Red Rose Tea and Honey

Behold, an artist book of mine made to portray the progression of an obsession. (That statement would be a lot cooler if it didn't rhyme.)
It's a two part book, made from alternative or non-traditional materials thus conveying more information or insight, unique to the content and experience of the book. Each material was chosen carefully and specifically.
The words in the book, made of tea bags, displayed on the right read, "unwanted obsession". The sandpaper book, covered in a cloth tea bag contains a poem within. If you'd like to read it, please email or leave a comment and I'll send it to you.

Sneak preview.

Here is one of four handmade albums I'm working on. These books will function as wedding albums that are tailored specifically for each couple to give them a truly unique work of art from their special day.
More picture's to come.

Books. Oh how I love thee...

"Meanwhile", was my final project in college...I believe.

Actually, that may or may not be true. Turns out, I have a terrible memory. But regardless, it might have been my favorite. This explains the extensive number of pictures posted.

Normally, I would leave this up to your interpretation but I'm outright spilling the beans here..

The concept depicts my life at the time vs. the world's real problems (IE. an "oil man's war"). You can already see which one is winning, right? 

Here's the run down, my last year or two of getting my Bachelor's degree was completely overloaded with four or five, 3 hour studio classes plus 1-2, or even 3 jobs (yes, that really happened) all in the 24 hour day, 7 days a week format. Not to mention the immense amount of pressure to succeed at this juggling act, oh and quintessential sleep.  Pressure is what ended up being the kicker, and motivator especially for this project, in turn, I'm entirely thankful.

All that to say, I felt all this make-believe pressure in school...for what?  Well, apparently to open my eyes outside my sheltered, little American college girl, early 20's life to see a world in chaos and torment. A world where pressure is felt in the context of staying alive.

That my friend.is.real.

So this book is meant to take all that complaining I just went on about and turn it back to stare me in the face. It is far worse out there than I have ever known or dreamt about. I don't entirely expect the viewers to understand the part where I personally challenge myself, but hopefully it will speak to at least one person.

On a lighter note, I hope you enjoy it and the other's to come!

"Meanwhile" © Julie Cope 2007

"Oil Man's War" is the title to a Kathleen Edwards song. She and her songs are wonderful!