Books as true masterpieces

There’s a mystery in Scotland. No, not a new Ian Rankin or Alexander McCall Smith novel. But it does involve books – cut up, dissected, bent, and folded. And they’re all the more beautiful because of it.

This is the second year that wonderful paper sculptures made from books have been appearing throughout the country, in time for Book Week Scotland, which closed on December 2. Last year, there were 10 sculptures. This year there are five. Who is the artist? That’s the mystery. All that is known is that she is a woman.

 These sculptures are quite magical. You can see all of them on the Scottish Book Trust site.

My favourite this year is Peter Pan and Wendy ....

  ...  but then, I can’t go to London without visiting Peter’s statue in Kensington Gardens. 

Books used as an art medium is not a new thing, but it is to me. I came aware of it just a few weeks ago when media covered the unveiling of The Machine Gunners, more-than-life-sized replicas of toy soldiers made from recycled books on the topic of war, appropriately in time for Remembrance Day.

When I started researching this art form, I found sculptures made from children’s books, fantastical bas relief from carved out books, abstract art, landscapes, portraits, even pop-ups. Check out some of these creations on the Hongkiat website and on this Tumblr page. There’s even a Pinterest site for "altered books". Who knew?

I’m now looking at the overstuffed bookcases at home with a new eye. The ebook will  never look so good or inspiring.