VINTAGE BOOK STORIES
The prevailing cultural emphasis on youth and novelty often overlooks the beauty inherent in aging. The marks left by time are frequently perceived as flaws; however, I believe that these traces can possess a unique beauty and dignity. This can be observed in the weathered doors in an old town, the yellowed and cracked varnish of an aged painting, or the wrinkles around the eyes of a frequently smiling person, these imperfections tell a deeper, more profound story. One of the most poignant examples of this is found in the pages of old books—imbued with a yellowed hue, a distinct scent, worn covers, and the occasional dried flower tucked between the pages. These elements evoke a sense of history, not just in the stories within, but in the life that has passed through them.
In my creative process, I have chosen the motif of the book for its abstract, rectangular form, which allows for a wide range of geometric compositions. More significantly, the book symbolizes human identity—a notion reflected in expressions such as "a person is like an open book" and "don’t judge a book by its cover." One of the most fascinating aspects of old books is that, like their new counterparts, they contain narratives within their pages. However, the signs of aging—marginal notes, personal dedications, coffee stains, and sun-faded covers—reveal a secondary story: the stories of the books’ readers.
This dual narrative is something I strive to embody in my work. My artistic practice incorporates mixed media techniques, using acrylics, oils, oxidizing paints, crackle mediums, gold leaf, sand, and other materials found in nature. Several of my compositions incorporate pages from irreparable books, which I repurpose as collage elements. The resulting works are large-format, multi-layered abstractions marked by a pronounced texture and a deep sense of surface depth. Imperfections, patina, and entropy are fully embraced, and in certain pieces, I incorporate gold accents, referencing the Japanese technique of kintsugi—where broken vessels are repaired with gold to enhance their beauty and significance.