| Title | Convocation |
| Artist / Creator | Julie Leonard |
| Artist's Nationality | United States |
| Place of Publication | Iowa City, IA |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Subject | Religion |
| Process / Technique | Archival inkjet |
| Structure / Binding | Compound accordion/pamphlet bindings. The piece is made of multiple versions of the same imagery and text that function alone or grouped as an installation. Each book has a belly band and the individual books are presented in a glassine envelope. |
| Paper Stock | Mohawk Superfine, Kitikata papers. Paper is waxed. |
| Number of Pages | 24 pages in each book |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Each book size varies, approximately 2 x 4 x .25 inches. |
| Edition Size | Variable Edition of 50 |
| Signed & Numbered | No |
Convocation is part of a series of work using systematic forms of writing juxtaposed with imagery. The text and imagery work in a way that highlights an interplay between the literal and the metaphoric. In Convocation, I have written mesostics about both ritual and gatherings outside of conventional religious settings. The imagery in this piece is of the beaches and cliffs at Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard. Along this stretch of beach, people have for years engaged in the ritual of building and balancing temporary rock sculptures. There is a sense of calm, ritual, and meditation in this temporary act of creation. They sit against the backdrop of the cliffs which, thousands of years old, are beginning to erode at a very rapid rate, another temporal beauty associated with spiritual practice and ancient stories. Each book is made up of three small accordion folds sewn together. The grouping of 10 of the books makes up the piece, a gathering or convocation in itself.
Convocation can be ordered as individual books on this page for $45 each, randomly selected. Also can be ordered as a complete set of 10 presented in a paper wrapper. Click here to order the complete set.
Artist Bio
Julie Leonard has been making books and book-related objects since 1987. Prior to that she received a BA in History from Vassar College, worked for an independent record label in Boston, MA, and studied Graphic Design at the New England School of Art & Design. She was a Core-Fellowship student and Resident artist at Penland School of Craft in NC, and worked for a number of years as an independent bookbinder and craftsperson. She is currently Associate Professor of Book Art at the University of Iowa Center for the Book and maintains a studio in Iowa City, Iowa.