2023-6 Artist Books

Some of my favourite books made recently

Do We Care 2025

Pulp painting and print with mulberry sticks. This book questions both our future and the lack of concern exhibited by many in our society.

Conservation Consversations 2024

Conservation Conversations began with the artist’s observation of the close relationship between the words conservation and conversation. This connection forms the foundation of the work, reflecting the belief that care for the natural world begins with listening, speaking, and exchanging ideas. Drawing on the words of environmentalists such as John Muir and Greta Thunberg, alongside personal reflections, the work invites dialogue about humanity’s relationship with the environment. Handmade paper, thread, eco-printed Hahnemühle, and drypoint prints of bees on kozo embed the textures and fragility of nature within the piece, while highlighting the essential role bees play in sustaining life. The materials themselves become part of the conversation, evoking cycles of growth, loss, and renewal. By weaving text and material together, the works encourage reflection on shared responsibility and collective care, inviting viewers to pause, listen, and engage in the ongoing conversation of conservation.

Spiraling 2024

Handmade paper pulp painting and embossing. Made in response to the novel Heartsease by Kate Kruimink for the exhibition The Biblio Art Prize

Paradise Stolen 2022

Inspired by the book of short stories ‘The Burnished Sun’ by Mirandi Riwoe, I chose to include reference to Paul Gaugin who is a character in one of the stories. I found the stories to reflect the trauma of many of the women involved, several having been abducted from their island homes and taken to the other side of the world. These crimes were hidden at the time. I made a tunnel book as a way to show that the historical truth was hidden. The cover shows Gauguin's 'Tahitian Women 1891', that depicts two Tahitians, one in traditional clothing facing away, the other in missionary clothing. Once the book is opened, the viewer looks through idyllic palm trees which obscure the final image, a rendition of ‘The Scream”, demonstrating the emotional impact of the stories in the novel.

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© 2026 Gail Stiffe