alexis arnold grows crystallized books using discarded literature

alexis arnold grows crystallized books using discarded literature
(above) all’s well that ends well
book, borax crystals, 8.5 x 7.25 x 5 inches, 2014
all images courtesy of alexis arnold

after repeatedly finding boxes of discarded books in and around her urban environment, san francisco-based artist alexis arnold became fascinated by the idea of finding ways in which to immortalize forsaken publications. the shutting of newspaper and magazine shops coupled with the onslaught of electronic reading leaves the paperback in a uncertain state. arnold has artfully reimagined their purpose as sculptural, adding glittering, living crystal growth to their pages.

‘the crystallized book series addresses the materiality of the book versus the text or content of the book, in addition to commenting on the vulnerability of the printed book’ arnold describes. ‘the crystals remove the text and transform the books into aesthetic, non-functional objects. the books, frozen with crystal growth, have become artifacts or geologic specimens imbued with the history of time, use, and nostalgia. arnold’s crystallized books are presented at esther klein gallery in philadelphia, pennsylvania from now until march 20, 2015.

all’s well that ends well
book, borax crystals, 8.5 x 7.25 x 5 inches, 2014

sculpture with simple materials
book, borax crystals, 10.75 x 10 x 10.75 inches, 2014

photoshop manual
book, borax crystals, 11 x 8 x 5 inches, 2014

national geographic magazines (roundabout)
magazines, borax crystals, 10.25 x 6.75 x 7.5 inches, 2013

national geographic magazines (roundabout)
magazines, borax crystals, 10.25 x 6.75 x 7.5 inches, 2013

art in technological times
book, borax crystals, 9 x 8 x 5.5 inches, 2014

a history of art
book, borax crystals, 10 x 8.5 x 9.75 inches, 2014

a history of art
book, borax crystals, 10 x 8.5 x 9.75 inches, 2014

encyclopedia of superstitions
10.75 x 9 x 6 inches, 2013

linux: the complete manual
book, borax crystals, 15″ x 9.75″ x 12”, 2013

san francisco phone book
phone book, borax crystals, 10.5” x 10” x 10”, 2013

san francisco phone book
phone book, borax crystals, 10.5” x 10” x 10”, 2013

san francisco phone book
phone book, borax crystals, 10.5” x 10” x 10”, 2013

touching time and space: a portrait of david ireland
book, borax crystals, 10.75 x 10 x 8 inches, 2014

h/t [the creators project]