Persefoneia
Persephone’s camisole . found . [lifeless] . on barbed wire.
summary
Persefoneia is a book of platinotypes and poems, made entirely by hand. The conceptual focus is on internal change and the intriguing shift of roles held in balance by Persephone’s archetypes: maiden-wife, queen of the Underworld, daughter, and co-initiator to the Eleusinian mysteries. Following Vertical Time, an installation of platinum prints and a film of images and echoes, Persefoneia deepens the study and visual exploration of transformation.
specifications
Platinum printing on Sekishu Torinoko Gampi paper, letterpress printing from polymer plates, handmade papers (Gampi, linen & cotton rag laid), sewn board binding in grey silk with title and monogram on paper label attached to front cover
Edition Size: 9 + 2 artist proofs
Number of leaves: 20; 9 folios, 6 of which contain platinum prints
Dimensions: 26 cm x 25.5 cm x 1 cm
Date: winter, 2013
Housed in custom gray silk-covered clamshell box with paper label
the process
Persefoneia is an artist book which reflects a long process of distillation spanning several years. The focus is on Persephone as the archetype of renewal and change. The choice of materials, especially the Gampi Torinoko of the folios, highlights the elusive and ephemeral nature of handmade washi. Seduced by its beauty, I was fortunate to acquire the last 100 sheets after the passing of master Masao Seki. The platinotypes are printed on Sekishu Torinoko Gampi from Master Akira Kubota of Shekishu Banshi in Japan. Letterpress printing and binding of the book by Sandy Tilcock.
