Would-be discarded books transformed into intricate works of art are now on show at Eurobodalla libraries. The inaugural Art of the Library prize and exhibition invited all artists who exhibited works in local libraries to turn a redundant library book from the libraries’ collection into a work of art.
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The results were unveiled on Wednesday night at Moruya Library, where the winner of the $500 prize was announced. Winner was Deua Valley artist Keedah Throssell with her piece, The Lifeship – please help us. Runner-up was Catherine Speed’s Curly Font.
When Ms Throssell took The Lifeship book to transform, she knew right away the direction she would take. She tore pages to make breaking waves and what she tore out was used to make boats and papier-mâché people.
“I was rapt when I saw the book was called The Lifeship,” she said. “I made lots of little boats and filled them with refugees. I liked the political comment.”
Ms Throssell is no stranger to the art of books being an experienced book binder. She has made books into art previously for the ReVive Art Prize.
Art of the Library was judged by the council’s Director of Community, Arts and Recreation Kathy Arthur and Manager Libraries and Culture Linda Heald.
Ms Heald said that while books can be precious to us, it made sense to use them in an artistic pursuit.
“Books are carriers of stories, and stories spark our imagination and creativity,” she said.
The council’s Coordinator Creative Arts Development Indi Carmichael praised the artists who took part.
“We have such a diverse range of artists in Eurobodalla so it was really exciting to see what they each came up with,” she said. “I encourage people to check out the works at their local libraries and vote in the $200 People’s Choice Award.”
The 19 entries have been distributed throughout Eurobodalla’s three libraries and will be on display until Friday, June 2 during River of Art. The winning work was acquired by the libraries to form part of their permanent collection.
Eurobodalla Council meanwhile will step up its lobbying for an Australia-wide ban on single-use plastic bags and is encouraging local businesses and the community to do the same. It follows a notice of motion making five recommendations put forward by deputy mayor Anthony Mayne.
The council will write to the NSW and Australian Government advocating a ban on single-use plastic bags, promote positive steps taken in the community to reduce single-use plastic bags and formalise a policy to ensure disposal plastic is avoided at council events.
