Looking for Artistic Inspiration? Check Your Bookshelf

The average person's book collection is likely to include a few volumes that have been read many times. As an avid book enthusiast, it is tough for me to admit this, but after the first or second time through, most of my literature remains stationary on the shelf. It sits alone, just waiting—perhaps dreaming of the day when someone will pore over its leaves again. Thankfully, it has come to my attention that there are several inventive uses for old books.

Walking through the Bernardo Winery Craft Fair just a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon something wondrous. An idea that struck me as so brilliant, that I had to go home and try it out immediately. Instead of just allowing your old or unwanted books to collect dust, you can turn them into works of art by creating an altered book.

But what is an altered book? According the International Society of Altered Book Artists (ISABA), an altered book is any book—new or old—that has been reclaimed and recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned. And yes, it is legal!

As a budding artist, for years I spent copious amounts of money purchasing scores of expensive moleskines and sketchbooks, all investments that I was certain were the only trusted and reliable way to house my artistic works safely. However, economically speaking, it is much more cost efficient to just reclaim some space between the pages of an old book or moleskine you no longer read or use.

Immediately after I was done kicking myself for not thinking of the idea sooner, I got to work. The patient in question was an old hardcover copy of writer Jules Verne's treasured drama 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Using some acyrlic paint and one of my favorite brushes, the process began to unfold. Personally, painting the pages white is usually the first step in my book altering projects. I find that it makes for a  good medium for thought if I have a blank canvas to contemplate filling.

However, to create an altered book, you do not have to follow any guidelines. If you can dream it, you can do it. You can carve, shape, singe or do anything you see fit to your creation. To make a pesonalized and money-saving scrap book, add family photos and memorobilia. If you prefer to paint within the pages or leave the words intact, you can.

Many altering artists like to use the original literature within the books as an integral part of their finished works.

For those who would like professional guidance, workshops and classes on book altering are offered in many cities, including Poway.

Breathe life into your old novels. Transform them into works of art!

To learn more about altered books, visit the ISABA at communications@alteredbookartists.com