Events

artist's statement

An intrigue with the interplay between pictorial, written and spoken language has led me to print, illustrate, bind and publish limited edition, letterpress printed, as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade books. In many ways they are material investigations into the immaterial. They often elucidate the specifics of a place - in tone, language, text, imagery, and materials. This work is often collaborative, drawing on the expertise of calligraphers, papermakers, photographers, writers, and fellow artists. In each unique book or edition I aim to integrate all of the parts into a resolved whole - from the selection of metal typefaces or hand written text, inks, paper, thread, and book cloth; to erudite and enlightening texts; to sublime and meaningful illustrations; to the physical design of the book structures themselves. As ideas for other bodies of work surface, I also enjoy creating more conceptual work such as collages and the deep-framed wall pieces.

bio

Jean Buescher Bartlett teaches Book Arts and The History of Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. She maintains a studio and bindery in Ann Arbor's Old West Side. Jean received her MFA in Book Arts from the University of Alabama in 1989. Her work is in over fifty major collections worldwide, including the New York Public Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Detroit Public Library, and the University of Michigan Special Collections. She has been making limited edition, letterpress printed, illustrated books under her imprint, Bloodroot Press, producing one-of-a-kind artists' books, and teaching Book Arts workshops across the country for the last thirty years. A full catalog of her work and activities can be found at her website: www.bloodrootpress.com