Su Blackwell

Today is Thursday, June 11th

Rag & Bone Bindery is open for business

(read our post from Wednesday, March 25th for more information about how we're able to remain open for business)

Today we’re looking at the work of Su Blackwell, an artist working mostly “within the realm of paper,” as well as “the realm of fairy-tales and folk-lore”. Su creates magical and haunting “book sculptures” out of the books she buys second-hand, shaping them into dioramas that she brings to life with glowing lights. Blackwell pays close attention to the objects she transforms, reading every book before she uses it and poring over its evidence of wear and original binding. Each of these components, the story, and the story of the object, inspire the final piece.

There is a temptation to shy away from calling book art destruction, and focus instead on the ways in which the practice is creative or a rebirth. Blackwell embraces what she refers to in her artist statement as the “irreversible, destructive processes” involved in her work, and uses them to “reflect on the precariousness of the world we inhabit and the fragility of our life, dreams and ambitions”. The pieces she creates out of delicate paper often feature young girls in “fragile settings” and themes from children’s literature, portraying a “sense of childhood anxiety and wonder”.

Su Blackwell's artwork was featured prominently in Jason Thompson's (Rag & Bone Bindery Founder) book "Playing With Books".

See more at: https://www.sublackwell.co.uk/

We're so grateful to be able to continue to make books and to help you be creative at home. Please remain safe and take care of friends and family. Contact us anytime if you have questions. Use our contact page to send a direct message, or call us at 401 728 0762. We're usually in the Bindery by 9:00 and leave around 4:00 (EST). Cheers! - Jason