Work in Progress

My latest project is a small book in the early stages of altering.

The pages were painted with gesso and then sprayed with pigment ink.

The base layer is made from a collection of paper that I call "The S Files." These files consist of old newspaper clippings, memos, letters, reports, and handwritten notes.

The paper has been ripped, sewn, deconstructed, reconstructed, and coated with wax.

I love how the paper becomes translucent and text and images on the reverse side show through. Although this isn't my usual color palette, I do enjoy the muted color of old paper and working in a limited palette is a fun challenge.

I plan to add more layers and texture to the pages now that the base layer is down. I'm not entirely sure where this book is headed, but that's half the fun isn't it?

Found Type Tuesday

This sign marks one of the creepiest little shops I've ever happened across. I know it's occupied the same retail space for at least thirty years. While peering in the window after hours, it was hard to tell if the place is still in business or if it was abandoned several decades ago. I do enjoy the odd assortment of fonts and type sizes used to spell out shoe repair.

Happy Tuesday! Be good to your shoes so they don't end up here.

Found Type Tuesday

I shot this week's photo for Found Type Tuesday at a huge, used book sale held annually at a local university. I LOVE the type and design on this book although I didn't bring it home with me. I did, however, manage to peruse the stacks and bring home a number of small books for altering and inspiration. Don't you just love a book sale?

Happy Tuesday!

Found Type Tuesday

I wish I could have shot this graffiti covered train while it was stopped rather than while it was whizzing past. I think the combination of type is pretty cool despite the slight blurriness of the photo.

Happy Tuesday!

By the Creative Power Vested in Me....

I hereby declare you FINISHED!

Your pages are filled.

Your story is told.

The angels have sung your glory.

The final reflection has been recorded.

It's time for us to close the book on our nearly 18-month journey together and go our separate ways. You will find a safe place to rest among my greatest treasures, and I will find other (much, much, much smaller) books with which to play and alter.

Happy trails, my friend. Thanks for the memories.

Found Type Tuesday

This shot for Found Type Tuesday certainly describes how the days, weeks, and months have been for me lately. Every time I turn around it's Tuesday again and I realize I haven't posted anything since last Tuesday! Where does the time go?

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.

Found Type Tuesday

I love a good stencil job, but I don't think there's enough money in this world to get me up these stairs! I'll just admire the letters from here thank you very much.

Happy Tuesday friends!

Found Type Tuesday

This is how the streets are signed near the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. I think it's genius and beautiful!

Thanks for visiting and happy Tuesday.

The Optimist Creed

If you are a long-time visitor to lost and found, you might recall a post I wrote about a little German book I was altering called Die schonsten Sagen des Rheins. You can read the original post here. My attempts at altering the book were disastrous and I came close to pitching it on several occasions. In spite of what I put it through, that little book hung in there and just wouldn't give up. When I was finally ready to add some text, The Optimist Creed seemed like an appropriate choice.

I actually finished altering the book a while ago, but the wonkiness of it makes it nearly impossible to photograph properly. I finally gave up and scanned it instead. I hope you enjoy viewing Die schonsten Sagen des Rheins in its entirety and reading The Optimist Creed. It's wonderful advice for everyone to live by.

Found Type Tuesday

xo

Happy Tuesday!