Altering books allows me to elicit a further message from the printed page, amplifying the initial narrative created by the author. I merge my own impressions to provoke viewers with an added dimension while they regard the original literary work.
I began altering books in 2012, influenced by the work of Su Blackwell and Brian Dettmer. I’m largely self-taught, experimenting with a variety of techniques including folding, cutting, carving, paper-casting, deconstruction, assemblage and more.
My creative process always connects the book with the final artwork. The process for each individual artwork is informed by the book used and the desired theme of the finished piece.
I began my art journey in 1991 with painting classes while working in Germany. I began showing my work in 1999 and eventually began teaching watercolor classes in 2001. In 2012, I became a resident artist at The Artists Gallery in Virginia Beach, exhibiting and teaching. I have been heavily involved in the Virginia Beach Art Center as well as many art organizations in the region. My work is exhibited in regional and national exhibitions, and I’ve won several awards.
Maggie Lina Kerrigan