Artifact, A Book within a Box.

Fold-out book with padded and beaded cover, with matching box.

My artifact is a folded book within a box.  As Fairy tales moved from spoken to written tales in the 18^th century, I based my illustration on the costumes, fabric and artifacts of that time.   I have not illustrated a specific tale or character, but used the theme of youth versus age. 

I have used book-making techniques learned in my Yr1 project ‘Me, Myself, I’ to produce a covered box and book.   I used second-hand fabric and trimmings to make my artifact.  This tied in with the idea of re-modeling and trimming clothing, a practice commonly used before the mechanization of textile production, when fabric was a treasured and scarce commodity.  

As part of my second year illustrative practice, we have been looking at self -promotion.  Booklets, zines and presentation all form part of the self-promotional strategies we have explored.  I wanted my artifact to have an opulent feel to it, and to present the book as if it were an item of jewelery, which is why I have used padding and beading.

I have found the reading and research for this project both informative and interesting.  It has provided me with ideas for future projects.  I have learned much during the actual process of making my artifact, and plan to explore book-making more in the future.

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