Edition of 5 copies. "Text and images are based on the legend of the Mandrake. The mandrake is among the most well known of magical plants. According to legend, it was moulded out of the same clay as that from which Adam was created. Madrakes [sic] have a root that resembles a human figure. Throughout history, worldwide, the mandrake has been prized for its medicinal or aphrodisiac properties, or as a talisman. The mandrake plant has opposing uses being valued both as an aphrodisiac and as an ingredient to minimize 'uncouthness' in both men and women." — Artist.
This one-of-a-kind book uses an experimental binding form inspired by bamboo mats. Each wood page has colored drawings and metallic decorations.
I made this book after spending a day in North Carolina, wading in a stream filled with mica chunks. The pages are sewn on tapes with dimensional wooden covers. Front cover is multi-dimensioned wood with original painting behind mica. Inside back cover has recessed area with metal, wire and mica. Text block is of handmade paper/mixed media in a wrap-around format devised to expose only glimpses of each page until the wrappers are opened. Text is a series of anecdotes around various quests in the southeastern US for the mineral mica. With contributions from Heidi Zednik. The covers were created under the tutelage of Dolph Smith at Arrowmont.--artists statement
One-of-a-kind.