2024 MCBA Prize Entries

Amanda Degener & Lu Jingren, “Handmade Path”

Amanda Degener
Lu Jingren
Minneapolis, MN
Beijing, China
http://www.AmandaDegener.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZAnmp7HEPk
http://intergraphicview.com/dialogue/18

Handmade Path
2023
Clamshell, book cover and endsheets made with artist made handmade paper. Letterpress and offset printed. Symthe bound.
8″ x 12″ x 5″

Artist Statement

The idea for Handmade Path was to invite people to answer the same six questions using their handwriting because it connects the hand, the mind, and the heart in an intimate way. There are thousands of talented international book artists, but they choose to invite paper/book artists whose paths they had intersected. The six questions included how did you begin your practice? Why do you still make paper/books? What is the difference between reading on a digital device or in a book? In what way do you understand the five senses of paper/book: vision, touch, hearing, smelling, and tasting? Share with us some moments, either breakthroughs or break downs in your work? What is your next dream project?

Fifty-seven responded with handwritten letters which were photographed, images of their work, images of their hands working, and their portraits. Their letters came from Korea, Canada, Taiwan, France, Japan, Norway, but mostly the collaborators had intersected paths with artists in the United States and China. The strength of the work and wisdom of contributors speaks in the pages of this 254 page book.

The camaraderie and the timing of this publication seems imperative. The politically motivated accusations of blaming China for the worldwide pandemic resulted in “China bashing” in the United States. Handmade Path, with English and Chinese text, reminds us of the universality of the creative process and reaches beyond borders improving China/US relations. The letterpress printed image for the cover is taken from original calligraphy of ancient Chinese characters communicating a hand growing out of a heart by Lu Jingren. We invite you to bring your own heart towards a beyond that is right here inside this book.