There is no Frigate like a Book

Emily Dickinson is one of my favorite poets. Her short poems speak to my heart. So naturally, I made one of her poems the subject of a small artist's book, complete with an illustration of a steam frigate at the start, and the Montauk Lighthouse at the end.

"There is no Frigate like a Book," accordion book with monotype, graphite illustration, collage, and calligraphy, approx. 2 ½" x 3 ¼" when closed. (sold)

detail: "There is no Frigate like a Book"

The background is made from a discarded piece of 100% rag (pure cotton) BFK Rives etching paper. The ends show the deckle edge of this beautiful thick soft paper. The background printing is a monotype with plant impressions in tints of blue and yellow. The writing is my own calligraphy, done on handmade paper and glued into the book.

Here is Emily Dickinson's poem, so apt for a little book:

There is no frigate like a book 

To take us lands away, 

Nor any coursers like a page 

Of prancing poetry.  

This traverse may the poorest take 

Without oppress of toll; 

How frugal is the chariot 

That bears a human soul!