Ambassadors for the Great Kaan by Carol Norby

My Hedi Kyle epiphany came when I learned from her the variety of forms, text and imagery that can be used to reveal an idea. I've always been enchanted by the way a structure can convey meaning. As a working illustrator I knew the importance of story. Making the transition to book arts, found me learning that story, image and form don't always follow a typical codex structure. That is the brilliance of Hedi Kyle, and the lesson learned. Structure can convey meaning to a book. Perhaps a simple lesson but profound in its expression. The idea of The Travels of Marco Polo and the amazing experiences of a 17 year old youth going to China and the myriad cultures he witnessed on his journey from Venice to Cathay in the 13th century begged for a puzzle-like structure that would reflect the route he took to meet The Great Kaan. Using a structure that would open, fold and reveal scenes of travel that he might have experienced was my primary intention.