©2008 PLAYING WITH CALDER • Miniature book sculpture

Just what is a miniature book anyway? The Miniature Book Society defines a miniature book as follows:

In the United States, a miniature book is usually considered to be one which is no more than three inches in size - height, width or thickness. Some collectors do occasionally acquire slightly larger books. Outside of the United States, books up to four inches are collected as miniature books.

This definition refers to a book when it is closed and in its slipcase, portfolio or other type of container, if any. When a miniature book is opened, it can extend beyond 3″ in any direction.

If you’ve read previous posts, you know my favorite artist is Alexander Calder. Calder’s fascination with the universe played a huge role in his art throughout his life. In 2006 I created a miniature book, in an edition of 100, to honor this outstanding 20th century artist. I enjoyed the research for this project - I read lots of books and viewed hundreds of photos, both in print and on-line, of Calder’s work. Calder’s art makes me feel good, which is definitely one of the reasons I like it so much.

‘Playing With Calder’ incorporates a tiny book with a biography of Calder and my discovery of him and his art at age seventeen, along with a tiny wire sculpture with a hand-operated crank that causes a ‘constellation’ to revolve freely in space. When the book and sculpture are placed inside the box, ‘Playing With Calder’ measures 3″ H x 2 7/8″ W x 2 7/8″ D. Each of the three main components in each book sculpture in the edition is totally handmade. You can purchase a signed copy of this fabulous little treasure right here.

The images below outline the process involved in making this miniature book edition, and show some of the models I made as I developed my ideas for the finished piece.

Three of the kinetic wire sculptures have cranks at the top and some have matboard bases with boxes and books - prototype for the edition 'constellation' is shown at right in the front row

A few of the many box, book and book pocket models. One box is made of matboard with a wire-edge hinged top - others are made of cardstock with varying wall thicknesses. Several book and portfolio/pocket models are in the first two rows. The box on the right and the book and pocket third from left are prototypes for the edition components

Book cover, page strips, hinges, pocket, beads and thread are at the top. Wire and beads for the interactive 'constellation' sculpture are shown at left, and cardstock for the box, cardstock and brass brad for closure button, polyester film for window, wooden feet, beads and thread are pictured at right. These components make one complete book structure

Four completed ©2008 PLAYING WITH CALDER book structures. The book pocket, book cover and crank-operated 'constellation' sculpture are partially visible through a polyester film window at the top of each box