Compass Diary
Size: Approx 30x23cm
In my bookworks I use empty old second hand photo albums or scrap books, which I collage and montage straight into with mostly my own images and found objects. You can see more of my work at my website: www.stevemcpherson.co.uk (Steve McPherson)
Compass Diary, February 2003
These double
pages can take from a day to several months to complete, going through
a process where discarded and lost objects and original photos are positioned
and re-positioned, collaged and montaged until they merge to form the
double page whole.
Compass Diary, June 2001
The diaries can take a couple of years to complete each volume. They are a way of mapping, organising, collecting and collating visually and conceptually; where found objects, images, motifs, symbols and text repeat themselves- forming streams of conscious and unconscious thought, idea and meaning amongst layers of everyday debris and detritus.
Each double page is treated as potential space for endless possibilities. On completion, there lie in the bloated pages, created and re-created histories of individuals and others, known and unknown.
I have been obsessed with books as an art form for over 15 years, and as well as being a diarist/book artist I am a Sculptor and Installation artist and live and work (as a lecturer) in the Southeast of the United Kingdom.
I have exhibited in the UK and USA in solo and group shows. These one off Diaries have never been for sale but I would not dismiss the possibility. However I would be willing and pleased to loan them to a museum or gallery for negotiable periods of time.
Book artist: Steve McPherson
Contact email: steve@stevemcpherson.co.uk
Website: www.stevemcpherson.co.uk