Monday, April 25, 2011

Flaxman Library

Because I am designing a book, as per Delores' suggestion, I visited the School of the Art Institute's Flaxman library. Just below the main library's collection on the sixth floor sits their Artist's collection. In it resides hundreds of created and non-conventional books. The lady who works there had pulled several books that showcased a certain amount of interactivity. The books were all extremely delicate, and I was only allowed to handle them after I'd washed my hands. There were card set books, accordion books, spiral books, and even a book made using legos.

It's tough to pick one book that stood out among the rest. I think the best books were those that incorporated various styles... like the books that had cut-outs, 3-D elements, and various binding types.

What also stood out to me were the story lines in the books. Not every book's intention or story was perfectly clear, but each book did communicate something. And as for my project, that's kind of where I'm stuck at the moment. I'm having trouble creating the details... what to communicate while answering the core questions of the class.

I don't have a photo for this post, but I do suggest visiting the library (37 s. Wabash, 5th floor) or at least visiting the website below. :)


http://www.saic.edu/degrees_resources/libraries/flaxman/index.html
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19 comments:

  1. Keith NowakApril 25, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Keith NowakApril 25, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    I have never been to the Flaxman Library, but it sounds like they have a wide variety in their Artist's collection. I will have to take a look at the collection sometime soon or in the near future.

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  3. Jené ZigantoApril 25, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    I have never been there either but it sounds really cool! I'm really interested to see how your project turns out!

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  4. Sheri PratherApril 26, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I didn't know a non-Art Institute student could use their library, good to know. I too have always been attracted to the 3 dimensional side of design even I never seem to make anything in 3D.

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  5. KatieApril 26, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Check out this book!
    Tree of Codes by Jonathan Safran

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsW3Y7EmTlo

    http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/12249/tree-of-codes.html


    (It's $31 on amazon. Just saying.)
    http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Codes-Jonathan-Safran-Foer/dp/0956569218/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303846802&sr=8-1

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  6. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I may have to try and find a time to go this library.

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  7. UnknownApril 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    ^Haha! Nice suggestion Shanna. I myself have experimented with some binding techniques, like traditional and accordion. I'm interested to see how yours comes out.

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  8. NinaApril 28, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    I went there on the field trip with Mark a few weeks ago and it was really awesome. Definitely go, everyone!

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  9. Sora G. SilverwindMay 1, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    I tend to be more attracted to conventional libraries with conventional books, but I may have to check this place out.

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  10. Lauren T.May 2, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I didn't realize they had such an extensive resource open to the public available online. Thanks for posting!

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  11. Jenna BragagnoloMay 5, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    I'm really glad you brought this place to my attention. Really great stuff!

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  12. carlyMay 5, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    OHHHHH I wanna go!!!!
    I will check out the website for details, very excited i bet there are some real gems in that student collection!

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  13. AaronMay 8, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    i would definitely like to go check this place out.

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  14. Amanda RedmondMay 8, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    I have never been to the Flaxman Library but from what you posted I believe it would be a great place to go for inspiration.

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  15. Lili NeriMay 9, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    I have never been there. I think I will make a trip there as I think I am going to be making a book as well.

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  16. John WegnerMay 9, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    I, like others, went with Mark Smith a few weeks back. Definitely a great (free) resource if you're in a creative block!

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  17. Chaniece P.May 9, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Hmm I think I might have to take a trip to the Flaxman library!

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  18. JennyMay 9, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I have never been there either but it has been added to the places I must go.

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  19. cnillesMay 9, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    It is completely worth the visit! Great inspiration and they are very helpful if you are looking for something in particular.

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