I haven’t met Carol Miller in person… yet. But through another artist, Joan Birkett, we’ve collaborated on a couple of art book exhibitions. Carol is also a very talented illustrator. Her graphite drawings for Drawlloween 2018 are amazing. I was really impressed with her pieces for Reading Between the Lines and Turning the Page, doubly so since they were her first foray into artist books. She answered a few questions about her work. Check out her interview below.
How long have you been making art books?
Before being invited to participate in this project, I had not made any artists books since my Art Foundation Course.
Why do you like making books? / What do you like about making books compared to other forms of expression?
I enjoyed the tactile nature and sculptural quality of the final works.
Producing work which people are actively encouraged to handle and interact with and which would be enhanced by the potential ‘destructive nature’ of that handling added an additional element not possible in my other work.
Do you have a favourite method or technique to make books?
Whenever I start a piece of work the process is always fluid and I never have an end ‘work’ or image in mind, rather letting the work and lead me.
I approached making books in the same way. I did rediscover the joy of Ink and bleach and produced 3 of the books using this technique. I’m not sure I would say it was my favourite technique, more that I got slightly obsessed with it for a while.
“Dirty Washing” Photo courtesy of the artist
The books I made using this technique are still amongst some of my favourite work.
What method of making books do you want to try next?
The books I made for the project were originals and I would like to explore the possibility of producing affordable editions.
What was the biggest challenge in making your book?
Honestly, stopping. My one book contribution to the project turned fairly rapidly into five.
Do you have any favourite book artists?
As a ‘newbie’ to the world of artists books, not yet but I enjoy the journey of discovery.
Where can people find out more about your work? (Social Media etc)
Website www.artistcarolmiller.com
Instagram carol_miller_artist
Facebook artistcarolmiller
Twitter @carol_miller1
Photos courtesy of the artist.
