Artist book trilogy — Jennifer Marshall
A decade long collaboration between artist Jennifer Marshall and writer Janet Upcher has concluded triumphantly with the launch of Turning – the final instalment in their Artist Book trilogy.
Turning, a collection of prints by Jennifer and poems by Janet, is their third Artist book about the four elements: earth, wind, fire and air. Meticulously hand-crafted, it is a work of art. Pages are hand-sewn by an artisan book binder, the paper is cotton, and the poems handwritten. Only six copies exist.
Artist books are rare treasures. Jennifer produced her first in 1977 and all are held in private and public collections, “Artist books are compelling in their intimacy. We engage with them, touching the paper and turning pages. It’s a personal connection,” Jennifer explains.
The first in the trilogy, Quaternity, introduces the four elements. Book two, Turbulence, warns of chaos, but in Turning we look to the future with hope. Expressed so eloquently in Jennifer’s cover profile of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, and the words of Janet:
“When wars rage and woes of the world weigh on you and wear you down
Let sunlight in the garden release you from the shadows…”
The Artist book trilogy by Jennifer Marshall and Janet Upcher is in the Rare Book collection of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and is available to purchase through Handmark. Please contact the Gallery for further information.