Alphabet of Distinction

Lettering artist Julie Wildman (wildmandesigns.com) purchased this book at my studio sale in 2013. The long-stitch binding uses waxed linen thread. The archival paper for the cover, handmade by Timothy Barrett, is100% flax. (Timothy is director of the University of Iowa Center for the Book and the recipient of a 2009 MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant for his papermaking.) Interior pages are Fabriano Artistico.

Julie used this book to create an alphabet book as her entry in the Chicago Calligraphy Collective’s annual exhibition at the Newberry Library. Each year, the Library purchases one work from the show for their permanent collection… and Julie was the recipient of the Newberry Purchase Prize.

Presentation Box

The box to house this altered book by Fluxus artist Ray Johson is a rounded drop-spine construction, covered in leatherette. The tray holding the book is covered in red linen, and the entire right edge of the tray is a drop-leaf with a pair of magnetic closures.