An Altered Book Wunderkammer

Cabinets of curiosities (also known in German as  Wunderkammer) were notable collections of objects.. The term cabinet originally described a room rather than a piece of furniture. Modern terminology would categorize the objects included as belonging to natural history (sometimes faked), geology, ethnography, archaeology, religious or historical relics, works of art (including cabinet paintings), and antiquities. The classic cabinet of curiosities emerged in the sixteenth century, although more rudimentary collections had existed earlier.

I’ve always loved these vintage collections ( I’ve had to curb my own tendency to collect curiosities over the years) and when the Marin MOCA announced it’s popular altered book exhibition, I thought it the perfect opportunity to create a mini Wunderkammer. Sorting through my stack of vintage books, I chose a well worn collection of works by Plato. After gluing together the pages, I carved little shallow shelves to display favorite vintage images and found objects. Among the curated images and objects are: antique anatomical illustrations, wonderful bugs, beetles and butterflies, an antique skeleton key, a shell, a parrot feather, botanical art and more…

The Altered Book show is scheduled to open July 25th, running through August 29th, hopefully Covid19 will allow art shows to begin again - but wear your mask, please! There will be incredibly imaginative works of art created by skilled artisans from books in all shapes and sizes. For updated information - please check the Marin MOCA site.

Take a peek below for some closeup details of my little Wunderkammer, - hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoyed making…

Hari, New Altered Book Art For Upcoming Marin MOCA Exhibit

Pleased as punch to share my new piece, a beautiful altered vintage book, originally titled “Hari, The Jungle Lad”. I was inspired by some inner pages which talk about listening and silence - almost with a meditative connotation. I cut out the pages in squares on each side of the book, to inset and frame my art, which depict scenes described in the book pertaining to lessons on how to hear, listen and enjoy silence. Things we all can use lessons in!

It will be on display in MarinMOCA’s “10th Annual Altered Book Exhibit” which opens this Saturday. If you can’t make it to the opening reception, be sure and drop by for the auction. Book lovers will be happy with the chance to add some art to their walls…

Exhibit Dates: April 27, 2019 - June 1, 2019
Opening Reception: April 27, 4-7pm
Live Auction and Closing Party: June 1, 5-8pm

Art Talk with Mary Austin and Donna Seager
April 27, 4pm, Hamilton Community Center,
(next door to MarinMOCA) 503 South Palm Drive, Novato, 94949

“The book becomes art at MarinMOCA’s 10th Annual Altered Book Exhibit and Fundraiser. Marin’s most unique art show features over 180 original book art objects, created by artists who combine compelling messages with creative technique. Fans and art collectors will see an innovative display of Altered Books. Mary Austin, Founder of the San Francisco Center for the Book, and Donna Seager, of Seager Gray Gallery in Mill  Valley will jury this year’s exhibition for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, honorable mention. “

500 Palm Drive,
Novato, California 94949