exploded library

Few objects could seem more familiar than books. We have all touched, read, used, and interacted with them innumerable times. By folding the pages of a book, however, it changes into something new, perhaps something unexpected. For me, this is the inspiration and the excitement--starting with basically the same object each time and challenging myself to manipulate it into something new. As with origami, the paper is not cut or glued; every design is fashioned by folding alone. While cutting the paper would increase the range of design possibilities for a book, I’ve continued this self-imposed limitation as a way to push myself to think in new ways. Additionally, I like the fact that, were one to unfold the pages, the book would still be readable, and essentially unchanged.

I look for books to fold everywhere I go--library sales, garage sales, second hand stores, estate sales and used bookstores. I am careful not to use anything antique or valuable. They are generally books that have become outdated and have fallen out of use. There is a glut of old, unwanted books; quite literally millions of them are pulped each year. The rest are doomed to a life sitting on a dusty bottom shelf or in a box. By folding a book, I like to hope that I’m giving it a new life, and another chance to be appreciated.