However, there comes a point in the day when these roles converge and one wonders who and what we are and then I enjoy being the maker of tea.
This weekend …
… was good! I drove to Badger Press for a day lino-cut workshop, only down the motor-way in real terms, but in my mind ‘mission impossible’. Of course it was fine, I arrived save and sound, and early which was a bonus. I was able to chat with Jo, the teacher and feel at home. This was not difficult, as Jo was very welcoming and kind. Also, I have been to Badger Press before a couple of times, so I was familiar with the surroundings. Already I was happy, and also I was not the new girl. I know about lino cutting, having done it for a year or so I am pretty competent at the basics.
However, I am more than ready for the next stage which is threefold, I think: being more creative, perfecting the basics and allowing myself to be at home with my style. The later being the most difficult. Over the last few months I have been agonising over my works and looking at the those of the professionals and then wondering why I am at odds and feeling always like the new girl!
So Saturday, I arrived feeling OK, explained to Jo where I was and what I need to know; bearing in mind there is always a way to improve or enlarge without doubting what I know already. ( I don’t know where that little lesson was learned)
Jo kindly said that due to the time constraints, what I had in mind was not practical for the rest of the class who were beginners in lino cutting. But, I could if I got cracking straightaway … learn Reduction, a method of lino cutting that would result is a 3 colour image.
I have tried this method at home with mixed results, So, while I am familiar with the procedure, having a hands on expert at my side (and she was thankfully all the way) ; off I went.
Considering the time allowed, even waiting for the ink to dry between each print, meant that I could not spend much time on the image and the cutting. So the little image has some imperfections but its reduction and three coloured -ness is lovely!
Silent Sunday
Saturday’s journey
I post daily as you know and usually do not write the post until the day required; particularly on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday when I have more time.
I am writing Saturday’s on Friday; I am going to an Art Class and have to leave early in the morning. This has not been a problem on previous weeks but this workshop is not reachable by public transport so I am driving myself. I like driving, familiar with the route but it is a longish way and I am not keen to drive alone. So already I am anxious! This is a shame as I have spent the last months in various places, alone and a stranger, even in Newcastle and the fear has not been so great.
Last year as an artist I managed to produce a small exhibition of works for a couple of exhibitions. I was able mix with like minded people, make comparisons and get feedback.
Although, I was happy with my work and sold some pieces; there was room for improvement. If I wanted to show my work in other venues and thinking that the standard required might be higher; then perhaps I should ‘go back to the drawing board.’ For the past year I have been studying hard and practicing new found skills.
Tomorrow, I am attending the last workshop of the year at Badger Press with Jo Morley and Linocuts. After many months of learning to be a better artist; if it works this heartache will a little price to pay!
I have used a Badger Press banner; I hope on Monday I will have a display of my own to show; after my journey afar!
Friday from the Library …
I have the perfect job, not just the stuff ,I do but the people I do it with! There is a lot to do and few of us to do it etc etc. I know, its not high power, no one is going to die if it doesn’t get done. Nonetheless, we are of a public service we have ideals to keep (the Vice Chancellors tells us so) and we work hard to maintain them.
Still, I love my job especially at Special Collections … I should tell you about it more; perhaps?
This week I began working on a little collection of books, donated recently ; books about the publishing, not elderly or rare (21st century) but they will compliment our earlier collections perfectly. Suffice to say, they are unpacked and almost ready to go … be classified and onto the shelf that is!
Also, this week I finished my part of smaller collection of books relating to the art of Charles Mozley … I am not to sure of the copyright implications so I won’t show the covers yet. They are, to be on honest, not my cup of tea … but will, I hope be of interested to researchers in book jackets, illustration, graphic design etc.
Alphabe Thursday … B is for Matsou Basho (1644 – 1694)
It would seem that Japanese people are among the most avid mountaineers and walkers of mountains in the world. However, it has not always been this way. Japanese mountains have been sacred since prehistoric times, they were too holy for the steps of ordinary peoples. So, shrines and sanctuaries were built at their feet instead from where they could be worshiped at a dignified distance.
In the 6th century Buddhism was introduced from China and new practices were allowed. The devotees would climb to the highest peaks to communicate more closely with the gods. Although monks and aesthetics continued to wander up, down and among the foot hills; climbing the mountains became a central part of the religious practice, particularly among the Shugendo; a Buddhist mountaineering sect. So, while there were festivals, ceremonies and prolonged rituals, a kind of priestly guide service emerged. The 17th century Zen poet Basho with is companion climbed some of Shugendu’s most sacred mountains, during his wanderings he tells us in his epic poem The narrow road of the deep north ‘ … I set off with my guide on a long march of eight miles to the top of the mountain. I walked in the mists and clouds, breathing the thin air of high altitudes and stepping on slippery ice and snow, till at last through a gateway of clouds, as it seemed, to the very paths of the sun and moon, I reached the summit, completely out of breath and nearly frozen to death.’
After Shugendo was banned in the 19th century, it was no longer a major religion in Japan, but the shrines can still be seen and Mount Fuji remains a busy pilgrimage site for the remaining practitioners and devoted mountaineers.
Wednesday’s Wood engraver …
I have been looking at these prints by Gillian Tyler in Patricia Jaffe’s book about Women Engravers for a while, I know nothing of this engraver so I waited until I could find some information. I was particularly drawn to them as they seemed to be less rigid than some engravings I have featured over previous weeks. Patricia says, ‘ … rich… wild net of lines and finely contrasted textures … ‘ and she is right. I think they are bold too.
Gillian Tyler (1935) was born in Baltimore, Maryland, wood engraver and painter; graduated from from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts ; which I understand is one of the oldest American colleges and still remains exclusively for women.
Gillian runs her own small Cricket Press where she lives in Thetford, Vermont. I have no more information and would love to know more.
Coat Hanger Doll's House 