I am very inspired by the variety of art books available in The Village Bookshop in Leeds. The shop contains art books of all stocks, bindings and styles. This is a useful resource for Primary research as I am able to understand the structure of each book. Below I have picked out some of my favourites from their website.
"Skeletons in the closet" caught my eye because of its laser cut cover which allows you to see through to a bear on the inside of the book. I like how this is not a traditional technique found in book making. The book itself is about the taxidermy kept behind the scenes in the National History museum. I think that the designer chose to cut a hole in the front as if you are peering through the walls in to to back of the museum (into the closet) to see whats inside. The book is aimed at anyone who has an interest in natural history but more so photographers who would appreciate the images. However, I feel the book would appeal to a wide range of people as the photographs are very interesting to see. The colours used are very basic, purely white and a dusty brown. White has been used as this is one of the best colours for displaying photographs. It allows the images to speak for themselves and does not distract from the main focus. The dusty brown is only used on the cover, this cover feels tired and worn out, like the taxidermy, but also, it contrasts with the primarily darker palette in the photographs.
The photographs themselves make the taxidermy appear in normal situations. The animals appear to blend in to their surroundings and like they would be passed unnoticed. I feel that this is to show how the animals have been forgotten about, merely placed into storage away from light.
I particularly like the square shape of the book and would like to produce a similar shape. I also like the arrangement of photographs across the spreads. I would like to produce some professional photography to display in a sleek design.
"In the Garden" is a purely illustrative book. Its aim is unclear other than to perhaps look visually appealing and intrigue those who look at it. It serves more as a form of artwork. I was first drawn to the unusual shape of the book, it is not a traditional rectangle shape. I feel that this book would appeal to a younger audience because of its bright colour palette and illustrations that seem to be aimed at children because of their simplistic style. However, I feel that illustrators and artists would enjoy this book just as much as children, because of the illustrative skill. The book contains no text, just playful colourful imagery, it is also sewnbound, I feel this is appropriate to promote the handmade feel. For my own work, I would like to try and have a more creative approach similar to the cut out style of this book.
"We Make The Path By Walking" was one of my favourite books. I am naturally drawn to nature photography so the jacket which holds the book caught my eye. The aim of the book is to communicate the creators feelings of being immersed with nature as he walked alone through the countryside for 3,500 km. I feel that the paper wrap around the book represents this as it is as if nature is surrounding him. The use of colour is similar to "Skeletons in the Closet"m featuring a dusty pale grey for the cover, and a white for the inside pages to celebrate the photography. The only type on the book is the title and author in a sans serif typeface on the front cover. This is appropriate because if the book became too type heavy, it would not truly represent his isolation from the rest of the world. Upon seeing this book, I am most inspired to create a jacket for my book, it is a really unique touch and makes the book feel finished and precious. I am also most interested in a photographic book, in particular, nature photography.
IMAGE POSITIONING & BOOK FEATURES
I found the photographers website which featured a video showing Gaffney, the artist flicking showing each page. I was inspired by the wooden box which he pulled the book out of. The wood is similar to the trees which he was surrounded by on his journey. The need to protect the book suggests Gaffneys delicate state during his journey, as well as the delicate state of nature. He also unveiled a photograph from the box wrapped in a similar delicate tracing paper. I like how there are so many small touches in the book which make it special.
As I am most interesting in producing a photography book, I decided to analyse the positioning of the image within the publication. None of the images are full bleed, all have a border. On every page the positioning of the image is different which keeps the reader interested whilst imitating the ups and downs of his journey.
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