3441 Cedar Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
phone/fax 612 722-2324
susan@susanhenseldesign.com
www.susanhenseldesign.com
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Susan Hensel Design
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THE ARTISTS' BOOKS OF SUSAN HENSEL
FAQ's - Frequently Answered Questions
What are Artists Books? We make LOTS of artists books. Artists books are , ideally, a fully interactive, time-based, multi-media art object. What does that mean? First: it's visual art, with or without words. Second: you must handle it and move it around to find out what it is all about Third: the order in which you look at the parts will determine the meaning Fourth: it can be made from literally anything.
While books need not be bound to BE books, most of my books ARE bound. These are not illustrated texts, however. In the best case scenario, the words, the visuals, the form and structure are all necessary in order to derive meaning. I write all the text in these books with the intent to pare down and integrate with appropriate visuals.
What are Limited Edition Artists Books? Limited editions are Original art, done in multiples. That means that the artist decided to make more than one of something and to guarantee that there will be no more than the number stated in the limit. Most of my editions are 10-15 books. Each book is still created in this studio, from start to finish. Most printing is done "in house." All binding is done "in house." Each book in the edition is an identical work of original art.
What is a Deluxe copy of a limited edition? Often artists will reserve a portion of an edition for special treatment. The content remains the same, but the materials might be more expensive. In my case, it usually means that I have developed a sculptural presentation for the book.
Why would an artist make a limited edition? A limited edition allows an artist to spread their message to a broader audience at a somewhat lower price.
Why would a collector buy limited editions? Limited editions are just as original as other art and are more affordable.
What is an open edition or an unlimited edition? An edition that is open or unlimited can be printed in as large a quantity as the artist desires. I use this occasionally for the least expensive editions . The items are still original and hand bound. I just reserve the option of making lots!
What are one-of-a kind or unique books? These are the most unique of the originals. Only one of these has been made and no others are planned. This option is used by the artist for artworks with lots of hand work or materials that do not lend themselves to multiples. I use this for collage works, for pieces with lots of hand drawing or for pieces using discontinued materials. Generally the prices are higher for these.
Narrative and Literary Sculpture
Nearly everything I do relates to literature or text in some way. These sculptures move the text further outside of the traditional book format and tell the stories in another way.
The Literary Sculptures are biographies of poets and writers I have researched thoroughly. I have read their work, their biographies, their letters and journals, their children's memoirs of them. I read with an eye to understand how their creativity fit into the lives they led. Their sculptures are my conclusions.
The Narrative Sculptures are working with philosophical issues using memory and musings. They tell stories and they wonder about ideas as deep as Soul, Faith, Loss, and Memory itself.
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