Graham Patten
Buffalo, New York

Graham Patten has been interested mainly in miniature bookbinding, and has learned bookbinding over the last eight years through experience in conservation labs at Brandeis and Harvard. His artistic pursuits often focus on dynamic sculptural and mechanical elements, and he enjoys merging these features with book structures. He is currently a Mellon Fellow in the conservation of library and archives materials at Buffalo State College. Graham holds a BA in music performance on the violin.

A Circumnavigation, 2012

Every step made towards a horizon reveals yet another horizon just steps beyond, whether it be the distant mountains or the imperceptible future. This binding, with its continuous cylindrical structure, reflects the mystery of what is beyond the horizon, withholding the content of its pages from every approach. The circular format alludes to the horizon's circle around the observer; the color pattern in the spine suggests Earth's oceans and continents. The volume is a continuous circular binding linked three-down on raised cords, with an Ethiopian-style headband.

Dimensions: 8.25 x 8.25 x 2.5 inches; 21 x 21 x 6.5 centimeters

Cotton paper, spatter-decorated colored papers, linen thread, gold leaf.