ARTIST'S BOOKS (continued)

basics—pages, covers and binding. But for all her experimentation, she continues to feel that books should remain recognizable friends. They should open easily, be “readable,” and contain ideas of interest to the reader.

The art of paper

Mary’s work reflects, in particular, her enduring interest in the unique qualities of paper. She often uses her own handmade papers and Red Squirrel Studio’s pastepapers to fold, sew or weave books, techniques that all highlight the quality of the papers used.

Her recent work joins bookmaking and printmaking, and explores the nature of narrative—how the reader’s attention is managed and guided.

Blank but not empty

Even in her blank books, Mary’s philosophy is that you, the book user, and she, the book artist, are in this together—collaborators in creating a unique work of practical utility and art.

A flourishing art

For the past three years, Mary has been teaching in the Continuing Studies Department at Maine College of Art, sharing her experience, helping build Maine’s community of bookmaking artists, and encouraging others to join her in celebrating this venerable medium.

Her goal is to further the making of books that inspire good reading and writing, that showcase the performance and beauty of paper, and that honor the role of books in a healthy civilization.

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