Rachel Ashe describes herself as an, "altered book artist," and you’ll instantly understand what she means by that once you lay your eyes on these pictures. Ashe literally modifies novels through scribbling on pages, adding various trinkets and, most impressively, folding the pages into intricate patterns evocative of origami. If this is the direction papercrafts is heading in, I’m sure art lovers everywhere will approve.
Rachel Ashe is based in Vancouver, British Columbia and she’s also a photographer and mixed-media collage maker. She crafts her altered-books using various motifs, though she generally gravitates toward nature. For example, the talented artist has an altered-book series on her Flickr page dedicated entirely to owls, while another one of her novel creations features bones deeply embedded into its pages.
If you’re interested in creating your own altered-book, Rachel Ashe actually offers workshops for adults in the Vancouver and Seattle area.
Ornate Origami Novels
Rachel Ashe Modifies Books Into Intricate Nature-Themed Papercrafts
Trend Themes
1. Altered-book Art - Incorporating different trinkets and designs to modify existing books presents an innovative way to repurpose literature and create visually stunning art pieces.
2. Origami-inspired Papercrafts - Using folding techniques similar to origami can lead to creating intricate papercrafts that evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for traditional art forms with a modern twist.
3. Nature-themed Creations - Incorporating natural elements and motifs into art pieces has always been popular, but creating intricate papercrafts that highlight the beauty of nature has significant potential as a disruptive innovation trend.
Industry Implications
1. Art Supplies - With the rise in the popularity of altered book art and origami-inspired papercrafts, there is potential for new art supplies such as unique paper patterns and pre-made kits that make it easier for people to create their own pieces.
2. Book Publishing - Altered-book art presents an exciting way to repurpose existing books and could lead to the development of a new genre in book publishing, where books are designed to be modified and transformed into an art piece.
3. Art Workshops - With the growing interest in altered-book art and papercrafts, there is potential for art workshops and classes to offer specific instruction on these techniques and perhaps even expand to virtual learning options.