“Mongrel Nature:” A Consideration of Artists' Books and Their Implications for Art Education

Abstract

Although bookmaking activities continue to multiply in all educational contexts, ways that many artists have worked with the form and concept of the book have received scant attention. An art form developed, matured, and recognized beginning in the 20th century, artists' books occupy a particular niche among bookmaking practices. In this article I argue for a consideration of artists' books in order to broaden educational endeavors regarding the book arts. Historical information, conceptual frameworks, and examples of artists' books are discussed, constructed in part from the literature on artists' books. Implications for art education are presented.