Using the Library:Artists' Books

Artists' Books

An artist’s book is a medium of artistic expression that uses the structure or function of “book” as inspiration—a work of art in book form. Artists’ books range from fine craft letterpress works to one-of-a-kind or limited-edition art objects presented in a wide variety of materials and book formats. Artists incorporate typography, papermaking, paper engineering, bookmaking, design, fine art, graphics, creative writing, and digital media into their book works. The CalArts Library has a rich, diverse collection of artist-made books.

How to Access Artists' Books

Artists' Books must be viewed in the Library, next to the Circulation Desk. Artists' Books are available whenever circulation managers are working.

Search the online catalog for Artists' Books. If an item has a designated location of Artists' Books, record the call number and request the item at the Main Library Circulation Desk. Circulation staff will retrieve the artist book and facilitate viewing of the book.

You may email libcirc@calarts.edu to request Artists' Books ahead of time so they are ready for you when you arrive.

 

CalArts Artists' Books Collection

This JSTOR collection contains representative images of over 1,700 books from the CalArts Artists' Books Collection. Artists' books include, but are not limited to, handmade books; small independent and fine press books; books designed and created by artists including CalArts students, alumni and faculty; as well as graphic novels and comics. The collection contains many books created by conceptual, Fluxus, and feminist artists during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

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