23 Sandy Blog / James Allen

Book Excavation Workshop with James Allen

Book Excavation Workshop with James Allen

Are you as big of fan of James Allen's book excavations as I am? Here's your chance for a workshop with him coming soon to the Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue, Washington. From the museum web site: "Make your own Book Excavation with Cut Up/Cut Out artist James Allen. In this two-day workshop, Allen will demonstrate reductive techniques and processes he uses and guide students through their own book excavation.
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Ever wondered how James Allen excavates books?

Ever wondered how James Allen excavates books?

Must see TV! OPB Art Beat recently featured a terrific segment about James Allen and his book excavations. James is one our most popular artists here at 23 Sandy Gallery. Here's a chance to see with close up how he wields his mighty scalpel to make his intriguing sculptural books.
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A Recommended Book Art Exhibition

A Recommended Book Art Exhibition

UNHINGED: BOOK ART ON THE CUTTING EDGE September 27, 2015 - January 3, 2016, Lightcatcher Building Whatcom Museum Bellingham, Washington From the museum: "This exhibition surveys recent directions in book art through 70 diverse works by 60 prominent artists in the field from across the country, including Great Britain and Australia. It explores the limitless potential of the book as an independent, creative medium through both intimately-scaled pieces and large installations. Many artists carve old volumes or twist their pages into unique, sculptural configurations.
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The Story Behind James Allen's Book Excavations

The Story Behind James Allen's Book Excavations

James Allen and his "book excavations" have been a hit here at 23 Sandy Gallery ever since he walked in the door with his stunning works of art late last year. We recently placed his Skulduggery piece in the library at the Ringling College of Art and Design. Librarian Sarah Carter sent James a list of questions in order to learn more about his process and happily James and Sarah have allowed me to share the questions and James' thoughtful answer here.
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New Artist Spotlight - James Allen

New Artist Spotlight - James Allen

Ever encounter a book excavation? Well, wait until you see these amazing works! 23 Sandy is pleased to share a new artist to the gallery, James Allen. This remarkable young artist recently moved to Portland and brought in some of the most intriguing and popular works we’ve ever had in the gallery. His work draws ooohs and aaahs and curious questions from nearly everyone—young and old—who visits the gallery.
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Featured Curated Collection: Altered Books

Featured Curated Collection: Altered Books

A recent gallery addition, James Allen, and his remarkable book excavations inspired this curated collection and I was surprised to discover that we have nearly 40 altered books in inventory. Altered books are a hot topic of with many artists who alter, sculpt and carve books. Using found books, these artists transform vintage or modern, mundane or extraordinary and especially everyday books into fascinating works of art.
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