| Title | Indigo Horizons |
| Artist / Creator | Joanne Kluba |
| Place of Publication | St. Louis, MO |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Structure / Binding | Handmade accordion binding with indigo dyed Arches text wove, shibori method. Hard covers painted on indigo Cave paper, adhered to binder's board |
| Paper Stock | Arches Text Wove |
| Number of Pages | 24 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.75 x .63 x 8 inches; extends out to 48 inches |
| Edition Size | Unique |
| Signed & Numbered | Yes |
For the creation of Indigo Horizons, I was inspired by a Ming Dynasty Chinese manuscript, the Heart and Lotus Sutras (Harvard University). I was attracted to the paper dipped in Indigo dye to achieve a nearly black background. I used Arches paper, soaked in water, tied, folded, and clamped Shibori style, then dipped in indigo to suggest the deep velvet of night sky. Areas secluded from the dye create striking contrast and suggest clouds, stars, radiographs and organic life forms. In Indigo Horizons, I imagine traveling through the universe. The "landscape" of the book is one of celestial beings as well as poetry. The book, stretched to show the expanse of the accordion, transforms into an indigo field, electrified by light, evoking stars, fireflies and x-rays. I chose accordion binding for Indigo Horizons. This emphasizes the connectedness of all things, as in the sutras. The book's poem, which I wrote, evokes the language of dreams, science and the timeless mythmaking.
Artist Bio
Joanne Kluba's background in printmaking, painting, photography and calligraphy have contributed to strong expressions of book arts. She has a BFA in Printmaking and an MA in Business from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. She studied Traditional bookbinding with conservator Richard Baker in St. Louis, and continues studies with guilds and universities around the country. She teaches at cultural institutions and in her own studio. Her works have been exhibited in the U.S. and Europe. Joanne Kluba has run Paper Birds Studio for 12 years. Paper Birds is a small custom bindery, specializing in hand bookbinding, boxes, portfolios and calligraphy. Classes and workshops are in progress all the time. Clients include Washington University, The Mercantile Library, Casey Communication, Javelin Inc., Maritz Travel, Fleischman-Hillard, Patti Gabriel Photography, mozaic and individual collectors.