Literature itself is certainly art, but who knew books could become such beautiful and fascinating visual art as well?
Artist Brian Dettmer alters books to create sculpture, and he explains his process in his statement: "In this work I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book's internal elements exactly where they have been since their original conception."
Dettmer's work has been featured and collected throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. It has been exhibited internationally in museums, universities, and art centers.
To see Dettmer's other work, you can visit his website or Flickr account.
